At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop and implement sourcing strategies to enhance supplier performance and supply chain resilience.
- Company: Established manufacturing business in Nottingham with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and profit share bonus.
- Other info: Opportunity for occasional travel and excellent career growth in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on sourcing strategies and supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in strategic sourcing within a manufacturing environment, preferably automotive.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for an experienced
Strategic Sourcing Manager to join a well-established manufacturing business in Nottingham.
Qualifications, skills, and all relevant experience needed for this role can be found in the full description below.
This is a strategic, commercially focused position responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies that improve supplier performance, supply continuity, cost competitiveness and overall supply chain resilience .
Working closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering and wider project teams, you’ll take ownership of key suppliers and sourcing activities while supporting business growth, new product introductions and customer projects.
Location
Nottingham, with occasional UK and international travel to supplier locations.
Job Type
Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary
- £55,000 - £65,000
- Hybrid working available after training period
Benefits
- 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, profit share bonus, share incentive scheme
- OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE
- Develop sourcing and supply-security strategies for critical materials and services.
- Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers across a global supplier base.
- Develop sourcing roadmaps aligned with business growth, customer demand and new product introduction.
- Lead supplier capability assessments, sourcing audits and supplier risk reviews.
- Negotiate supplier agreements covering pricing, delivery, quality, liability, warranty and continuity of supply.
- Build and develop strategic supplier relationships, driving improvements across cost, quality and delivery.
- Lead cost-reduction initiatives and use total-cost-of-ownership principles to support sourcing decisions.
- Analyse commodity markets, regional supply dynamics and geopolitical factors to identify commercial risks and opportunities.
- Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams on supplier selection, approval and performance.
- Support NPI and customer projects through early supplier engagement, APQP activities and sourcing risk assessments.
- Monitor supplier KPIs and lead improvement or escalation activity where required.
ABOUT YOU
- Strong strategic sourcing and supplier management experience within a manufacturing environment .
- Experience within automotive or another highly regulated manufacturing environment , including APQP/PFMEA and IATF 16949, would be advantageous.
- Proven experience managing and developing supplier relationships.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience securing favourable contract terms and delivering cost reductions. xsabvtc
- Experience assessing supplier capability, capacity, commercial suitability and risk.
Strategic Sourcing Manager - Manufacturing employer: Distinct Recruitment Careers
Join a purpose-led organisation in Oxfordshire as the Director of Corporate & Finance, where you will enjoy a four-day working week and the flexibility of predominantly remote work. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, this role offers the opportunity to influence strategic decisions at Board level while managing public funding and governance in a supportive and collaborative environment. Benefit from a generous pension scheme, healthcare support, and a commitment to work-life balance, making this an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Contact Details:
Distinct Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Manager - Manufacturing
✨Join Local Manufacturing Groups
Getting involved in local manufacturing groups or associations can seriously boost your visibility. These groups often have insider info on job openings and networking events, plus they help you connect with like-minded folks in the industry. Check out what's happening in your area!
✨Show Off Your Skills in Practical Spaces
Consider participating in workshops or open days at manufacturing companies. It's a great way to show off your hands-on skills in a real-world environment and can sometimes lead to job offers right on the spot. Keep an eye on announcements from local manufacturers for these opportunities!
✨Leverage the Power of Internships
While you're looking for full-time positions, don't underestimate the power of internships! Even if you don't see a direct role, securing an internship at a company can open doors to future jobs. Many manufacturing firms prefer to hire from their intern pool, so it's definitely worth considering.
✨Apply Directly Through Company Websites
When you find a role at a company you love, like Distinct Recruitment Careers, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Manager - Manufacturing
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Distinct Recruitment Careers specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Distinct Recruitment Careers
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Distinct Recruitment Careers, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Distinct Recruitment Careers value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
