Strategic Sourcing Manager

We’re Hiring: Strategic Sourcing Manager – Food Categories (Ireland)

Dublin, Ireland (Hybrid)

Occasional travel within Ireland, UK & Europe | UK & Ireland Supply Chain

Are you an experienced sourcing professional looking to make a real impact across a global organisation?

Join Avendra International – Europe (Aramark) and take ownership of sourcing strategy across Fresh, Frozen and Ambient Food categories—playing a critical role in value creation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

As our Strategic Sourcing Manager, you will be responsible for developing category strategies, leading supplier selection and negotiation, and implementing sourcing initiatives that deliver commercial, quality, and service benefits across our operations.

You’ll work closely with distributors, suppliers, finance, logistics, and client‑facing teams—acting as the driving force behind category performance and supply chain optimisation.

This is a high‑visibility role where your insights and expertise will influence decisions at a regional and global level.

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• Develop and execute category strategies based on data, insights, stakeholder needs, and market opportunities
  
• Lead sourcing events (RFI, RFP, RFQ, ITT), tender processes, and commercial negotiations
  
• Ensure competitive pricing and best‑in‑class value through benchmarking and data‑driven analysis
  
• Support sustainability and ethical procurement initiatives aligned with Aramark’s Net Zero 2050 strategy
  
• Lead financial oversight for your categories, ensuring robust governance and accurate reporting
  

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• Build, maintain, and influence strong supplier relationships at senior level
  
• Ensure supplier performance is monitored and measured through KPIs, SLAs, service metrics, and quality audits
  
• Oversee product lists, specifications, and pricing files—ensuring accuracy and service level excellence
  
• Act as a trusted point of contact for the Avendra IRL sales team and key clients
  
• Support operations with product queries, service issues, and escalations
  

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• Align purchasing strategy with wholesale and logistics partners
  
• Ensure category plans support stock availability, delivery performance, and operational needs
  
• Communicate changes effectively across the supply chain and buying teams
  
• Participate in European and global joint procurement projects
  
• Support testing, validation, and rollout of product changes via cross‑functional teams
  
• Champion compliance with procurement processes, systems, and policy frameworks
  

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• 5+ years’ experience in retail, foodservice, hospitality, or food-related environments
  
• 5+ years’ experience in a buying, sourcing, or category management role
  
• Strong background in fresh or short‑life product categories
  
• Experience managing high‑value spend and negotiating commercial terms
  
• Understanding of market trends, food supply chains, and category management principles
  

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• Strong commercial xcfaprz acumen with the ability to analyse complex data and drive decision‑making
  
• Confident negotiator with proven supplier relationship management skills
  
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, able to influence cross‑functional teams
  
• Strong communicator—comfortable presenting to senior stakeholders
  
• Highly organised, proactive and solutions‑focused
  

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• CIPS qualification (beneficial but not essential)
  
• Play a central role in shaping category performance across Ireland
  
• Work in a dynamic, collaborative and supportive team
  
• Gain exposure to European and global sourcing frameworks
  
• Have autonomy to influence commercial outcomes and strategy
  
• Contribute directly to our sustainability and net zero commitments
  

We champion an inclusive, diverse and supportive culture, where employees are encouraged to grow, innovate, and achieve their best.

If you're passionate about food procurement and excited to drive strategic value across a major global organisation, we’d love to hear from you.