We are looking for an enthusiastic and driven Procurement Specialist to join our team at GCB Cocoa UK.
This role is responsible for the procurement of raw materials, packaging, and indirect goods to support production requirements and business operations. You will ensure cost-effective purchasing while maintaining high standards of quality and supplier performance.
In addition to purchasing responsibilities, the role owns the material planning function—ensuring optimal stock levels, accurate forecasting, and uninterrupted material supply to meet production schedules at GCB Cocoa.
Required skills and qualifications
- Minimum 3 years of experience in a procurement or material planning role, preferably in the food or FMCG industry.
- Strong knowledge of MRP/ERP systems and forecasting tools.
- Proven ability to manage supplier relationships and negotiate contracts.
- Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
- Familiarity with food industry standards and regulatory compliance (e.g. BRC)
- Excellent communication, organisational and time-management skills
- Strong Excel skills and working competence in Microsoft 365 applications
Preferred skills and qualifications
- Background in cocoa, ingredients or food manufacturing industries.
- Familiarity with sustainability or ethical sourcing programs.
- CIPS Qualified or interested in working towards.
Key Responsibilities / Core Activities
- Source, negotiate and purchase raw materials, packaging and consumables to meet business needs.
- Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers and develop new supplier partnerships.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews on performance, pricing, lead times and compliance with company standards.
- Issue and manage purchase orders (POs) to ensure timely deliveries and cost control.
- Support cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or compliance.
- Ensure all purchases are aligned with GCB Cocoa’s quality, safety, and sustainability policies.
- Take full ownership of the material planning process across all SKUs.
- Develop, manage and maintain the material requirements plan (MRP) based on weekly production schedules and forecasts.
- Maintain accurate inventory levels of raw materials and packaging to avoid shortages or excess stock.
- Collaborate closely with production, warehousing and quality teams to ensure alignment on stock availability and usage.
- Monitor inventory trends and flag risks related to potential shortages or delays.
- Create and maintain rolling forecasts for materials based on sales, production plans and market trends.
- Lead the weekly forecasting process, collaborating with production planning and commercial teams.
- Analyse historical data to improve forecast accuracy and responsiveness to demand changes.
- Maintain accurate records in our ERP system Business Central.
- Generate and analyse procurement and inventory reports to support business decisions.
- Report key KPIs such as OTIF (On Time In Full), stock cover, forecast accuracy and supplier performance.
- Ensure compliance with food safety standards, ethical sourcing policies and supplier approval processes.
- Support BRC, ISO, customer and internal audits by maintaining robust procurement and material planning documentation.
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives in procurement and planning processes to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
- Assist the Supply Chain Function as necessary.
Key Working Relationships
- Internal: Production, Quality Assurance, Finance, Warehousing, Sales and Commercial Teams.
- External: Suppliers, Logistics Providers and Regulatory Bodies.
Working Pattern:
09.00 - 17.00, Monday - Friday (1 hour lunch break)
We offer:
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: 5% Employee pension contributions are matched by 5% Employer pension contribution.
- 23 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), rising to 25 days after 2 years’ service.
- Free on-site parking and hot drinks
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: £30,000.00-£35,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Company pension
- Free parking
- On-site parking
- Referral programme
Work authorisation:
- United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person
