Procurement manager - manufacturing

Are you an experienced Procurement Manager, Purchasing Manager or Strategic Sourcing Manager with a background in manufacturing, FMCG, food, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical production? This is an excellent opportunity to take full ownership of a procurement function within a growing manufacturing business. You will lead a team of two Buyers, shape procurement strategy and deliver measurable improvements across supplier performance, cost control, category management and supply chain resilience. This is not a transactional purchasing role. You will have the opportunity to influence senior decision-making, improve commercial performance and lead meaningful change across the business. Whats in It for You? Permanent, full-time position Competitive salary based on experience Senior procurement leadership opportunity Responsibility for two Buyers Direct influence on business strategy and commercial performance Opportunity to lead procurement transformation Exposure to senior stakeholders and key suppliers Growing manufacturing and nutraceutical environment Scope to improve systems, processes and supplier performance Long-term career development opportunity The Role As Procurement Manager, you will lead the end-to-end procurement strategy across raw materials, packaging, goods and indirect services. You will work closely with senior leadership and teams across Supply Chain, Operations, Quality, Finance, Commercial and Innovation. Your focus will be on delivering value beyond price by improving total cost of ownership, supplier performance, risk management and commercial outcomes. Key Responsibilities Develop and implement procurement and category strategies. Take ownership of major spend categories. Lead supplier sourcing, tendering and contract negotiations. Deliver measurable cost savings and cost avoidance. Analyse market trends, commodity pricing and supplier economics. Negotiate commercial terms, pricing and service agreements. Manage strategic supplier relationships and performance. Monitor supplier delivery, quality, cost and service. Improve total cost of ownership across key spend areas. Reduce single-source dependency and supply chain risk. Develop contingency plans for critical suppliers and materials. Support stock optimisation and reduce excess inventory. Lead supplier reviews and corrective action plans. Ensure supplier compliance with quality, food safety and regulatory standards. Lead, coach and develop two Buyers. Set clear team objectives and performance standards. Improve procurement systems, reporting and processes. Support new product development and innovation projects. Work closely with internal stakeholders to support business growth. Attend supplier exhibitions, trade fairs and industry events when required. What Were Looking For At least five years experience within procurement, purchasing or supply chain management. Experience working within manufacturing, FMCG, food, pharmaceutical or nutraceutical environments. Proven experience developing and implementing procurement strategies. Strong supplier relationship management experience. A successful track record of commercial negotiation. Experience leading tendering, sourcing and contract-management activities. Evidence of delivering measurable cost savings. Experience managing procurement budgets or significant category spend. Previous experience leading or developing a purchasing team. Strong understanding of supply chain risk and continuity planning. Essential Skills Strategic sourcing and category management. Commercial negotiation and supplier management. Contract management and commercial governance. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Confident stakeholder management and influencing ability. Project and change-management capability. Advanced Microsoft Excel skills. ERP or MRP system experience. Ability to interpret market trends and commodity movements About You You will be a commercially focused procurement professional who is comfortable balancing long-term strategy with operational delivery. You will be confident negotiating with suppliers, influencing senior stakeholders and using data to support commercial decisions. You will also be a strong team leader who can create an accountable, motivated and high-performing purchasing function. You will ideally be: Commercially astute Strategic and analytical Confident in negotiation Comfortable leading change Strong with suppliers and stakeholders Data-driven and organised Focused on quality and supply continuity Committed to responsible and ethical procurement Why Apply? This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a procurement function and directly influence the future performance of a growing manufacturing business. You will have the scope to improve category strategies, strengthen supplier partnerships, reduce commercial risk and build a high-performing procurement team. This role may suit an experienced: Procurement Manager Purchasing Manager Strategic Sourcing Manager Category Manager Senior Buyer Supply Chain Procurement Manager