- Company Name
- The HEINEKEN Company
- Job Title
- Category Specialist - Procurement - HEINEKEN
- Job Description
-
**Job title**
Category Specialist – Procurement (Direct Materials – Fixed Term or Commerce & Business Services – Permanent)
**Role Summary**
A specialized procurement role focused on ensuring supply stability, driving new product introductions, and delivering cost-effective sourcing of business‑critical goods and services within a global FMCG organisation. The position can be a fixed‑term contract (Direct Materials) or a permanent role (Commerce & Business Services), each with distinct priorities but sharing a common focus on stakeholder collaboration, contract governance, and continual improvement.
**Expatcations**
- Immediate operational support and uninterrupted supply during critical periods (Fixed Term).
- Hands‑on sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship management for diverse sub‑categories (Permanent).
- Alignment with global procurement strategy and execution of Evergreen 2030 initiatives.
- Strong cross‑functional collaboration with Breweries, Marketing, Supply Chain, Finance and other functional leads.
- Ownership of issues, driving resolution, and ensuring sustainable performance.
**Key Responsibilities**
*Direct Materials (Fixed Term)*
1. Support the New Product Introduction (NPI) agenda across Breweries and Marketing teams.
2. Serve as the liaison between business units, suppliers, and Global Procurement.
3. Ensure contracts are valid, conditions are upheld, and call‑off processes run smoothly.
4. Maintain operational governance, risk‑mitigation plans, and proactive issue resolution.
5. Facilitate transitions of Direct Materials activities into Procurement Excellence hubs as needed.
*Commerce & Business Services (Permanent)*
1. Lead local sourcing, negotiation, contracting, and supplier relationship activities for key sub‑categories.
2. Collaborate with budget owners and functional leads to shape sourcing plans that maximise value, efficiency, and innovation.
3. Contribute to global initiatives and programmes aligned with Evergreen 2030.
4. Drive cost reduction, service improvement, and sustainable procurement across the business‑critical spend.
5. Manage supplier performance, contract compliance, and escalation processes to support business continuity.
**Required Skills**
- In‑depth knowledge of procurement processes, supplier relationship management, and contract governance.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and communication skills across multiple functional areas.
- Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret spend data, identify improvement opportunities, and drive cost savings.
- Proven negotiation and contract management experience (preferably within FMCG or drinks sector).
- Ability to work proactively, own problems, and drive them to resolution under tight deadlines.
- Familiarity with global procurement systems, e‑procurement tools, and operational governance frameworks.
- For the Fixed Term role: experience supporting NPI initiatives and maintaining supply continuity.
- For the Permanent role: experience in business‑service categories and advancing sustainability initiatives.
**Required Education & Certifications**
- Bachelor’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
- Professional procurement certification (CPSM, CPM, or equivalent) preferred but not mandatory.
- Ongoing professional development in procurement or supply chain topics is desirable.
Edinburgh, United kingdom
Hybrid
05-03-2026