In this role you will lead a hands-on procurement operation within a high-value engineering and manufacturing business. You’ll manage a buyers’ team and shape direct and indirect spend to secure the right suppliers at optimal cost, quality and delivery. The role supports growth, drives cost reduction and supplier capability, and offers scope to influence procurement across the wider organisation as the business evolves. You will work closely with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Quality and Operations to enable scalable procurement performance.
Pay / Benefits
Flexible working after probation
25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Enhanced pension contributions
Private BUPA healthcare
Employee Share Trust participation
EV car salary sacrifice scheme
Responsibilities
Lead a team of buyers and deliver against direct procurement strategy
Manage a large direct procurement spend portfolio in a complex manufacturing setting
Identify and qualify suppliers delivering value, quality, capability and timely delivery
Run tenders, evaluate bids and advise on commercial and technical outcomes
Negotiate contracts and monitor supplier performance
Conduct value-for-money reviews of contracts and supplier arrangements
Ensure secure and sustainable supply for critical products/services
Directly manage casting supply chain and related manufacturing logistics
Develop and implement purchasing procedures for the buying team
Contribute to supplier strategy development and budget-aligned supplier planning
Align procurement activities with Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning and Operations
Lead cost reduction and value improvement initiatives
Support and resolve technical manufacturing issues and supplier non-conformances
Collaborate with Engineering on DFM and lead-time reduction initiatives
Provide procurement input to production planning and expediting as needed
Partner with Finance to resolve invoicing issues and improve processes
Develop departmental strategies to improve procurement efficiency
Communicate with key suppliers and conduct regular performance reviews
Manage supplier quality with Quality team
Key requirements
Extensive procurement experience in complex manufacturing or engineering
Experience leading a procurement team or capability to step into leadership
Strong sourcing across castings, machining and engineered components
ERP/MRP experience and understanding of purchasing processes
Proven supplier selection, development and performance management
Strong negotiation and contract management能力
Track record of cost reduction and value-for-money initiatives
Ability to manage supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and risk
Experience with expediting and handling supplier issues in manufacturing
Understanding of production planning, engineering and manufacturing processes
Experience collaborating with Engineering on DFM and lead-time reduction
Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills
Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
Commercial acumen and sound decision-making under pressure
Autonomous, decisive and comfortable working through ambiguity
Hands-on approach and willingness to roll up sleeves
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