Assistant Procurement Manager - Markets Europe

JOB PURPOSE

This role exists to ensure operational excellence and sustainable growth across Unilever's European Vegetables portfolio by securing supply continuity, driving sourcing competitiveness, managing supplier performance, and strengthening resilience within complex agricultural supply chains. The role enables business growth through effective procurement operations, strategic sourcing, supplier partnerships, and cross-functional collaboration across the Foods business.

You will play a key role in supporting major European manufacturing sites, delivering value through negotiation, risk management, sustainability initiatives, and continuous improvement across the end-to-end value chain.

You’ll be part of a team that believes in doing work that matters — for people and the planet.

Because here, we don’t just hire for jobs. We invite you to be part of something bigger.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Manage end-to-end procurement operations for Europe Frozen and Dehydrated Vegetables portfolios, ensuring uninterrupted supply and operational excellence.

• Develop, negotiate, execute, and maintain supplier contracts and commercial agreements to deliver value and mitigate risk.

• Ensure material availability across key European manufacturing sites by collaborating closely with Planning, Quality, Supply Chain, and Operations teams.

• Lead supplier performance management activities, driving service improvements and recovery plans where required.

• Deliver procurement governance, supplier onboarding, compliance, responsible sourcing, and sustainability requirements.

• Manage supply risks, business continuity initiatives, portfolio transfers, and mitigation plans related to agricultural supply chains.

• Lead annual tenders, supplier negotiations, and sourcing allocation decisions to achieve savings, productivity, and cash targets.

• Analyze agricultural markets, crop developments, supplier economics, and external trends to provide market intelligence and support business decision-making.

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with global and regional suppliers to improve competitiveness, resilience, and innovation.

• Drive supplier diversification, value-chain optimization, regenerative agriculture, and future-fit sourcing initiatives to strengthen long-term supply security.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Procurement, Business, or a related field.

• Minimum 2-3 years of experience in Procurement, Supply Chain, Operations, or a related function, preferably within an international environment.

• Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence across functions.

• Experience working with procurement and supply chain systems such as SAP and other digital procurement platforms.

• Fluent English with excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively in a virtual, cross-functional environment.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience within agricultural commodities, food ingredients, or raw material sourcing.

• Knowledge of sourcing strategy development, supplier relationship management, and risk management practices.

• Advanced Excel and project management skills, with the ability to translate data into actionable business insights.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

• Hybrid work and flexibility

• Opportunities for the development and improvement of qualifications

• Sharing the cost of professional training & courses

• Benefits: life insurance, private medical care, pension fund, sharing the cost of sports activities, Benefits System – Cafeteria and many others

• Extra days off to take care of yourself and others

• Unilever store - Our products at attractive prices

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Unilever is an organisation committed to equity, inclusion and diversity to drive our business results and create a better future, every day, for our diverse employees, global consumers, partners, and communities. We believe a diverse workforce allows us to match our growth ambitions and drive inclusion across the business. At Unilever we are interested in every individual bringing their ‘Whole Self’ to work and this includes you! Thus if you require any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of your application so that we can support you through your recruitment journey.