Category Buying Manager (Maternity Cover)

Job description

Company overview:

En Route International operates globally as part of dnata, one of the world’s largest combined air services providers. With offices in the UK, USA, Australia and UAE, En Route supplies premium baked goods, meals and snacks to the travel industry. We focus on partnering with world-class manufacturers, customising products and packaging to suit individual customer needs while managing a complex supply chain with the highest levels of precision.

Job purpose:

Reporting to Head of Procurement, you will manage the Procurement of agreed food, non-food and/or packaging and services suppliers for UK and Europe. Taking a category management approach, you will support the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing the Procurement strategy for UK & Europe, creating a supply base fit for purpose in meeting En Route’s growth objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

For the Categories under your control:

• To work with the Head of Procurement in developing and implementing a clear supply base strategy to deliver En Route’s requirements in UK & Europe, aligned with the global strategy
• To manage the UK & European Supply base on a day-to-day basis ensuring all relationships, commercials and opportunities are complete and delivered
• To negotiate and manage Contracts and Terms with Suppliers
• To identify, implement and monitor opportunities to improve cost savings, project deliverables and supplier selection, reporting progress on a regular basis
• To work collaboratively with Product Development and Supply Chain teams to support the creation of innovative product solutions and their distribution in an efficient and cost-effective manner
• To manage the Supplier listing and start-up process, category reporting and category action plans
• To take a proactive approach in understanding the markets in which En Route operates, identifying Procurement opportunities and risks and taking appropriate and timely action in coordination with the P&SC Director
• To work closely with the Supply Chain teams to ensure terms and conditions agreed with Suppliers support the maintenance of excellent product availability, ensuring strong levels of customer service

Knowledge & Experience:

• Experienced Food & Beverage Procurement professional
• Experience of Buying Packaging and non-Food categories
• Good knowledge of the UK and/or European supply markets
• A strong negotiator with demonstrated ability to develop and manage sustainable Supplier relationships
• Comfortable with the negotiation, development and management of Supplier Contracts
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple tasks across Food and non-Food categories
• Evidence of strong collaboration with other functions
• Ability to travel as needed
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Education & Skills:

• Educated to Degree level preferred
• MCIP’s qualification or equivalent preferred

We are committed to creating an inclusive, equitable, and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, identities, and experiences, and we are dedicated to ensuring a fair and accessible recruitment process for all candidates. If you require any adjustments or support during the application or interview stages, please let us know - we’re here to help!

Regrettably, due to the high volume of applications we receive, we are unable to respond individually to every candidate. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of submitting your application, unfortunately you have not been successful on this occasion.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data you share with us during the application process will be handled in accordance with applicable data protection laws and used solely for recruitment purposes. Your information will be stored securely and retained only for as long as necessary.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

England

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

01-02-2026

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English