Procurement Lead
Tyne & Wear (on-site full-time)
c.£60k + benefits
We are working with a multi-site manufacturing business operating in complex, project-led environments, supplying engineered products into demanding industrial sectors.
This is a commercially focused procurement role with a clear emphasis on supplier management, cost reduction and commercial performance. You will take ownership of key supplier relationships and spend areas, identifying opportunities to reduce cost, improve terms and strengthen supplier performance while protecting quality, service and continuity of supply.
Working closely with operations, planning and wider commercial teams, you will help move the procurement function towards a more proactive, data-led approach, challenging existing arrangements, developing the supplier base and ensuring the business is achieving best overall value.
This opportunity would suit an experienced procurement professional from manufacturing who is comfortable taking ownership of suppliers, leading commercial negotiations and delivering measurable cost improvements.
The role
- Take commercial ownership of key suppliers and procurement spend areas
- Identify and deliver measurable cost-saving and cost-avoidance opportunities
- Lead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms and wider commercial agreements
- Review existing supplier arrangements and challenge historical pricing and commercial terms
- Analyse spend, pricing and supplier data to identify opportunities for consolidation, renegotiation and improved value
- Lead RFQs, RFPs, benchmarking and competitive tender activities
- Develop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliers
- Monitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and service
- Lead supplier reviews and improvement activity where performance falls below expectations
- Identify opportunities to rationalise and strengthen the existing supplier base
- Support sourcing and supplier selection for new products, projects and business requirements
- Manage commercial risk within supplier contracts and agreements
- Work closely with operations and planning to balance cost objectives with supply continuity and operational requirements
- Improve procurement reporting, processes and commercial visibility across the business
- Use ERP/MRP systems and Excel to support spend analysis, supplier performance and commercial decision making
The person
- Established procurement experience within a manufacturing environment
- Strong track record of delivering cost savings through negotiation, sourcing and supplier management
- Confident managing senior relationships with suppliers and challenging existing commercial arrangements
- Experience negotiating supplier contracts, pricing and commercial terms
- Strong understanding of supplier performance management and development
- Commercially minded with the ability to identify and quantify cost-saving opportunities
- Strong analytical skills with confidence working with spend and procurement data
- Advanced Excel skills would be advantageous
- Highly organised, proactive and comfortable taking ownership of projects and supplier relationships
- Strong communication skills with the ability to influence both suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Degree or CIPS qualification would be advantageous
- Experience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment would be beneficial
We are supporting several clients across the region with similar requirements. Suitable applicants may also be considered for comparable opportunities.
This vacancy is advertised by Continuum Recruitment Group Ltd, acting as a recruitment agency. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. By applying, you consent to your data being processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on request.