Junior Sourcing Specialist - Food
CV-LibraryHeston, United KingdompermanentPosted: 23 September 2026
Apply NowDescription
Who are we?
Dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. We provide a comprehensive range of inflight catering, onboard retail, supply chain and logistics services at all major and regional airports across the UK. Dnata Catering provide expertly crafted inflight catering services, delivering fresh and high-quality meals at major and regional airports across the UK. As the leading Halal caterer in the UK, we also provide tailored experiences to meet each customer’s unique needs. We’re a leader in VIP catering, offering bespoke inflight to private and charter clients.
The Role
Working alongside our team of procurement specialists, your role is key as you take responsibility for the strategic sourcing and category management for accountable categories. Developing clear category management strategies, you will maximise value across the end to end product selection sourcing process. The emphasis is on buying the right products to fit the longer-term needs of our customers and the business whilst achieving total cost solutions rather than a simple quick, price focussed fit.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting the team in the delivery of the overall procurement business strategy, with direct accountability for specific categories
Develop strategic category plans to drive commercial, quality and service objectives of the business
Implement consistent and robust Supplier Performance Management for category vendors, driving continuous improvement initiatives, forecasts/re-forecasts and ongoing relationship development to optimise the value and performance of each supplier
Negotiating and managing commercial terms for all suppliers that fall within scope, integrating into central contractual agreements to synergise benefits and maximise sustainable value
Consolidating expenditure and suppliers wherever appropriate, to maximize volumes and minimise complexity
Negotiation and drafting of contracts are in place and maintained for all key, accountable vendors
Use technology to drive procurement best practice such as electronic tendering and auctions
Ensuring suppliers are reporting contracted SLA’s and KPI’s, putting in place recovery measures for failure
Enhancing all procurement practices in sourcing and supplier management through the implementation of the Scanmarket eSourcing platforms, including but not limited to all tenders, contracts and supplier information in order to underpin category opportunities where appropriate
Engagement with key internal stakeholders, presenting opportunities & impacts associated with supply chain optimisation
Following up on delivery queries, shortages etc. with suppliers
Supporting the menu development process for accountable airlines in collaboration with your internal stakeholders, such as Sales, compliance, costings, culinary and Commercial, through new product/service sourcing and pricing
Adhering to company compliance procedures and the development and implementation of functional processes, guidelines, policies and projects relative to accountable category activities
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Ideally sourcing and category management experience within food production
Market knowledge, procurement best practice
Good negotiation skills and an ability to influence key decision makers
Track record of commercial acumen
Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
Highly analytical and methodical approach
Ability to structure workload, to plan and multi-task efficiently
Desirable
Competent with eProcurement platforms and IT solutions
CIPS qualification or relevant industry experience#
Qualified in project management such as Prince2
Benefits
What's in it for you?
An opportunity to be part of the Emirates global family.
Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
Free tea and coffee
Simply health Plan
Refer a Friend Scheme
Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide
Cycle to Work Scheme
Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme
If you're invited to interview, please let us know if there are any adjustments we can make to ensure you're cleared for take-off and able to perform at your best. We’re committed to making the recruitment journey as smooth and inclusive as possible
Who are we?
Dnata is one of the world’s largest air and travel services providers. We provide a comprehensive range of inflight catering, onboard retail, supply chain and logistics services at all major and regional airports across the UK. Dnata Catering provide expertly crafted inflight catering services, delivering fresh and high-quality meals at major and regional airports across the UK. As the leading Halal caterer in the UK, we also provide tailored experiences to meet each customer’s unique needs. We’re a leader in VIP catering, offering bespoke inflight to private and charter clients.
The Role
Working alongside our team of procurement specialists, your role is key as you take responsibility for the strategic sourcing and category management for accountable categories. Developing clear category management strategies, you will maximise value across the end to end product selection sourcing process. The emphasis is on buying the right products to fit the longer-term needs of our customers and the business whilst achieving total cost solutions rather than a simple quick, price focussed fit.
Key Responsibilities
Supporting the team in the delivery of the overall procurement business strategy, with direct accountability for specific categories
Develop strategic category plans to drive commercial, quality and service objectives of the business
Implement consistent and robust Supplier Performance Management for category vendors, driving continuous improvement initiatives, forecasts/re-forecasts and ongoing relationship development to optimise the value and performance of each supplier
Negotiating and managing commercial terms for all suppliers that fall within scope, integrating into central contractual agreements to synergise benefits and maximise sustainable value
Consolidating expenditure and suppliers wherever appropriate, to maximize volumes and minimise complexity
Negotiation and drafting of contracts are in place and maintained for all key, accountable vendors
Use technology to drive procurement best practice such as electronic tendering and auctions
Ensuring suppliers are reporting contracted SLA’s and KPI’s, putting in place recovery measures for failure
Enhancing all procurement practices in sourcing and supplier management through the implementation of the Scanmarket eSourcing platforms, including but not limited to all tenders, contracts and supplier information in order to underpin category opportunities where appropriate
Engagement with key internal stakeholders, presenting opportunities & impacts associated with supply chain optimisation
Following up on delivery queries, shortages etc. with suppliers
Supporting the menu development process for accountable airlines in collaboration with your internal stakeholders, such as Sales, compliance, costings, culinary and Commercial, through new product/service sourcing and pricing
Adhering to company compliance procedures and the development and implementation of functional processes, guidelines, policies and projects relative to accountable category activities
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
Ideally sourcing and category management experience within food production
Market knowledge, procurement best practice
Good negotiation skills and an ability to influence key decision makers
Track record of commercial acumen
Strong communication, interpersonal and presentation skills
Highly analytical and methodical approach
Ability to structure workload, to plan and multi-task efficiently
Desirable
Competent with eProcurement platforms and IT solutions
CIPS qualification or relevant industry experience#
Qualified in project management such as Prince2
Benefits
What's in it for you?
An opportunity to be part of the Emirates global family.
Free breakfast, lunch and dinner on site
Free tea and coffee
Simply health Plan
Refer a Friend Scheme
Discounted gym membership at over 2000 gyms nationwide
Cycle to Work Scheme
Opportunity to enhance your learning through our inhouse apprenticeship programme
If you're invited to interview, please let us know if there are any adjustments we can make to ensure you're cleared for take-off and able to perform at your best. We’re committed to making the recruitment journey as smooth and inclusive as possible