A successful and growing manufacturer requires a Procurement Manager. Applicants need procurement leadership experience within a manufacturing or engineering business, along with the ability to balance strategic sourcing, supplier management, inventory planning, and operational procurement activities.
The Procurement Manager will lead a small procurement team. The role is responsible for ensuring continuity of supply, driving cost reduction initiatives, supporting new product introduction (NPI), and developing a resilient, high-performing supply base capable of supporting future business growth.
Specific duties of the Procurement Manager include:
- Develop and execute procurement and sourcing strategies across direct materials, indirect spend, and new product introduction activities
- Build, develop, and manage supplier relationships, ensuring suppliers can support quality, delivery, cost, and growth objectives
- Negotiate commercial agreements and contracts to secure optimal terms and reduce supply chain risk
- Monitor and improve supplier performance against key metrics including quality, delivery, responsiveness, and cost
- Collaborate closely with Production, Quality, Engineering, R&D, and Finance teams to support operational and business objectives
- Lead supplier selection, supplier audits, and supplier development activities
- Drive inventory optimisation, demand planning, and continuity of supply through effective use of ERP/MRP systems
- Assess and mitigate supply chain risks relating to sole-source suppliers, supplier stability, quality, sustainability, and product lifecycle challenges
- Support NPI and engineering change activities, ensuring materials and suppliers are in place to meet project timelines
- Lead and develop a small procurement team while driving continuous improvement across procurement processes and systems
Procurement Manager applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Previous procurement experience within a manufacturing or engineering business, ideally operating within a regulated industry
- Experience operating at Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager, Senior Buyer, Commodity Manager, Strategic Buyer, Category Manager, Materials Manager or Supply Chain Manager level
- Strong supplier management, supplier development, and commercial negotiation experience
- Experience sourcing technical products, components, assemblies, or engineered materials
- Knowledge of inventory management, forecasting, and supply planning principles
- Experience supporting NPI, product development, engineering change, or product lifecycle activities
- Strong understanding of ERP/MRP systems
- Lean, Continuous Improvement, or Six Sigma experience advantageous
