🚨 Supply Chain Manager (Contract) | Outside IR35 | Renewables Hardware Scale-Up
We are supporting a fast-scaling UK-based clean technology manufacturing business as it moves from low-volume production into a high-growth, industrialised manufacturing phase.
They are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager / Procurement Consultant to take ownership of a key commodity area and help drive supplier performance, cost optimisation, and scalable procurement processes.
This is a hands-on, commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments where supply chain decisions directly impact product delivery and business growth.
📍 Role Overview
You will take end-to-end ownership of a defined commodity area, managing supplier relationships, procurement activity, and commercial performance. The role requires strong negotiation capability, analytical thinking, and the ability to operate autonomously within a scaling organisation.
🔧 Key Responsibilities
* Manage purchase activity, inventory tracking, and demand-driven procurement adjustments
* Own strategic supplier relationships and lead regular performance reviews
* Drive commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts, and long-term value agreements
* Act as the primary commercial interface between suppliers, engineering, and quality teams
* Lead full sourcing cycles from RFQ/RFI through to contract award
* Identify and onboard new suppliers focused on cost, quality, sustainability, and lead time
* Deliver cost reduction initiatives and support ongoing product cost-down activity
* Analyse supplier and cost data to generate insights and improve decision-making
* Develop and improve procurement processes to support scaling operations
* Support wider business needs across operations when required
📊 Skills & Experience Required
* 5+ years’ experience in procurement / supply chain within manufacturing or similar environments
* Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management experience
* Proven ability to analyse quotations and challenge supplier pricing structures
* Good understanding of manufacturing cost drivers
* Experience working with ERP systems
* Strong analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
* Experience with electrical components or harness-related commodities is highly beneficial
* Willingness to travel to suppliers when required
📌 Contract Details
* Outside IR35 (QDOS)
* UK-based (hybrid / site travel as required)
* Immediate start preferred
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement and supply chain capability during a critical scale-up phase of a high-growth engineering business. There are scopes for extensions and even a permanent transition for the right person.