Caudwell Marine is a pioneering UK marine engineering company, backed by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell. We are redefining marine propulsion through the development of a diesel outboard system built for uncompromising performance, reliability and control in all conditions, with a global product launch planned for 2026. As a growing and ambitious business, we are focused on delivering cutting‑edge technology designed for the toughest marine environments and turning innovation into real‑world impact.
At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays an important role in shaping the future of the company. Our approach is built around being confident, committed and consistent in everything we do. Driven by endurance and powered by people, we are building a team that sets high standards and is helping redefine the future of marine propulsion.
Role & Responsibilities
The Indirect Materials & Services Buyer will drive the procurement of Indirect, Services, CAPEX and Aftersales requirements, ensuring the timely, cost‑effective and compliant supply of goods and services to meet Caudwell Marine’s business requirements.
Reporting to the Procurement Manager, the Indirect Materials & Services Buyer will work closely with Commercial, Quality, Engineering, Finance, IT and HR teams to develop and maintain effective procurement strategies, supplier relationships and commercial arrangements across the business.
This is a dynamic, hands‑on role requiring strong commercial awareness, sound procurement judgement and the ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced manufacturing environment. The successful candidate will be expected to identify and deliver cost‑saving opportunities, mitigate commercial and supply‑chain risk, and establish robust procurement processes that support both current operations and future business growth.
Responsibilities include:
- Lead and manage procurement activities across Indirect, Services, CAPEX and Aftersales spend, from sourcing and quotation through to negotiation, award and ongoing supplier management.
- Develop and implement effective sourcing strategies to maximise commercial value, optimise supplier performance and achieve agreed procurement KPIs.
- Identify, negotiate and deliver cost reduction and value‑engineering opportunities, maintaining an accurate savings pipeline and database to track and report realised benefits.
- Support the business in achieving best total cost of ownership (TCO) through effective evaluation of price, quality, delivery, service, logistics, lifecycle and commercial considerations.
- Ensure continuity of supply by proactively managing supplier capacity, lead times, performance and commercial issues across indirect and aftersales requirements.
- Negotiate robust commercial and contractual terms, ensuring appropriate protection of Caudwell Marine’s commercial interests and minimising financial, contractual and supply‑chain risk.
- Manage and develop supplier relationships, driving improved cost, quality, delivery, service and responsiveness.
- Support the development of procurement strategies for Aftermarket and NPI programmes, working closely with Engineering, Commercial, Quality and other relevant functions.
- Work cross‑functionally with IT, HR, Finance, Commercial, Quality, Engineering and Operations to understand business requirements and deliver effective procurement solutions.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, processes, audit requirements and relevant contractual standards.
- Maintain accurate procurement records, including sourcing activity, contracts, supplier information, savings and KPI performance.
- Support the Procurement Manager and wider Procurement & Supply Chain team with management reporting, supplier reviews, Kaizen events, supplier summits and other strategic procurement initiatives.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, standardise ways of working and increase the effectiveness of indirect and aftersales procurement.
- Provide hands‑on support to the wider procurement team as required, demonstrating a practical, proactive and solutions‑focused approach.
Required Skills & Experience
- Minimum 3 years’ procurement and/or supply chain experience, preferably within a manufacturing or engineering environment.
- Proven experience managing Indirect, Services, CAPEX and Aftersales spend
- Strong understanding and practical application of Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) principles.
- Experience of working within a structured manufacturing or engineering organisation, ideally with automotive‑level procurement and supply‑chain processes.
- Experience working within an SME environment would be advantageous, with the ability to operate effectively in a hands‑on, fast‑moving organisation.
- Demonstrable experience of supplier negotiation, cost reduction, sourcing strategy and commercial risk management.
- Experience managing multiple projects and priorities with the ability to work to challenging deadlines.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret commercial and market information and make fact and data‑based procurement decisions.
Personal Attributes
- Demonstrates high levels of integrity, professionalism and confidentiality.
- Strong commercial awareness with a clear focus on delivering measurable business results.
- Excellent communication, influencing and negotiation skills at all levels of the organisation.
- Strong relationship‑builder with the ability to develop effective relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Proactive, self‑motivated and solutions‑focused, with a genuine ‘can‑do’ attitude.
- Able to work independently and take ownership of activities while also contributing effectively as part of a wider team.
- Highly organised and able to manage competing priorities in a dynamic environment.
- Detail‑oriented and process‑driven, while retaining the flexibility to adapt when required.
- Confident challenging existing practices and identifying opportunities for improvement.
- Determined to achieve the best commercial outcome for Caudwell Marine.
- Customer and market focused, with a strong understanding of business priorities.
- Comfortable working in a hands‑on environment where the ability to ‘roll up your sleeves and get things done’ is essential.
Qualifications
- Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience.
- CIPS qualified or actively working towards CIPS qualification.
- Relevant procurement, supply‑chain or commercial qualifications would be advantageous.
- Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and standard procurement/business systems.
Additional Information
- Coventry based.
- 5-day week – hybrid working available, with 3 days required in the office.
Disclaimer
Caudwell Marine operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for recruitment agencies, which is currently not under review. Agencies not on our PSL are kindly requested to refrain from submitting speculative CVs or contacting our hiring managers or employees directly regarding recruitment matters.
Please note that any CVs submitted by non-PSL agencies, whether speculative or otherwise, will be treated as unsolicited.
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