Strategic Sourcing Executive

Strategic Sourcing Executive

📍 Location: Guildford, Surrey (Hybrid Working)

Join the UK Supply Chain & Procurement team at Aramark & Avendra UK as a Strategic Sourcing Executive.

This role supports the sourcing and category management of Soft FM, Cleaning and Food Packaging categories. Working with internal stakeholders, suppliers and distribution partners, you will undertake sourcing activities, support category planning, manage supplier relationships and contribute to procurement initiatives across the UK business.

We're looking for a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys working with data, building strong relationships and delivering practical sourcing solutions. You'll be comfortable managing multiple priorities and working collaboratively across a range of stakeholders.

✅ What you’ll be doing

• Undertake sourcing activities, including tendering and supplier negotiations, to help deliver best value across assigned categories.
• Develop category strategies and plans for nominated categories, working with stakeholders to understand business requirements and gain alignment.
• Facilitate and manage category buying activities, including supplier selection, contracting and implementation.
• Manage relationships with preferred suppliers and distributors, supporting product range management, service levels and supplier performance.
• Lead purchasing involvement in promotional programmes and category management initiatives.
• Lead the testing, feedback and implementation of proposed product changes, coordinating activity through cross-functional teams.
• Support supplier onboarding, vetting and contract preparation while ensuring compliance with procurement policies and procedures.
• Contribute to the financial oversight and governance of category spend and identify opportunities for sourcing and cost efficiencies.
• Coordinate and support UK involvement in European and global procurement initiatives and support the development of sustainable and ethical procurement practices.

🔎 What we’re looking for

• Experience within a procurement, sourcing, buying, or supply chain environment.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills, with advanced Excel capability.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective relationships internally and externally.
• Strong organisation skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Degree qualified in Procurement or a related discipline, or CIPS Level 3 or above.

⭐ Nice to have

• Experience within indirect procurement, facilities management, cleaning, hospitality, or related categories.
• Experience supporting tender processes and supplier negotiations.
• Knowledge of sustainable procurement practices.

🤝 What we offer

• The opportunity to take ownership of key sourcing and category management activities.
• Exposure to a broad supplier network and strategic procurement initiatives.
• Hybrid working with a collaborative and supportive team environment.
• Career development opportunities within a leading procurement and supply chain organization.

📩 Ready to apply?

If you're looking for a procurement role that combines sourcing, supplier management and category involvement within a collaborative team environment, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today to join our UK Supply Chain & Procurement team.

At Avendra International and Aramark, we are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and supported. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, and are dedicated to providing equal opportunities for all.