Commodity Manager

We are recruiting for a Procurement Manager to join a well-established food manufacturing business based in Cheshire. This is a highly visible role with responsibility for a significant spend portfolio, driving sourcing strategies, supplier performance, market analysis, and cost optimisation initiatives across a range of key ingredients categories.

• Lead procurement strategy across a diverse ingredients portfolio.
• Join a growing business investing heavily in procurement capability.

As Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies across a broad portfolio of raw materials and ingredients.Key responsibilities also include:

• Developing category and sourcing strategies across key spend areas.
• Managing supplier relationships and leading commercial negotiations.
• Analysing market trends and external factors impacting supply and pricing.
• Identifying new sourcing opportunities and expanding supplier networks globally.
• Delivering cost reduction, cost avoidance, and value creation initiatives.
• Supporting forecasting, budgeting, and wider commercial decision-making with market insight.
• Leading tender activity and contract negotiations across multiple categories.
• Strengthening supplier performance and reducing supply chain risk.
• Managing procurement governance, reporting, and contract compliance.
• Collaborating with Commercial, Technical, NPD, Sales, and Operations teams to support business objectives.

The likely candidate will have the following background:

• Experience within procurement, sourcing, category management, or commodity procurement.
• A background within food manufacturing, ingredients, foodservice, FMCG, wholesale, or a related sector.
• Strong commercial acumen with a track record of successful supplier negotiations.
• Experience developing and implementing procurement strategies.
• Excellent analytical skills and the ability to interpret market intelligence to support business decisions.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A proactive, inquisitive, and commercially curious approach.
• The ability to remain calm and make effective decisions in a fast-moving environment.
• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement experience would be advantageous.