At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead sourcing for indirect spend and mentor a team member in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join a leading Rail Specialist in a fast-paced, growth-focused setting.
- Benefits: Earn up to £51,000 with 25 days holiday and flexible remote work options.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive, diverse workplace.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on production while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, leadership experience, and ERP proficiency required.
The predicted salary is between 48500 - 48500 € per year.
The Opportunity
Are you a proactive procurement professional who thrives in a high-energy, "on-the-ground" environment rather than being tucked away in a corporate office? We are partnering with a leading Rail Specialist in Milton Keynes that is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and a busy order book. This is a pivotal role where you will take full ownership of the indirect spend function. Managing a broad portfolio (from IT and facilities to building maintenance and consumables) you will manage sourcing activities and mentor a direct report to ensure operational excellence. With over 400 staff on-site, this is a fast-paced, "blue-collar" manufacturing environment where your work directly impacts the heartbeat of the production floor.
Responsibilities:
- Sourcing Activity: Execute sourcing for all indirect spend areas to optimise cost, quality, and service, supporting the wider procurement goals.
- Supplier Management: Manage the sourcing lifecycle, including RFQs and contract renewals, while maintaining strong performance from key suppliers.
- Operational Leadership: Line manage an Indirect Procurement Associate, supporting their training and professional development.
- Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the Strategic Procurement Manager to support new contract negotiations, and align with Facilities Management (FM) to ensure building contractors are H&S compliant.
- Process Improvement: Drive the use of SAP to maintain accurate purchasing records and identify cost-saving opportunities through data insights.
- Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities meet strict industry standards and internal company policies.
The Candidate:
- Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in a procurement role, ideally within a manufacturing, production, or engineering environment.
- Leadership: Previous line management experience (or the demonstrable ability to mentor others) is essential.
- Technical Skills: Proficient in ERP systems (specifically SAP) and Microsoft Office.
- Attributes: A "can-do" attitude is a must. You should be comfortable donning a hi-viz jacket, walking the shop floor, and building relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: CIPS is advantageous but not essential; our client values relevant skills and industry experience.
Location: Milton Keynes (Commutable from Bedford, Northampton, Luton, and surrounding areas).
Salary: Up to £51,000 + 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays). Note: This role offers the opportunity for 3 days remote working per week following the successful completion of a 6-month probation period.
Indirect Procurement Manager in Milton Keynes employer: Ford & Stanley Select
Ford & Stanley Group is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, particularly for the Indirect Procurement Manager role in Milton Keynes. With a focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to mentor others while directly impacting the production environment. The company offers competitive benefits, including up to £51,000 salary, 25 days holiday, and the flexibility of remote working after probation, making it an attractive place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Indirect Procurement Manager in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company culture! Before your interview, do a bit of research on the company’s values and work environment. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Run through common interview questions with a friend or in front of the mirror. The more comfortable you are with your answers, the more confident you'll feel during the actual interview.
✨Tip Number 3
Show off your skills! Bring examples of your past work or achievements that relate to the role. Whether it’s a project you led or a problem you solved, having tangible evidence can really impress your interviewers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a nice touch and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make their decision.
We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Procurement Manager in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion:When you're writing your application, let your enthusiasm for procurement shine through! We want to see that you’re not just ticking boxes but genuinely excited about the role and how you can contribute to our team.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience in procurement, especially in a manufacturing or engineering environment. We love seeing how your skills align with what we need!
Be Specific:Use specific examples to demonstrate your achievements and skills. Whether it’s managing supplier relationships or leading a team, concrete examples help us understand your impact and capabilities better.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ford & Stanley Select
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around indirect spend. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing activities and supplier management, as these are key areas for the role.
✨Show Off Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves mentoring an Indirect Procurement Associate, be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully led or trained others in the past. Highlight your 'can-do' attitude and how it has positively impacted your team.
✨Get Familiar with SAP
As the job mentions the use of SAP for maintaining purchasing records, make sure you can talk about your experience with ERP systems. If you have specific examples of how you've used data insights to drive cost savings, bring those to the table!
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role requires collaboration with various stakeholders, so think about how you've built relationships in previous roles. Be ready to discuss how you ensure compliance and maintain strong performance from suppliers while working closely with others.
