Procurement Team Lead in Chelmsford

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Procurement Team Lead to oversee procurement operations within our SMT design and manufacturing business. This role will be responsible for leading a team of procurement professionals, driving sourcing strategies, managing KPIs, and ensuring effective category management to support business objectives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team to achieve manufacturing and business goals.
• Set clear objectives and monitor team performance against KPIs.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure optimal pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring resilience and reliability.
• Take ownership of assigned procurement categories (e.g. electronic components, raw materials, manufacturing services).
• Drive cost savings, supplier innovation, and long-term value creation.
• Establish and track procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, lead times, compliance).
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyse procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
• Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to align procurement with operational needs.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) projects with timely sourcing and supplier engagement.

Skills & Qualifications:

• Proven experience in procurement leadership within manufacturing (preferably electronics/SMT).
• Strong knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier management, and category management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive KPI improvements.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and ERP tools.
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (CIPS qualification desirable).

Personal Attributes:

• Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Results-driven, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-tech manufacturing environment.

Benefits for working at Concurrent:

• 25 days holidays + bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme.
• Annual profit share bonus.
• Cycle to work, Home & Tech and car salary sacrifice schemes.
• Death in service benefit & income protection.
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Generous company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• One paid volunteering day per year.
• Private Health Insurance through Bupa.
• YuLife wellbeing app.

Equal Opportunity Statement:

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team. We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age.

Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.

Security Clearance:

Please be aware that certain roles working for Concurrent will be subject to security and export control restrictions. These specific roles are therefore subject to candidates being able to meet BPSS level pre-employment screening criteria.

GDPR:

By applying for this position, you acknowledge that your personal data will be processed in accordance with Concurrent's Data Protection Policy. We will use your information solely for recruitment purposes and will not share it with third parties without your consent. Your data will be stored securely and retained only as long as necessary for the recruitment process. You have the right to access, rectify, or delete your personal data at any time. For more information on how we handle your data, please refer to our Privacy Policy.