Procurement Manager in Hitchin

FFE is a global design and manufacturing business, with a head office and manufacturing in Hitchin, R&D Centre in Cambridge and sales and marketing support across the globe. FFE are dedicated to supplying specialist detection and suppression products to the fire industry.

Our business is driven by our vision of a future where all lives and livelihoods are safe from fire, and is supported by:

• Understanding our customers and our markets whilst providing the highest quality of customer service and satisfaction.
• Designing and manufacturing quality products in a sustainable way.
• Striving for excellence in everything we do.

There is worldwide reliance on FFE products, in high profile public infrastructure, commercial workspaces and industrial operating environments. In addition, FFE products are trusted to protect some of the world’s most iconic buildings such as the White House, Dubai Airport, and Pinewood Studios.

The FFE portfolio includes two industry leading product brands: With over half a million Optical Beam Smoke Detector units installed around the world, Fireray® is using proven technology in a product line with heritage stretching back to 1994. Talentum® is one of the world’s most respected flame detector brands in the marketplace, FFE is not only providing quality today but developing technologies for tomorrow.

Furthermore, here at FFE we value our employees giving them the freedom to be creative and innovative. Having a great team spirt and people that are proud to work for a company that saves lives, our teams see the direct impact of their efforts in the daily operations.

How many lives have you saved today?

FFE Ltd is a specialist fire detector manufacturer and is one of the world’s largest manufacturers of optical beam smoke detectors and flame detectors. FFE is proud to be part of the Halma plc group, a UK based global FTSE 100 company.

Our products include Fireray® beam detectors, offering a cost-effective method of protecting wide areas against fire. Examples include museums, warehouses, atria, sports stadiums, gyms, theatres etc. Talentum flame detectors detect across a wide spectrum making it an obvious choice for most flame detection applications.FFE aviation extinguishers are present on over half the world’s commercial flights.

Here at FFE we value our employees and give them the freedom to be creative and innovative. Having a great team spirit from people that are proud to work for a company that saves lives, means our teams see the direct impact of their efforts in the daily operations.

Job title: Procurement Manager

Location: Hitchin, UK

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: Full-time (39 hours per week)

Hybrid: 100% Office Based

Duties and Responsibilities

Procurement Operations

• Lead all day-to-day procurement activities across direct and indirect spend categories.
• Ensure purchase orders are placed accurately and on time.
• Manage supplier schedules, deliveries and expediting activities.
• Support production, planning and inventory requirements through effective purchasing execution.
• Ensure continuity of supply for all purchased materials and services.
• Manage supplier relationships and performance against agreed KPIs.
• Conduct supplier reviews covering delivery, quality, service and cost performance.
• Lead supplier corrective action activities where performance issues arise.
• Support supplier development initiatives to improve capability and reliability.
• Maintain approved supplier records and onboarding processes.
  

Cost & Commercial Management

• Deliver annual cost reduction and value improvement initiatives.
• Support supplier negotiations and commercial discussions.
• Conduct market benchmarking and sourcing exercises.
• Identify opportunities to improve total cost of ownership.
• Track procurement savings and report performance against targets.
  

Contract & Compliance Management

• Manage supplier agreements and contract administration activities.
• Ensure procurement processes comply with company policies and IMS requirements.
• Support regulatory and customer compliance requirements relating to suppliers.
• Maintain procurement documentation and governance records.
  

Cross Functional Support

• Support New Product Introduction activities and supplier readiness reviews.
• Work closely with Planning, Manufacturing, Engineering and Quality teams.
• Support inventory optimisation objectives through supplier collaboration.
• Provide procurement reporting, analysis and recommendations to management.

Skills and Experience

• Proven procurement or purchasing management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Strong supplier management and negotiation skills.
• Experience delivering measurable cost reduction initiatives.
• Strong commercial and analytical skills.
• Working knowledge of ERP/MRP systems.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-moving operational environment.
• Effective communication and stakeholder management skills.
• CIPS qualified or working towards qualification.
• Electronics or engineering manufacturing experience.
• Experience managing international suppliers.
• Knowledge of supplier quality and regulatory requirements.

Key Performance Measures

• Material Availability
• Procurement Cost Savings
• Purchase Price Variance
• Supplier Quality Performance
• Supplier Lead Time Adherence
• Supplier Risk Actions Closed
• Contract Compliance
• Procurement KPI Achievement

FFE Benefits include

• 25 days Annual Leave
• Company bonus Scheme
• Halma Pension plan
• BUPA health insurance
• Simply Health cash plan
• EAP

Joining FFE means more than just starting a new role, it’s becoming part of a workplace that’s designed to look after you. Our benefits help you stay well, feel secure, and keep growing, so you can focus on building a rewarding career and a fulfilling life.

Reward & Recognition

We believe great work should be celebrated. From a Free Shares Scheme and annual bonus opportunities to peer-nominated Spotlight Awards and milestone celebrations with extra leave and cash awards, we make sure your contributions are recognised.

Your wellbeing matters. With access to the YuLife app, you can earn rewards for healthy activities, while fresh fruit and juice in the workplace help keep you fuelled. Our confidential Employee Assistance Programme is also there to support your mental, emotional, and financial wellbeing whenever you need it. You'll also receive 25 days annual leave as standard, time to rest, recharge and look after what matters outside of work.

Family Support

We’re committed to supporting you through life’s important moments. That’s why we offer 14 weeks of fully paid maternity, paternity, or adoption leave, giving you the time and security to focus on what matters most.

Future Security

Planning ahead is easier with our pension scheme, where we contribute up to 10.5% to help you build for the future. You’ll also have the reassurance of Critical Illness Cover if you’re unable to work for more than 26 weeks.

Lifestyle & Everyday Savings

We know little things make a big difference. Our Benefits Hub offers discounts on everyday purchases, while tax-efficient schemes for cycling and electric vehicles help you save on commuting. We also celebrate team successes with lunch on us.

Growth & Long-Term Recognition

We’re committed to supporting your career as well as your wellbeing. You’ll have access to training and learning opportunities to help you grow and develop, alongside long-term recognition through extra annual leave and a £250 award at every five-year milestone — a simple way to thank you for continuing your journey with us

Zoo Negara, Malaysia | Fireray® beam detectors protect giant pandas at Malaysia’s national zoo

Optical beams offer the perfect combination of rapid, accurate, and cost-effective smoke detection needed to protect visitors and animals alike.

Oil Dispersant Warehouse | Fireray smoke detectors protect valuable chemicals from fire and water.

The sensitivity of beam smoke detectors over long distances makes them a perfect choice for protecting warehouses. A warehouse full of sensitive emergency-response products is not only safeguarded against fire but also potential damage from the indiscriminate use of water sprinklers.

Zoo Negara, Malaysia | Fireray® beam detectors protect giant pandas at Malaysia’s national zoo

Optical beams offer the perfect combination of rapid, accurate, and cost-effective smoke detection needed to protect visitors and animals alike.

Oil Dispersant Warehouse | Fireray smoke detectors protect valuable chemicals from fire and water.

The sensitivity of beam smoke detectors over long distances makes them a perfect choice for protecting warehouses. A warehouse full of sensitive emergency-response products is not only safeguarded against fire but also potential damage from the indiscriminate use of water sprinklers.

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