Purchasing Associate

We're The Restaurant Group (TRG for short) and we're one of the UK's biggest hospitality businesses. Were a significant player in the UK casual dining market, operating a number of renowned restaurants and pubs including Wagamama, Barburrito and Brunning & Pricegraduate purchasing associate | 2-month fixed term contract | 25000-26000We are looking for a Graduate Procurement Associate to join our Purchasing team on a 12-month fixed-term contract. This role offers the opportunity to work across a wide range of food and non-food categories, supporting cost-effective procurement strategies and maintaining high standards for our Wagamama and TRGc restaurants, as well as Brunning & Price pubs. You’ll collaborate closely with experienced Category Managers and gain exposure to stakeholders across the business, providing an excellent foundation for a career in procurement and supply chain.What you'll do:Support other managers category strategies to optimize costs and supplier performance.Manage the procurement process for designated Non-food, drink & food categories.Identify and support and negotiate with suppliers to secure the best prices and terms.Maintain strong relationships with existing suppliers.Monitor supplier performance and address any issues promptly.Negotiate contracts ensuring optimal terms, pricing, and service levels.Contract management, ensuring compliance and managing renewals and amendments effectively.Support team strategies to manage and reduce product inflation.Explore new sourcing opportunities to maintain cost efficiency.Conduct spend analysis to ensure budget adherence and identify areas for improvement.Coordinate with development teams to align procurement activities with project timelines.Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand and support their needs and expectations.Provide regular updates and reports to senior management on procurement activities and outcomes.Support and implement strategies to source sustainable products.Ensure suppliers comply with sustainability standards.Skills and Competencies:Highly numerate with strong analytical capabilities to perform spend analysis, market research, and supplier performance evaluations.Proficient in using IT systems and procurement software.Excellent verbal and written communication skills to effectively interact with suppliers, stakeholders, and team members.Strong negotiation skills to achieve the best terms with suppliers.Effective project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks.Ability to think strategically and solve complex problems.Adaptable to changing priorities and capable of working in a fast-paced environment.Honest and committed to personal and professional development.Requirements:Education:Bachelor’s degree or equivalentProfessional certification (e.g., CIPS) is highly desirable.Experience:Proven track record in strategic purchasing or category management.Experience in managing food categories within a retail or hospitality environment is a plus.Skills:Strong organisational and time-management skills.Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities.Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.Ability to influence and communicate effectively at all levels, including senior management.This role is critical in ensuring that our categories are effectively sourced and managed, supporting the growth and sustainability of the TRG Group. If you have the required skills and experience and are ready to take on a dynamic and challenging role, we encourage you to apply.