The Procurement Manager is our go-to supply chain expert, driving a smart, cost-effective purchasing strategy that powers our business forward. In this role, you'll take the lead across the entire procurement journey, from identifying and partnering with the right suppliers to optimising stock levels for maximum efficiency. You'll strengthen controls, introduce smarter processes, and build strong, hands-on relationships with our most strategic suppliers to ensure performance, value, and long-term success.
As the expert on procurement, you will be the go-to person on sourcing and procurement processes for the wider business. You will ensure that quality control and adherence to the company's policies and procedures on supply chain management is achieved and strive to provide a best-in-class service at all times. Integral to the role is the responsibility for leading, coaching and mentoring a small team of direct reports to ensure that they reach their full potential in the role.
Duties:
Deliver full procurement support to all departments, with a particularly emphasis on negotiating requirements including raw materials, build to print assemblies, electronic components, engineering services, through life and subcontract/partner services
Prioritise and make strategic decisions in your management of the day to day operations of the Supply Chain department
Developing procurement strategies that are innovative and cost-effective in support of our projects
Ensure the timely sourcing of all parts, components, materials, equipment, goods and services required to support the activities of the business and achieve sustained continual cost reduction, delivery and the highest quality targets
Execute cross-functional sourcing activity, engaging stakeholder teams appropriately in order to put fit-for-purpose supply agreements in place and ensure that robust procurement processes are consistently applied in accordance with AS9100
Take ownership of the strategy for major spends, including ownership of strategic supplier relationships; play an influential role in negotiating, managing and developing collaborative supplier relationships
Support major bid activity where there is a significant procurement requirement from an early assessment of risks, financial liabilities and constraints, through delivery to service
Produce strategic procurement plans for the business that detail commitments and liabilities for bids, programmes and new product development activities
Identify supply chain opportunities, new suppliers, negotiate / improve terms and supply agreements; where appropriate, critically asses, rationalise supplier portfolio and proactively develop under-performing suppliers
Motivate, coach and develop your team to ensure they reach their full potential in the team
Drive continuous 'process' improvement to enhance the customers' experience
Conduct supplier visits and audits as required, perform cost, scenario analysis and benchmarking; ensure full KPI reporting and action management
Qualifications, experience and skills:
Preferably educated to degree level in a related discipline; supply chain management, logistics, or business administration and / or possess significant experience gained from operating in strategic lead procurement role
Able and willing to become a fully qualified member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) or actively studying towards MCIPS status
Proven and demonstrable hands-on experience of operating as a Procurement/Supply Chain Manager in a similar sector, with a strong emphasis on leadership, strategic procurement and new product introduction
An understanding of strategic procurement within the areas of Electronics, Aerospace and Defence sectors could be beneficial as would any relevant experience within new and evolving technologies, including rapid growth electronics, communication networks or artificial intelligence
Strong project management and presentation skills
Well-developed IT Skills; MS Office, MRP and accounting systems i.e. SAGE
Possess excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with proven experience of building strong partnerships with internal and external stakeholders
Strong leadership skills; be approachable with a natural ability to build robust working relationships across the organisation
Possess a high degree of influencing, negotiation and persuasion skills; demonstrating the ability build trust and develop relationships
Professional, self-motivated and self-disciplined, with the ability to work to tight and demanding timescales
Commercially astute with strong financial and analytical skills
Have an aptitude for continuous improvement and possess resilience in order to overcome challenges and ambiguity and in doing so, achieve results
Full clean UK driving licence, valid passport
Additional Information
SECURITY – All candidates must be in a position to obtain UK security clearance to SC level – additional restrictions may apply on certain defence programmes
UKSV National Security Vetting Solution: guidance for applicants – GOV.UK )