Procurement Manager

Job Description:

Job Title: Procurement Manager

Location: Kettering, onsite(1-2 days hybrid working considered on successful completion of 6-month onsite probationary period)

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum + eligibility for a performance-related bonus

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Hours: 40 Hours Per week

About the role:

We're looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to take full responsibility for our materials supply chain. You'll oversee everything from forecasting material requirements to sourcing suppliers, purchasing, and negotiating favourable pricing and terms. You will also be responsible for managing and upholding compliance to existing and new accreditations (where relevant).

We're looking for someone who can strike the right balance between firmness and partnership. You'll need to be confident and assertive when negotiating with suppliers to secure the best possible terms, while also maintaining professionalism and respect to build strong, long-term relationships. The ideal candidate will know when to push for better pricing or performance and when to collaborate for mutual benefit. Fostering supplier partnerships that support reliability, quality, and growth for both sides.

We're looking for someone who is proactive and self-motivated - someone who takes ownership of their work and enjoys making things happen. You'll be trusted to manage your area with confidence, using your initiative to identify opportunities, solve problems, and suggest improvements. This role suits someone who takes pride in driving continuous improvement and can be a 'leader' of their area of expertise.

As part of a small team, you'll also be ready to lend a hand in other areas when needed, covering for colleagues during times of absence, and being comfortable speaking directly with customers to ensure smooth operations and excellent service.

Key Responsibilities:

• Forecast and plan material requirements based on production and sales needs
• Source, evaluate, and manage supplier relationships
• Negotiate pricing, contracts, and payment terms to achieve best value
• Raise and manage purchase orders, tracking deliveries and resolving issues
• Maintain accurate procurement and stock records
• Collaborate with operations, sales, and finance teams to ensure seamless supply
• Provide support in other areas of the business as needed, including customer communication
• Track and record quality complaints to monitor supplier performance, addressing any areas of concern as required
• Analyse outstanding orders and forecasts to understand potential material shortages and make informed buying decisions

About you:

• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management
• Strong negotiation and communication skills
• Organised and detail-oriented, with a proactive approach to problem-solving
• Comfortable working independently and taking full ownership of your area
• Flexible and team-minded - happy to step in and help wherever needed
• Must be proficient in using all MS Office packages, notably excel
• Excellent attention to detail, able to spot discrepancies and potential errors
• Experience in print or paper preferred

Additional Information:

You must have the right to work in the UK to be considered for this vacancy. Recruitment agencies need not apply.

Please confirm your current notice period when submitting your application.

Candidates with experience or relevant job titles of: Procurement Lead, Head of Procurement, Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Manager, Category Manager, Strategic Sourcing Manager, may also be considered.