Strategic Sourcing Manager

Role overview

This position is for a values-led Strategic Sourcing Manager who sees strong supply chains as a result of trust, teamwork, and responsible choices. It suits someone who brings solid commercial judgement and also cares deeply about people, long-term partnerships, and sustainable food systems.

In this role, you will influence how food flows through the organisation, connecting farms and suppliers with clients and consumers. You will collaborate with teams across the business and with external partners to build sourcing networks that are dependable, responsible, and high performing, while protecting quality, supply continuity, and integrity throughout the chain.

Key focus areas

• Create category plans that meet business needs while also supporting long-term sustainability.
• Run sourcing and tender activities in a fair, open, and well-governed way.
• Make procurement choices that reflect ethical standards and support net-zero goals.
• Maintain strong financial discipline and commercial oversight while keeping people and wider impact in view.
• Develop genuine supplier and distributor relationships built on trust, collaboration, and shared objectives.
• Promote ongoing improvement through partnership, performance discussions, and transparent communication.
• Protect product quality, food safety, and service expectations across all food categories.
• Work as a practical, solutions-focused partner to operations and client-facing colleagues.
• Shape sourcing plans around logistics, stock availability, and operational constraints.
• Communicate change carefully so teams remain informed, supported, and aligned.
• Support regional and global teamwork by sharing best practice and learning from others.

Candidate profile

The right candidate is likely to have worked in foodservice, hospitality, retail, or a food supply setting. They should have a strong foundation in sourcing or category management, especially within fresh food or short-life product areas. The role calls for someone who can think commercially, act ethically, and build strong working relationships.

You should also bring strong analytical ability, curiosity, and a practical approach to solving problems. Comfort working with both internal stakeholders and external partners at different levels is important, along with the belief that the way results are achieved matters just as much as the outcomes themselves.

Additional information

A bachelor’s degree is preferred. A CIPS qualification is welcomed, but it is not mandatory.