Are you an ambitious procurement professional ready to take on your next challenge whilst continuing to grow and develop your purchasing portfolio and network? We have a great opportunity for a permanent full time, Head of Food Procurement who will develop and drive a food procurement strategy that maximises the scale benefit of Mitchells & Butlers and delivers our food quality, innovation and CSR agendas whilst ensuring security of supply.

Drawing on your expert purchasing experience and leadership mindset, you will develop and lead our experienced and commercial Food Procurement Team to outperform the market on food inflation.

With over 1,600 sites we’re the home of some of the nation’s favourite restaurants, bustling bars, cosy country pubs and the local you didn’t know we owned. Think of a brand for any occasion, we’re all about providing moments to remember.

We are Mitchells & Butlers, and we want you to be with us on our journey.

You’ll be well rewarded…

• Company Car
• Annual Bonus Scheme – We’re all about rewarding the hard work everybody puts in
• Buy up to an extra 2 weeks holiday – life is for living after all! 
• Based from our Retail Support Centre in Birmingham City Centre, in an office flexible role, giving you the flexibility to fit your time around the other important things in life   
• Love eating out? You'll love it even more with a massive 33% discount across all our brands, so whether its date night at Miller & Carter or family roast at Toby Carvery we’ve got you covered.  
• Never a dull moment - fun, laughs and lifelong friends! 

On top of all this, we offer; a pension, 26 days paid holiday, high-street shopping discounts; and we even give you free shares! There's also a free employee helpline- to support you with whatever life throws at you.

The Opportunity – Head of Food Procurement

As Head of Food Procurement, reporting directly into the Director of Food & Drinks Trading, you will: -

• Ensure all negotiations and ongoing behaviour is conducted in a professional, legal, ethical, and effective manner and in line with company policies
• Proactively manage food procurement challenges and opportunities with senior internal stakeholder
• Lead and model effective internal communication and working relationships with food development, data team, food technical, supply chain, operations and marketing.
• Contribute to the development and execution of the Mitchells & Butlers Food & Drink Trading strategy
• Continue to develop the category knowledge and procurement expertise in the food procurement team
• Oversee supplier selection and closely monitor supplier performance
• Actively manage the relationship of Mitchells & Butlers’ Tier 1 suppliers
• Contribute to and drive Mitchells & Butlers’ broad CSR agenda

What you’ll need to bring to the Head of Drinks Procurement role: -

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a senior food purchasing and category management role, leading a broad team to deliver commercial benefit
• Exceptional commercial acumen, sound negotiation skills and proven track record of delivering step change improvements in procurement benefits
• High level of commercial and negotiating skills
• Impact and influencing skills at senior manager level with both internal & external stakeholders
• Proven ability to direct, lead, motivate and manage a commercial team

What makes Mitchells & Butlers a great place to work?

To us, a career isn’t just about ‘clocking in’. We really care about our colleagues, and we’re an employer that keeps a promise. In fact, as one of the largest employers in the country, with over 44,000 people working for us, we have the responsibility of valuing every contribution from a diverse workforce that are representative of our guests, and who make us stronger. We continue to build a culture that values our differences and embraces them as strengths, and we recognise that there is always work to be done.

Sounds like an opportunity where you could make a difference? Apply for this Head of Food Procurement role today and we’ll be in touch to explore how you could be part of our exciting journey.