Mandarin Procurement Manager

This role is based in Erith for an experience Mandarin Speaking Procurement Manager. If you have a food services background and a passion for food, then this is a lovely opportunity to join a well-established UK business that supplies supermarkets and restaurants with delicious new Asian and Asian inspired recipes and products. The company is expanding its food range to accommodate increasingly sophisticated consumer tastes, and the brand is underpinned by its strict QA processes which make it a trusted supplier to its clients. This is a KEY ROLE in the supply chain and this business prides itself in the adhering to the highest standards of food safety which is an essential part of its branding strategy.

TITLE Mandarin Speaking Procurement Manager
Salary: 50,000-55,000
Location: Erith
Car Parking Available: Free Parking
Hours: 40 hours per week
Work style: Fully office based

Procurement Strategy

• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with company business objectives.
• Execute annual procurement plans and budgets based on corporate development goals.
• Optimize the supply chain system to enhance procurement efficiency and cost control.

Supplier Management

• Lead the sourcing, evaluation, maintenance, and optimization of new suppliers in Europe.
• Support supplier development and relationship management in Asia.
• Establish a supplier evaluation system, conduct regular performance reviews, and manage risks.
• Organize price comparisons, negotiate with suppliers, and finalize procurement contracts.

Procurement Execution & Process Management

• Oversee purchase order execution to ensure on-time delivery and quality compliance.
• Streamline procurement workflows and drive SAP automation system adoption.
• Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks, providing optimization recommendations.
• Ensure timely product launches by coordinating procurement with demand schedules.

Cost & Inventory Control

• Analyze procurement costs and market trends to recommend target pricing and purchasing strategies.
• Collaborate with warehouse and logistics teams to maintain optimal inventory levels, avoiding overstock or shortages.

Cross-functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales, Business Development, Logistics, Marketing, and Finance to resolve procurement-related issues and maximize company interests.
• Support procurement-related tasks in new projects.
• Regularly report procurement progress and improvement proposals to senior management.

Team Management

• Lead the procurement team, define role responsibilities, and set KPIs to optimize workflows.
• Handle recruitment, training, and performance evaluations to enhance team expertise and execution.
• Foster a high-performance culture through incentive mechanisms.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree or above, preferably in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, International Trade, or related fields.
• Minimum 2+ years of procurement experience; team management experience is a plus.
• Familiarity with procurement processes, contract management, and industry market trends.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and analytical skills with a cost-conscious mindset.
• Proficiency in MS Office.
• Fluent English; multilingual abilities (e.g., Mandarin, Cantonese) preferred for international procurement roles.

Preferred Additional Skills:

• Experience in Asian food procurement or import/export industries.
• Exposure to overseas supply chain management or international logistics operations.

Knowledge of UK/EU import regulations and food safety standards