Job Purpose

To actively manage the network of MPM suppliers to build a resilient and cost-effective supply chain that delivers the cost, quality and innovation requirements of the business.

Key Responsibilities

This role deals with a wide variety of tasks including, but not limited to the following:

• Manage changes to suppliers and products, and assist with supplier onboarding;
• Build long-term supplier partnerships aligned to business strategy;
• Own the supplier relationships, chairing frequent supplier update meetings (cross-functional);
• Manage supplier performance through KPI’s, scorecards and structured business reviews;
• Work with suppliers to identify supply chain risks and develop robust contingency and dual-source options eg. Packaging;
• Collaborate with supply chain & operations teams;
• Frequent visits to suppliers;
• Lead commercial negotiations covering price, service levels, quality and contracts;
• Deliver annual cost savings ahead of budget;
• Understand and track commodity markets;
• Implement Better, Simpler, Cheaper cost-reduction program;
• Manage relevant tasks in the Stage & Gate process in order to deliver NPD/EPD projects on time;
• Drive supplier innovation and partner with Innovation team to launch NPD at pace;
• Work alongside Technical team to deliver products to specification;
• Attend trade shows and conferences;
• Ensure suppliers are aligned to the ESG requirements of MPM.

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• FMCG Experience: Proven track record working in a procurement role within a fast-moving consumer goods environment/retailer, ideally within food or pet care;
• Contract & Negotiation Evidence: Demonstrable experience leading complex commercial negotiations and delivering measurable annual cost-saving targets;
• Supplier Relationship Management: Proven experience managing end-to-end supplier onboarding, implementing set KPIs/scorecards, and chairing structured, cross-functional business reviews;
• Stakeholder Management: Able to communicate effectively with stakeholders internal & external, at all levels;

• Risk & Contingency Planning: Practical experience in mapping supply chain risks and successfully implementing dual-sourcing strategies;
• NPD Track Record: Experience partnering directly with Innovation/R&D teams to bring New Product Development projects to market rapidly and seamlessly;
• Financial & Commercial Acumen: Strong ability to track global commodity markets, and manage cost-efficiency frameworks (e.g., “Better, Simpler, Cheaper” concepts);
• Numerate: candidate must be highly numerate, with excellent attention to detail;
• Time Management: must be comfortable managing numerous projects and tasks at any given time, showing an ability to prioritise to business requirements;
• Mobility: Willingness and flexibility to undertake frequent travel for on-site supplier visits;
• IT Skills: Strong Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint and Database skills, preferably with knowledge of AI applications within procurement.

Desirable

• Pet Food Industry Experience: Prior procurement experience within the pet food sector;
• Far East Sourcing Experience: Experience of sourcing from suppliers and factories in the Far East;
• Professional Qualification: MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) status or actively working towards it;
• ESG & Sustainability Knowledge: Experience aligning a supplier base against stringent ESG frameworks and carbon-reduction targets;