Procurement Manager in Southampton

The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading all procurement activities to ensure the cost‑effective, timely, and compliant sourcing of goods and services. A key focus of the role is the development, implementation, and ongoing management of suppliers, contracts and commercial agreements, ensuring the business is protected and value is maximised.

Objectives

• Ensure effective, timely, and cost‑efficient procurement aligned to business and project requirements.
• Deliver measurable cost savings and value improvements through strategic sourcing and contracting.
• Establish and manage structured supplier contracts and commercial agreements across key spend areas.
• Develop a robust, risk‑managed supplier base to ensure continuity of supply.
• Drive supplier performance through effective contract and relationship management.
• Ensure full compliance with Procurement SOPs, governance, and contractual standards.

Responsibilities

• Procurement & Sourcing
  • Lead sourcing activities including RFQs, RFPs, and competitive tendering processes.
  • Negotiate pricing, terms, and long‑term agreements with suppliers.
  • Ensure procurement activities align with budgets, project timelines, and specifications.
  • Support complex, high‑value, and critical procurements.
• Contract Development & Management
  • Take ownership of the creation, negotiation, and implementation of supplier contracts, SLAs, and framework agreements.
  • Standardise contract terms and conditions in line with company policy and risk appetite.
  • Ensure appropriate contracts are in place for key suppliers, covering:
  • Pricing structures
  • Service levels (SLAs)
  • Lead times and delivery performance
  • Quality requirements
  • Liability, warranty, and risk provisions
  • Maintain a central contract register and ensure visibility of contractual commitments.
  • Monitor supplier compliance with contractual terms and take corrective action where required.
  • Manage contract renewals, extensions, and renegotiations.
  • Work with internal stakeholders to ensure contracts support operational and project needs.
• Supplier Management
  • Develop and maintain the approved supplier base in line with Supplier Approval procedures.
  • Conduct supplier performance reviews against agreed KPIs and contractual obligations.
  • Build strategic supplier relationships while holding suppliers accountable to agreed terms.
  • Identify and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Governance & Compliance
  • Ensure adherence to Procurement SOPs (e.g. requisition, RFQ/RFP, supplier approval, contract management).
  • Ensure all procurement and contract documentation is audit‑ready and properly controlled.
  • Promote ethical sourcing and compliance with relevant regulations.
• Stakeholder Collaboration
  • Work closely with Engineering, Production, Logistics, and Project teams to define requirements.
  • Provide procurement and commercial input into project planning and cost estimation.
  • Communicate procurement risks, contract status, and supplier performance to stakeholders.
• Process Improvement
  • Drive improvements in procurement and contract management processes.
  • Develop and refine procedures aligned to company standards (e.g. SOP160-164, Contract Management).
  • Improve utilisation of the Business System for procurement tracking and reporting.
• Cost & Performance Management
  • Identify cost‑saving opportunities and track delivery of savings.
  • Develop and report procurement KPIs, including:
  • Cost savings / cost avoidance
  • Supplier performance vs contract
  • Contract coverage (% of spend under contract)
  • Support budget control and forecasting.
• Team Leadership
  • Lead and develop procurement personnel.
  • Set objectives and ensure alignment with procurement strategy.
  • Promote a culture of governance, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Procurement or Purchasing management role.
• Strong experience in contract negotiation, drafting, and supplier agreement management.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Familiarity with ERP / Business Systems (e.g. Epicor or similar).
• Excellent stakeholder and communication skills.

Desirable

• Experience in marine, manufacturing, or engineering sectors.
• Knowledge of contract law and commercial risk management.
• Experience implementing structured supply agreements/framework contracts.
• CIPS Level 4+ or equivalent.