The Sourcing Manager will lead the development and implementation of sourcing, supplier and purchasing strategies that support long-term commercial objectives. The role combines strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, international procurement, forecasting, range planning and purchasing-team leadership.
Working closely with Sales, Customer Service, Finance and senior management, the Sourcing Manager will support major quotations, RFQs and tenders, improve supply resilience and identify opportunities to strengthen availability, profitability and supplier performance.
This is a permanent sourcing and procurement leadership position with responsibility for two Buyers. Its primary focus is strategic sourcing, supplier development, imports, forecasting and long-term range planning. The role may provide operational buying cover when required.
Key responsibilities:
* Develop category and supplier strategies covering product availability, cost, quality, lead time, risk and business growth. Translate the strategy into clear priorities for the buying team.
* Identify, evaluate and develop UK and overseas suppliers. Create alternative sources where required to improve competition, resilience or product availability.
* Lead supplier pre-qualification, due diligence, onboarding and periodic audits. Assess capability, quality, compliance, ethical standards, business continuity and financial or supply risk.
* Negotiate prices, payment terms, minimum order quantities, lead times, service levels, rebates, marketing support and other supplier contributions.
* Oversee overseas buying and import activity, including landed-cost assessment, freight, duty, documentation, shipping schedules, deposits, balances and supply-chain risk.
* Develop forecasting methods using sales history, seasonality, known contracts, opportunities, customer demand and supplier lead times. Balance availability with stockholding and working-capital objectives.
* Work with Sales and management to review product ranges, identify gaps and duplication, plan new introductions, manage lifecycle decisions and develop appropriate sourcing routes.
* Assist Sales with product sourcing and accurate costings for quotations, RFQs and tenders. Include relevant buying price, freight, duty, handling, minimum quantities, rebates, lead times and commercial risk.
* Identify sourcing, specification, negotiation and range opportunities that improve margin on existing customer accounts and prospective business.
* Establish supplier performance measures and review quality, delivery, responsiveness, innovation and commercial contribution. Secure technical, product, marketing and training support where valuable.
* Manage supplier rebate programmes, annual targets, claims and reconciliations with Finance. Track discounts and supplier support to ensure agreed value is realised.
* Manage, coach and develop two Buyers. Set priorities, allocate work, review performance and strengthen sourcing, forecasting, negotiation and analytical capability.
* Monitor critical supply issues and ensure the purchasing team responds effectively. Provide hands-on buying cover when necessary during peak demand, absence or recruitment gaps.
* Maintain high standards of supplier, pricing and purchasing data. Use ERP tools, Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Copilot AI tools to support forecasting, trend analysis, reporting and decision-making.
* Work closely with Sales, Customer Service, Finance and operational colleagues to support opportunities, customer commitments, cash-flow planning and supply-chain decisions
Experience Required.
* Substantial sourcing, procurement or purchasing experience within a product-based business.
* Experience developing supplier and category strategies, not solely placing and progressing purchase orders.
* Strong experience of supplier negotiation, performance management and commercial relationship development.
* Experience of overseas sourcing, imports and landed-cost management.
* Strong forecasting, stock-planning and analytical capability.
* Experience supporting product costings for quotations, RFQs or tenders.
* Proven experience managing, coaching and developing purchasing employees.
* Commercial understanding of margin, working capital, cost drivers and supply-chain risk.
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Salary description
£40000.00 - £45000.00 per year