At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing initiatives and manage supplier relationships to drive innovation.
- Company: Join a dynamic, innovative company focused on teamwork and growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy professional development, flexible hours, and a supportive work culture.
- Other info: Collaborate with cross-functional teams and engage with global suppliers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in sourcing strategies and product development.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic sourcing and procurement; degree in related field preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an analytical and detail-oriented professional with a passion for strategic sourcing and supplier management? We are seeking a proactive and results-driven Strategic Sourcing Manager to join our Operations team in Croxley. We offer an exciting opportunity to join a highly innovative company with dedicated and talented employees. You’ll have the opportunity to influence sourcing strategies from the earliest stages of product development, ensuring alignment with our broader business objectives.
In this role, you’ll focus on fostering collaboration and robust risk management, as well as developing the supply chain, including offshore sourcing, to facilitate the seamless transition of new designs into production. Building and nurturing supplier relationships is central to this position. The role collaborates closely with teams across Engineering, R&D, Operations, Legal, and Finance to influence sourcing decisions from the outset. Your involvement helps to safeguard programme schedules and uphold quality standards throughout the development process. You will work alongside the Strategic Sourcing Director, providing support on critical metrics such as on-time, in-full delivery (OTIF), cost management & value-add, and supply continuity, ensuring all activities remain aligned with our overarching sourcing strategies.
Key responsibilities:
- Execute sourcing strategies and initiatives across categories and regions.
- Conduct spend analysis, market research, supplier benchmarking, and risk management.
- Lead RFx processes, supplier evaluations, and contract negotiations.
- Manage supplier performance using scorecards and KPIs.
- Support early supplier involvement in new product development.
- Contribute to make-vs-buy decisions and cost modelling.
- Ensure compliance with procurement policies and ethical standards.
- Use sourcing tools and systems (e.g., Business Central, Highstage).
- Drive and lead sourcing activities in NPDP.
- Drive and track savings, value-generation, and sourcing impact; drive continuous improvement.
- Participate in supplier governance and cross-functional project teams.
- Undertake other duties reasonably required, which are appropriate with the level and nature of the role.
About you
We seek a candidate with strong strategic sourcing and procurement experience in manufacturing, combining technical expertise and business acumen. The ideal candidate is data-driven, innovative, and skilled at balancing cost, quality, and risk, building effective supplier partnerships and ensuring compliance with policies and ethics. Strong negotiation skills and experience leading contract discussions are crucial for cost optimisation. A degree in Purchasing, Supply Chain, or related field is expected; CIPS/MCIPS qualifications and proven supplier relationship management are highly valued.
Professional skills to succeed in the job:
- Strong background in strategic sourcing and procurement across manufacturing categories.
- Experience with RFx processes, supplier evaluation, and contract negotiations.
- Skilled in ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Business Central), sourcing tools, and analytics.
- Knowledge of cost modelling, make-vs-buy decisions, and risk management.
- Familiarity with supplier governance, KPIs, and scorecards.
- Ability to work with cross-functional teams (Engineering, R&D, Operations, Legal, Finance).
- Degree in Purchasing/Supply Chain or equivalent.
- Professional qualifications like CIPS/MCIPS are highly valued.
- Proven track record in competitive sourcing and supplier relationship management.
- Exposure to offshore sourcing and transitioning new designs into production.
- Comfortable with travel and global supplier engagement.
- Flexible to travel with strong communication skills.
What we offer
A varied and challenging role in an international, growing, and innovative company. A workplace that offers chances for both professional and personal growth, along with training to support your career ambitions. A trust-based working culture focused on teamwork, passion, innovation and putting the customer first.
Work Hours
37 hours. Work hours are 8 hours each day on Monday to Thursday inclusive and 5 hours on Friday. The Employee will be entitled to an unpaid lunch break of a minimum 30 minutes to a maximum of 60 minutes during each working day. The Company currently works a trial Flexitime Policy which full details are available in the policy. These are core hours and from time-to-time additional hours may need to be worked in order to successfully fulfil the requirements of the position.
Additional information
This is a fulltime position. You will be based in Croxley Park, Watford, UK. We do not offer relocation assistance.
Equal Opportunity Statement
We believe in equal opportunities for all and encourage all suitable candidates to apply for our open positions.
Strategic Sourcing Manager in Watford employer: INVISIO Group
Join a dynamic and innovative company as a Strategic Sourcing Manager in Croxley, where you will be part of a collaborative team that values teamwork, passion, and customer focus. We offer a supportive work culture that prioritises professional and personal growth, alongside training opportunities to help you achieve your career ambitions. With a commitment to ethical sourcing and supplier management, this role provides a unique chance to influence key sourcing strategies while enjoying a flexible working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing Manager in Watford
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like INVISIO Group.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing Manager in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to INVISIO Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to INVISIO Group. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like INVISIO Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at INVISIO Group
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at INVISIO Group!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at INVISIO Group. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into INVISIO Group's culture.
