Job Specifications
Category Specialist – Procurement
Function: Procurement
Location Edinburgh (St Andrews Sq) - hybrid with a mix of office & home working
Salary: £46,000 - £55,000 base depending on experience + performance bonus plus full benefits listed below
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: 19th March 2026
As the nation’s leading pub, cider and beer company and the name behind a host of brilliant brands, we’re looking for equally brilliant people to help us on our journey to building a better future.
Two Opportunities Available
We’re recruiting for two Category Specialist roles within our Procurement function, each offering a different focus and experience depending on background and career stage.
While both roles sit at the same grade and operate within our wider Procurement team, the day‑to‑day priorities, immediate business needs and development opportunities differ between the two positions.
Fixed Term Contract – Category Specialist, Direct Materials
This Fixed Term Contract role will sit within our Direct Materials procurement team and is focused on providing immediate operational support and delivery during a critical period for the business.
A core part of this role will be supporting delivery of the New Product Introduction (NPI) agenda, working closely with:
our Breweries to ensure continuity of supply and operational stability
the Marketing NPI team to enable timely and effective delivery of NPI projects
suppliers and Global Procurement partners to ensure materials are available, contracts are in place and call‑off processes run smoothly
The overriding priority in this role is keeping the beer flowing while enabling growth through successful NPI execution.
This opportunity would suit an experienced procurement professional, ideally with FMCG and/or drinks sector experience, who is comfortable operating in an environment where Global Procurement leads strategic sourcing and buying activity.
The emphasis in this role is less on running sourcing events and more on:
Owning and strengthening stakeholder relationships across Breweries, Marketing, Supply Chain and Operations
Acting as a proactive interface between the business, suppliers and Global Procurement
Maintaining strong contract management and operational governance, ensuring contracts remain valid and materials are correctly set up for call‑off
Supporting the business through change, as elements of Direct Materials activity transition into Procurement Excellence hubs
Taking ownership of issues, driving them through to resolution and ensuring continuity is never compromised
You’ll be expected to hit the ground running, confidently using existing systems and processes to protect supply, support NPI delivery and provide reassurance to key stakeholders.
Permanent – Category Specialist, Commerce & Business Services
We’re recruiting for a permanent position within our Commerce and Business Services category - partnering with business areas that play a critical role in enabling how we operate, engage with customers and consumers, and run our core business functions. This is a great opportunity to deepen your procurement expertise while contributing to the performance of high‑visibility, business‑critical spend areas.
In this role, you’ll be hands‑on with local sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management across key sub‑categories. You’ll work closely with budget owners and functional leads to shape sourcing plans that deliver value, efficiency, and innovation.
You’ll also play an active role in strategic global initiatives and programmes aligned with our Evergreen 2030 strategy, ensuring our Commerce and Business Services category remains future‑fit, sustainable, and commercially robust.
We welcome applicants at various stages of their procurement career. Depending on business needs and prior experience, you may initially support Direct Materials before transitioning fully into Commerce and Business Services.
This role is ideal for someone who:
Demonstrates confidence in hands-on sourcing, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management across diverse business‑service categories
Enjoys collaborating with a broad and varied stakeholder group across the business
Is motivated to drive cost, innovation, and service improvements
Is energised by contributing to global initiatives and programmes that support our Evergreen 2030 strategy
Wants a long‑term career within Procurement with exposure to both strategic projects and operational delivery
Which role is right for you?
Both roles play an important part in strengthening our Procurement capability.
The Fixed Term Contract role is focused on delivery, operational stability and NPI support, while the Permanent role offers scope for development, capability building and longer‑term progression.
We’d encourage applicants to consider which opportunity best aligns with their experience, strengths and career aspirations, please make this clear within your cover
About the Company
HEINEKEN - the world's most international brewer. It is the leading developer and marketer of premium beer and cider brands. Led by the Heineken® brand, the Group has a portfolio of more than 300 international, regional, local and speciality beers and ciders. We are committed to innovation, long-term brand investment, disciplined sales execution and focused cost management.
Through "Brewing a Better World", sustainability is embedded in the business and delivers value for all stakeholders. HEINEKEN has a well-balanced geogr...
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