Procurement Manager

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