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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supply chain from product development to scalable manufacturing and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team focused on innovative hardware products and operational excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for growth and collaboration across teams.
- Why this job: Be part of shaping new technologies and making a real impact in the hardware industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in hardware production, project management, and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Ideal for strategic thinkers who thrive in fast-paced, Agile environments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Material Program Manager to join a forward-thinking and innovative supply chain team. This role is ideal for a strategic and hands-on professional who thrives in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and is passionate about scaling early-stage hardware products through robust supplier partnerships and operational excellence. The successful candidate will work closely with Engineering, Operations, and Product teams to industrialise new technologies, establish reliable supplier networks, and shape procurement strategies that support business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the supply chain function from early product development through to scalable manufacturing.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and partners across a diverse range of industries, ensuring competitive pricing and reliable availability.
- Collaborate with engineering teams to support design for manufacturability and assist in setting up production lines and quality control systems at scale.
- Embed effective engineering and operational practices throughout the organisation, adapting approaches to meet evolving product and business needs.
- Identify and procure components and services that align with technical and commercial requirements.
- Support supplier onboarding and management, including coordination of progress tracking, task handoffs, and overall supplier performance.
- Inform program budgeting by analysing how scope and timelines influence commercial and strategic decisions.
- Manage the “Clear to Build” (CTB) process in coordination with suppliers, contract manufacturers, internal workshops, and stakeholders to ensure a transparent and efficient procurement lifecycle.
- Operate within an Agile development environment, contributing to planning and execution of milestone-driven projects.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience bringing new hardware products to production through strategic supplier relationships.
- Strong project or program management experience with the ability to influence across engineering, product, and operations teams.
- Knowledge of cost accounting for manufactured goods and experience negotiating pricing improvements with scale.
- Strong decision-making capabilities across internal and external stakeholders.
- Demonstrated success in collaborative development between internal teams and external partners or suppliers.
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to clearly articulate trade-offs and decisions to both technical teams and senior leadership.
- Comfortable working in Agile environments with ambitious goals and evolving requirements.
Desirable
- Experience in the automotive or autonomous systems industry.
- Understanding of international import/export operations and relevant regulations.
Buying and Materials Programme Manager employer: Focus Cloud Group
Contact Detail:
Focus Cloud Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Buying and Materials Programme Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the supply chain and materials management sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who can provide insights into the role and potentially refer you to opportunities at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in hardware production and supplier management. Being knowledgeable about current technologies and methodologies will help you stand out during interviews and discussions with our team.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with Agile methodologies and how you've successfully managed cross-functional teams in past roles. Highlight specific examples where your leadership made a significant impact on project outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Research StudySmarter's products and values thoroughly. Understanding our mission and how the Buying and Materials Programme Manager role aligns with our goals will demonstrate your genuine interest and commitment to contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Buying and Materials Programme Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in supply chain management, particularly in bringing hardware products to production. Emphasise your project management skills and any experience with Agile methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for scaling early-stage hardware products and your strategic approach to supplier partnerships. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully collaborated with engineering and operations teams in the past.
Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your decision-making capabilities and communication skills in your application. Provide examples of how you've influenced cross-functional teams and managed supplier relationships effectively.
Showcase Relevant Experience: If you have experience in the automotive or autonomous systems industry, make sure to highlight this in your application. Discuss your understanding of international import/export operations and how it relates to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Cloud Group
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
As a Buying and Materials Programme Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to think strategically. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed procurement strategies or supplier relationships in the past, especially in fast-paced environments.
✨Highlight Cross-Functional Collaboration
This role requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you've collaborated with engineering, operations, or product teams to achieve common goals. Emphasise your communication skills and how you navigate different perspectives.
✨Demonstrate Your Project Management Skills
Given the importance of project management in this role, prepare to talk about your experience managing projects from inception to completion. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and highlight your decision-making capabilities.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Since the role involves understanding cost accounting and negotiating pricing, brush up on relevant technical knowledge. Be prepared to answer questions about your experience with manufacturing processes, supplier performance metrics, and any relevant regulations in the industry.
