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: Embrace a diverse and inclusive workplace that values your ideas and contributions.
- 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 and significant procurement experience required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ 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.
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 ideas and contributions.
- Work that truly makes a difference in safety, innovation, and global capability.
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.
If this sounds like the ideal next step in your career, then click ‘apply’ now! Due to the volume of applications, we receive for our vacancies, on occasion applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. 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.
Group Indirect Procurement Manager employer: James Fisher and Sons
At James Fisher, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive culture that values your ideas and contributions. As a Group Indirect Procurement Manager, you will benefit from competitive perks, opportunities for career growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact in a global engineering services company dedicated to safety and innovation. Join us in our mission to build a stronger, cohesive business within the Blue Economy, where your expertise will be recognised and nurtured.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Indirect Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Show them you understand their goals and how you can contribute to the 'One James Fisher' vision. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant experience!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Group Indirect Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at James Fisher.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Indirect Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Group Indirect Procurement Manager role. Highlight your procurement experience, especially in indirect categories, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've driven cost optimisation and supplier rationalisation in previous roles, and don’t forget to mention your passion for procurement!
Showcase Your Achievements:Quantify your successes! Whether it’s cost savings or improved processes, use numbers to demonstrate your impact in previous positions. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at James Fisher and Sons
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of indirect procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how you've developed and delivered category strategies in the past, focusing on cost optimisation and supplier rationalisation. This will show that you understand the role's requirements and can contribute effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Group Indirect Procurement Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've coached and developed procurement professionals before. Highlight specific instances where your leadership led to improved performance or capability growth within your team.
✨Demonstrate Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your experience with supplier negotiation and contract management. Bring examples of how you've delivered measurable cost savings and efficiencies in previous roles. This will help illustrate your strong commercial acumen and ability to drive value delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Effective stakeholder management is key in this role. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with multiple functions and levels within an organisation. Be ready to discuss how you influenced decisions and aligned procurement strategies with wider business objectives.