Job Role: Tenders & Supply Chain Manager
Location: Northampton
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30am - 5pm
Salary: Up to £75,000 Basic
About the Tenders & Supply Chain Manager Role:
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Tenders & Supply Chain Manager to lead a critical function within our business. This is a senior leadership role responsible for the end-to-end management of procurement, supplier relationships, tender submissions, and contract implementation.
You will work closely with internal stakeholders, suppliers, and senior leadership to secure major contracts, maintain positions on key government frameworks, and ensure delivery against contractual commitments and service level agreements.
This is a pivotal opportunity for a motivated leader who can drive performance, challenge thinking, and deliver strategic improvements across procurement, bidding, supplier management, quality standards, and commercial operations.
Key Responsibilities of the Tenders & Supply Chain Manager:
Tender & Bid Management
Lead the full tender lifecycle from PQQ/selection stage through to final submission, award, mobilisation and delivery.
Oversee the business opportunity pipeline and ensure participation in all relevant frameworks and procurement routes.
Manage the Tender & Bid Manager and technical specialists to deliver high-quality, compelling and compliant submissions.
Maintain full oversight of all bids, ensuring consistency, quality and commercial competitiveness.
Produce clear contract summaries and handover documentation for operational teams.
Challenge internal stakeholders to ensure the most effective and commercially viable solutions are proposed.
Analyse win/loss feedback and implement continuous improvement plans.
Identify blockers to tender success and recommend strategic changes to senior leadership.Leadership & Team Management
Lead, coordinate and develop a high-performing team to deliver operational outputs effectively.
Motivate, coach and mentor colleagues to improve capability and performance.
Conduct appraisals, set objectives and support career development.
Maintain strong communication with internal and external stakeholders.
Review, improve and document departmental processes.
Promote company values and professional standards at all times.Procurement & Supplier Management
Develop and implement purchasing strategies aligned to business goals and group policy.
Identify sourcing opportunities that improve value, efficiency and service delivery.
Manage supplier selection, onboarding and relationship management.
Negotiate commercial terms including pricing, service levels and delivery schedules.
Monitor supplier performance and drive continuous improvement.
Ensure procurement compliance with internal policy, ethical standards and legal regulations including Public Contracts Regulations.
Oversee timely and accurate quotation and order processes for customers.Fleet & Asset Return Optimisation
Ensure timely customer quotations for new, replacement or trial vehicles.
Work with Contract Managers on fleet expiries, renewals and extensions.
Support effective handover of vehicles and assets to operational teams.
Lead end-of-contract disposal activity to maximise asset value and minimise costs.
Ensure end-of-life damage is identified and recovered where appropriate.Quality, Standards & Sustainability
Manage delivery of Social Value commitments made through tenders.
Maintain and retain ISO accreditations including ISO9001, ISO14001 and ISO45001.
Support future accreditations or migrations as required.
Work with senior leadership and suppliers to improve environmental performance, carbon reduction and Scope 3 emissions.
Oversee brand presence, website content and social media with external marketing support.About You:
Essential Skills & Experience
Proven leadership and people management experience with the ability to inspire and develop teams.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
Experience leading tenders, bids, procurement or commercial contracts.
Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office and tender/framework systems.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Strong commercial awareness with the ability to negotiate effectively.
Proven ability to build relationships, influence stakeholders and drive change.
A proactive problem solver with strong decision-making skills.Desirable Skills
CIPS accreditation.
Experience drafting or managing contracts with minimal legal support.
Previous responsibility for sustainability or ESG initiatives.What We Offer:
25 days annual leave plus your birthday, Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve off
Option to buy or sell up to one week of annual leave
Share Save Scheme with discounted company shares
Profit Related Pay scheme
Pension contributions up to 10% of annual salary
Enhanced family-friendly policies including parental pay and fertility treatment leave
Employee discounts on travel, entertainment, shopping, motoring and more
One paid volunteering day per year
Life Assurance and Personal Accident Cover
Employee discounts
1 Volunteering Day per year
Life Assurance & Personal Accident CoverHow to Apply for this Tenders & Supply Chain Manager role:
For more information, contact Macy at Kemp Recruitment on (phone number removed)
Reference: INDMM