At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and mentor juniors in a growing engineering firm.
- Company: Dynamic mechanical and industrial engineering company based in Bedford.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, early finish on Fridays, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and supply chain resilience.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and make a real impact on project success.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 55000 £ per year.
Location: Bedford and Friday early finish 12:30pm
Salary: £55,000 approx.
Sector: Mechanical and Industrial Engineering; castings and machining experience is a huge bonus.
Overall Purpose: We are growing! We need someone to help support a growing business, steady the ship, and mentor juniors. The Procurement Manager is responsible for developing and executing a robust procurement strategy that supports profitable project delivery, supply chain resilience, and long-term business growth.
Operating within a project-based OEM engineering environment, the role ensures early procurement engagement, cost certainty, risk mitigation, and strong supplier performance across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement a procurement strategy aligned with business objectives, project delivery requirements, and growth plans.
- Establish and manage long-term supplier and framework agreements to improve cost competitiveness, lead time certainty, and supply resilience.
- Lead supplier rationalisation initiatives and build strategic partnerships with key vendors.
- Provide early procurement input during bid, tender, and engineering phases to improve cost accuracy, lead time visibility, and risk identification.
- Support project teams with sourcing strategies for long-lead, high-risk, or critical components.
- Ensure procurement plans are aligned with project schedules and cash flow requirements.
- Drive cost-down initiatives and value engineering opportunities across the supply base.
- Monitor and manage procurement-related cost performance, variations, and supplier claims.
- Improve working capital outcomes through payment term negotiation.
- Identify and proactively manage supply chain risks, including capacity constraints, single-source dependencies, and market volatility.
- Establish procurement governance, policies, and standardised processes across projects.
- Ensure compliance with contractual, quality, and regulatory requirements.
- Act as the primary interface between engineering, project management, operations, and suppliers.
- Collaborate with HSQE manager to undertake supplier performance reviews, addressing quality, delivery, and commercial performance.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives across the supply chain.
Person Specification:
- Proven experience in strategic procurement or supply chain management within a project-based OEM, engineering, manufacturing, or capital equipment environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating complex supplier agreements.
- Demonstrated ability to manage procurement across multiple concurrent projects.
- Experience engaging with engineering and project teams early in the design and bid phases.
- Strong analytical, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
- Formal qualification in Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, or Business.
- Experience implementing procurement frameworks or governance models.
- Knowledge of contract law and risk management in project environments (Desirable).
- 3+ years of work experience with Management.
- Working in an onsite setting.
- 5+ years of work experience with Procurement.
- 5+ years of work experience with Strategic Procurement.
How to Apply? Apply now or send your CV to.
Procurement Manager in Bedford employer: Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing team as a Procurement Manager in Bedford, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping our procurement strategy and mentoring junior staff. Enjoy a supportive work culture that prioritises employee development, with opportunities for continuous improvement and professional growth, all while benefiting from an early finish on Fridays at 12:30pm. Our commitment to supply chain resilience and project success makes us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the mechanical and industrial engineering sector.
Contact Details:
Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Bedford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, it's all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their procurement strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you're not just another candidate; you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Procurement Manager role! We’re always looking for talent that can help us grow and succeed, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to join our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your strategic procurement experience and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Procurement Manager role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or implemented procurement strategies in the past.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don't just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use metrics where possible to demonstrate how you've improved cost performance or supplier engagement. We love seeing tangible results that highlight your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cortech Talent Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Make sure you brush up on your procurement strategies and frameworks. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and implemented these in past roles, especially in project-based environments. This will show that you understand the core responsibilities of the Procurement Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Supplier Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've established long-term supplier relationships and managed supplier performance. Highlight any successful negotiations or cost-down initiatives you've led, as this aligns perfectly with what they're looking for.
✨Engage with Project Teams Early
Demonstrate your experience in engaging with engineering and project teams during the early phases. Share specific instances where your early input improved cost accuracy or risk identification, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that test your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think about potential supply chain risks and how you would manage them. This will help you showcase your strategic thinking and commercial acumen.
