Procurement Manager in Colchester

Towmate Trailers Ltd is seeking a motivated, commercially focused Procurement Manager to join its team in Colchester.

You will be responsible for managing suppliers and procurement activities to support profitability, ensure consistent availability of materials and components, and improve purchasing performance.

This includes sourcing products at competitive prices, maintaining and developing strong supplier relationships, negotiating favourable commercial terms, and ensuring reliable supply to support manufacturing operations.

The Procurement Manager will also drive improvements in purchasing processes and systems, working closely with Operations and Engineering to support production planning and effective stock control.

This is a hands-on position requiring someone who can balance day-to-day purchasing responsibilities with longer-term procurement improvements.

Key responsibilities

• Own and manage the end-to-end procurement process, maintaining procurement policies and standards.
• Raise and manage purchase orders, ensuring orders are placed accurately, on time and in line with demand.
• Manage purchasing costs, identify opportunities for savings, protect gross margins and mitigate supplier price increases.
• Manage supplier selection, onboarding and approval, ensuring appropriate service-level agreements are in place.
• Monitor supplier performance, conduct supplier reviews and resolve performance issues.
• Take responsibility for purchasing and relevant budgets.
• Maintain accurate lead times, supplier pricing and other relevant purchasing data within the ERP system.
• Source and purchase capital equipment, materials and services as required.
• Manage the end-to-end Far East procurement process, including import documentation, projected stock requirements and forward orders.
• Visit suppliers in the UK and overseas as required.
• Attend relevant trade shows and industry events.
• Proven experience as a Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager or in a senior procurement role within a fast-moving or growing business. Experience in manufacturing, engineering, industrial assembly or automotive environments is particularly relevant.
• Demonstrated ability to manage purchasing administration while delivering strategic improvements.
• A self-starter with the drive and initiative to manage the procurement function independently.
• A track record of delivering cost savings, improving supplier performance and implementing effective procurement practices.
• Strong commercial awareness, negotiation and analytical skills.
• A hands‑on, adaptable and proactive approach, equally comfortable with strategic responsibilities and day‑to‑day purchasing activities.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Practical experience with ERP systems and procurement software.
• Professional procurement qualifications, such as CIPS, are desirable but not essential.
• This is a full-time, on-site position based in Colchester, Essex. Applicants must be able to reliably attend the workplace during the stated working hours.