Procurement Manager

We’re looking for a Procurement Manager to focus on a range of key strategic categories at tails.com such as software, logistics and services.

Changing the world of pet food for good

We’re tails.com, a dog food subscription company with a big difference. We create truly tailored food for each and every dog we serve. We start by asking people a few simple questions about their dog. Then we use that information to create their dog’s unique tails.com recipe – so their dog gets exactly the nutrition they need, in the taste they love, delivered to their door every month. It’s clever stuff.

We’ve got ambitious plans. Having created an entirely new category in pet food, we’re now scaling fast in the UK and Europe – backed by Purina, one of the worlds largest pet food companies. You’ll join a bunch of smart people working towards the same goals – and a bunch of smart-ish dogs, all working on their own thing.

Together, we’ll change the world of pet food for good.

People. Process. Planning.

That’s what supply and procurement at tails.com is all about. People first – because it takes good people to build the kind of long-term, trusted partnerships with suppliers that we do, and it takes great people to create and deliver an exceptional product.

Process, because we can only do what we do by being able to see how the whole system – physical product, digital product, and personal service – fits together. Then we make these complex processes as simple and streamlined as possible. So our team are pattern-spotters, insight-hunters, and change-makers; people ready to be flexible, adaptable, and help us improve in everything we do.

And planning, because we’re here to see as much of the future as we can - to make sure we have enough food for the dogs we serve. We’ve been data-driven from day one, finding new and better ways to draw the insights that help us plan for next week, next year, or five years from now.

Sound like a team you want to join? Here’s how you’ll make a difference:

The role

The Procurement Manager will support teams across tails, following a robust process to source new products and services. You ensure we deliver ongoing value, consistency and capacity from our suppliers. You will develop a category management plan to assess risks and opportunities in the indirect spend area, and work through this to make sure we have the best supplier partnerships for tails.com now and in the future. You will bring with you the experience of working in a high growth business and a passion for delivering within a fast paced environment.

This is a 15 month fixed term contract, with possibility for an extension.

The things you’ll do

• Lead process for sourcing new products/services
• Category management
• Negotiate terms
• Draft and review contracts and supply agreements
• Conduct supplier performance and contract reviews
• Support ongoing supplier relationship management

The skills you’ll bring

• Commercial smarts and outstanding numerical analysis
• Previous experience in category management
• Advanced negotiation skills
• CIPS level 5 diploma as a minimum
• Experience from SME or start up/scale up environment
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in English - written and verbal
• A supportive and collaborative leadership style to promote and support a best procurement practice

What's in it for you?

Reward – we offer a competitive salary

Learn – You’ll be challenged and given the development opportunities that you’ll only find in a high-growth business. We’ll also support you with more structured training.

Work – flexible core hours means that you can start anytime between 7-10am and finish 4-7pm (9 hours in total)

Time out – 25 days’ paid holiday, one volunteer day, and an optional 5 days unpaid leave each year. Paid holidays increase to 26 days on your 2 year anniversary and 27 on your 3 year anniversary.

Family – extended paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave.

Eat – free breakfast and loads of healthy snacks every day, and we have a special breakfast on Fridays.

Social – regular team and social events, paid by tails.com

Health – discounted gym membership and health, dental & optical insurance

Pension – pension scheme and the option to salary sacrifice additional contributions

Loans – interest-free loans to help with the cost of a season ticket, your deposit on a rented flat, and bike to work scheme.

Have a dog? They get good things too:

Discounted products – all of our tails.com products at a discounted rate (for your dog). Or pass a discount on to one family member or friend.

Dog-friendly office - there are plenty of pups to pat and daily lunchtime walks

Training – with a dog behaviourist, to help you and your dog thrive in the office

Time to bond – we offer a pooch plan which means you get extra flexibility in the first weeks of owning a dog, or if your dog is unwell