Strategic Sourcing Manager

Job description

Our client, a leading international food services and facilities management organisation, is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join their Supply Chain & Procurement team in Dublin.

This is a high-impact role focused on food category sourcing and supplier management across Ireland and the UK. The successful candidate will lead strategic procurement initiatives across fresh, frozen, and ambient food categories while driving value, supplier performance, and operational excellence.

The Role

Reporting to the Strategic Sourcing Director, the Strategic Sourcing Manager will be responsible for developing and executing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, and supporting category growth across the business.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading sourcing, tendering, and commercial negotiations across food categories
• Managing supplier relationships and preferred distribution programmes
• Developing category strategies aligned with business objectives
• Delivering cost optimisation and value improvement initiatives
• Supporting operational teams with product, supplier, and service-related queries
• Managing supplier onboarding, vetting, and contract processes
• Monitoring supplier performance, pricing, and service levels
• Supporting finance reporting, forecasting, and spend analysis activities
• Driving category management and promotional initiatives
• Collaborating with logistics, operations, and commercial stakeholders across Ireland and the UK
• Supporting sustainability and ethical procurement initiatives aligned with long-term business goals

About You

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in food procurement, category management, or strategic sourcing within foodservice, hospitality, retail, or a related sector.

You will bring:

• 5+ years’ experience in procurement, sourcing, or category management
• Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
• Experience sourcing food categories, particularly fresh or short shelf-life products
• Knowledge of procurement processes including RFI, RFP, RFQ, and contract management
• Strong analytical and financial reporting capabilities
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• Experience managing large spend categories and driving cost efficiencies
• Ability to work cross-functionally in a fast-paced commercial environment
• A proactive and solutions-focused mindset

Desirable

• Degree qualification
• CIPS qualification or working towards certification
• Experience within foodservice or hospitality procurement environments
• Exposure to sustainable procurement initiatives

What’s on Offer

• Opportunity to join a well-established international organisation
• Strategic and commercially focused role with real business impact
• Collaborative and supportive team environment
• Hybrid working model
• Career progression opportunities within a growing procurement function
• Exposure to UK & European procurement projects