Group Indirect Procurement Manager

Group Indirect Procurement Manager

Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
James Fisher and Sons plc

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead global indirect procurement strategy and optimise costs across diverse product lines.
  • Company: Join James Fisher, a leader in engineering services with over 50 years of experience.
  • Benefits: Enjoy competitive benefits, career growth opportunities, and a supportive culture.
  • Other info: Flexible home-based role with occasional international travel.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in safety and innovation while working with a dynamic team.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Business or Supply Chain Management; strong procurement experience required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

The Group Indirect Procurement Manager will lead and deliver the organisation’s global indirect procurement strategy across a substantial spend portfolio, operating as a central Group function supporting both UK and international product lines.

The role is responsible for driving cost optimisation, supplier rationalisation, and procurement standardisation across all indirect categories, while ensuring robust governance, commercial value delivery, and alignment with wider business objectives in support of the “One James Fisher” strategy.

With leadership of a small team, the position will champion improved P2P efficiency, compliance, and consistent procurement practices, strengthening capability and performance across the Group.

Some ad‑hoc international travel will be required on occasion.

  • Full‑time, Permanent
  • UK, Home based

The Role

The Group Indirect Procurement Manager will lead and deliver the organisation’s global indirect procurement strategy across a substantial spend portfolio, operating as a central Group function supporting both UK and international product lines.

The role is responsible for driving cost optimisation, supplier rationalisation, and procurement standardisation across all indirect categories, while ensuring robust governance, commercial value delivery, and alignment with wider business objectives in support of the “One James Fisher” strategy.

With leadership of a small team, the position will champion improved P2P efficiency, compliance, and consistent procurement practices, strengthening capability and performance across the Group.

Some ad‑hoc international travel will be required on occasion.

  • What You’ll Be Doing
  • Accountable for developing and delivering Group-wide indirect category strategies, including sourcing, negotiation, and contract management to optimise cost, quality, and service.
  • Own and deliver a clear three-year pipeline of cost savings and value creation across indirect spend.
  • Lead, coach, and develop the indirect procurement team, driving performance and capability growth.
  • Deliver functional targets through effective performance tracking, reporting, and structured problem solving.
  • Establish and maintain procurement governance, policies, and standardised processes across the Group.
  • Ensure compliance with the Approved Vendor List and drive adoption of best practices and standards.
  • Develop policies, processes, tools, and reporting to enable compliant supplier onboarding in partnership with the AVL team.
  • Oversee supplier performance and relationships, rationalising the supply base and using market insight to inform sourcing and innovation.
  • Act as the central lead for indirect procurement, aligning with business priorities and managing supply chain risks to ensure continuity.
  • What We’re Looking For
  • Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or a related discipline.
  • Significant experience in procurement, with a strong focus on indirect categories within a complex or multi-site organisation.
  • Proven experience in leading, managing, or developing procurement professionals.
  • Strong commercial acumen with demonstrable experience in supplier negotiation, contract management, and value delivery.
  • Experience developing and implementing category strategies and delivering measurable cost savings and efficiencies.
  • Experience establishing or operating within procurement governance frameworks, including policies, processes, and compliance controls.
  • Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively across multiple functions and levels of the organisation.
  • Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, balancing long-term planning with day-to-day delivery.
  • Effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to lead discussions and present to senior stakeholders.
  • Experience using procurement systems, tools, and data to support decision-making and performance management.
  • Familiarity with LEAN problem-solving methodologies and work methods - standard work, 5S, A3, 6Sigma etc.
  • Data-led decision making.
  • Professional procurement qualification (e. g. CIPS) or equivalent experience.

Why join us?

  • Competitive benefits tailored to the division
  • Opportunities for career growth and visibility across the organisation
  • A supportive, inclusive culture that values your idaas and contributions
  • Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability

About Us

James Fisher is a global engineering services company with over 50 years of experience delivering complex offshore energy projects in some of the world’s most challenging environments.

We operate across Energy, Defence, and Maritime Transport, leveraging cutting-edge technology and deep expertise to support the full lifecycle of our customers’ assets.

Our One James Fisher strategy unites our capabilities under a single vision, building a stronger, more cohesive business within the Blue Economy.

Visit our website at: Home | James Fisher and Sons plc

For more information about our values and behaviours, follow the link: About us | James Fisher and Sons plc

At James Fisher and Sons, we are committed to taking positive action on diversity and strongly encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and recognise that our success is driven by the talent and diversity of our workforce.

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Group Indirect Procurement Manager employer: James Fisher and Sons plc

James Fisher and Sons plc is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Westhill, Aberdeen or Inchinnan, Glasgow, where innovation thrives. With competitive salaries, early Fridays, and a strong emphasis on employee growth and support, we foster a culture that values collaboration and creativity, making it an ideal place for professionals looking to make a meaningful impact in product development.

James Fisher and Sons plc

Contact Details:

James Fisher and Sons plc Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Group Indirect Procurement Manager

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 James Fisher and Sons plc.

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 Group Indirect Procurement Manager

Indirect Procurement Strategy
Cost Optimisation
Supplier Rationalisation
Procurement Standardisation
Governance and Compliance
Sourcing and Negotiation
Contract Management

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 James Fisher and Sons plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to James Fisher and Sons plc. 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 James Fisher and Sons plc.

How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons plc

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 James Fisher and Sons plc!

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 James Fisher and Sons plc. 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 James Fisher and Sons plc's culture.