At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and planning to enhance supply chain performance and drive strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join ACO Technologies, a global leader in sustainable drainage solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salaries, private healthcare, and generous holiday allowances.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on innovation, diversity, and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of supply chains.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and supply chain management with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Lead Procurement. Drive Planning. Shape Supply Chain Performance.
ACO Technologies is looking for an experienced and commercially minded
Procurement & Supply Planning Manager to lead our Procurement and Planning functions and play a critical role in delivering supply chain excellence across the business.
This is a key leadership position responsible for driving procurement strategy, owning the end-to-end Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, and ensuring the effective supply of materials, products and production capacity to meet customer demand and business objectives.
What you'll do
- Lead and develop a high-performing team of Buyers and Planners.
- Own and drive the end-to-end S&OP process, aligning demand, supply, capacity and inventory plans.
- Develop and implement strategic procurement and sourcing strategies.
- Deliver cost reduction and value creation initiatives across key spend categories.
- Strengthen supplier relationships and improve supplier performance.
- Lead sourcing, tendering and contract management activities.
- Drive inventory optimisation and supply planning excellence.
- Improve forecasting accuracy and planning disciplines.
- Collaborate closely with Commercial, Manufacturing, Finance and Supply Chain teams.
- Champion continuous improvement, digitalisation and process standardisation across procurement and planning activities.
About you
We're looking for someone who can combine strategic thinking with operational delivery. You will bring:
Essential
- Significant experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing or Supply Chain Management.
- Leadership experience within a manufacturing environment.
- Proven success delivering commercial value through supplier management and sourcing strategies.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Experience developing and leading teams.
- Excellent analytical, problem-solving and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience working with ERP/MRP systems.
Desirable
- CIPS Level 5 or above.
- Category management experience.
- Experience managing planning, inventory or S&OP processes.
- Experience working within a group or matrix procurement structure.
- Knowledge of sustainability and responsible sourcing practices.
- We offer
At ACO, we are ambitious, collaborative and original in everything we do.
You'll join a business that values honesty, integrity and respect, while providing the opportunity to influence strategy, develop teams and make a meaningful impact on business performance.
We offer a collaborative and inclusive work environment, extensive training, opportunities for career progression and a competitive benefits package, which includes:
- Competitive salaries
- Private Health Care
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing to 28 days with service
- Personal pension schemes with high employer contributions
- Employee Assistance Programmes
Full details of the job role are available in the role description attached.
If you're an experienced supply chain leader ready to take ownership of procurement and planning performance in a dynamic manufacturing environment, we'd love to hear from you.
Apply today and help shape the future of ACO's supply chain.
Applications should be made online via the recruitment portal or for further information contact Becky Cornfoot on bcornfoot@aco. co. uk.
About us
ACO is a global leader in designing and manufacturing sustainable drainage systems.
ACO Technologies plc, part of the ACO Group, serves as the Company for the UK & Ireland.
There are two major divisions: ACO Water Management and ACO Building Drainage
With a strong commitment to environmental responsibility and innovation, ACO provides advanced solutions for managing surface water, ensuring efficient and safe water flow in various applications.
Our expertise spans across multiple sectors, including commercial, industrial, residential, and infrastructure projects, where we continually strive to improve water management and protect natural resources.
Working at ACO is working in a culture of entrepreneurial spirit, innovation and high standards with the freedom to create your own job satisfaction through ownership and continuous improvement.
Openness and honesty are key characteristics to working at ACO as this creates a friendly, flexible environment where colleagues are keen to share information and work together to achieve the best results.
Equality, diversity, and inclusion
Equality, diversity, and inclusion holds significant importance to us; we have a culture of belonging.
We are committed to enhancing the diversity of our workforce to ensure we can provide the best service possible for everyone.
Beyond your professional background - we’re interested in your individuality and your future potential.
If there are specific adjustments needed in our recruitment process that would help you to be your best, please speak to our team and they’ll be happy to help.
Procurement & Supply Planning Manager in Shefford employer: ACO Technologies
At ACO, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a collaborative and inclusive work environment in Bedford where you can thrive as a Commercial Advisor. With extensive training, career progression opportunities, and a competitive benefits package including private health care and generous annual leave, we empower our employees to make a meaningful impact while fostering a culture of innovation and teamwork. Join us to contribute to exceptional customer experiences in the Building Drainage sector and develop your skills in a supportive atmosphere that values honesty, integrity, and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Supply Planning Manager in Shefford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like ACO Technologies.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement & Supply Planning Manager in Shefford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to ACO Technologies:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ACO Technologies. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like ACO Technologies.
How to prepare for a job interview at ACO Technologies
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at ACO Technologies!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at ACO Technologies. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into ACO Technologies's culture.
