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- Tasks: Lead high-value contracts and tenders for manufacturing operations.
- Company: Join Knauf Insulation, a global leader in construction materials.
- Benefits: 33 days holiday, enhanced sick pay, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a values-led culture focused on inclusivity.
- Qualifications: Experience in negotiations and strong analytical skills preferred.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Knauf stands for opportunity. We know that opportunity looks different to each person, and we are proud that we see opportunity in everyone. This exciting role within Knauf Insulation in the Purchasing Team could be the perfect next opportunity for you to build a unique career, in a values-led culture with a clear purpose of making tomorrow a home for all of us. We are a global manufacturer of construction materials and within our Group, our 41,500 team members in 90 countries across 300 sites provide a huge opportunity for anyone with ambition and energy. We value everyone's contribution equally and we ask that you bring your whole self to work, to enrich the business further, as together we achieve more in a safe and inclusive environment.
As our Contracts Manager, you will lead high-value, multi-site tenders and contracts that underpin all regional manufacturing operations and establish the contracting and procurement foundations for a new plant program. You will guide and support those around you, and embed best practice and compliance, whilst driving supplier performance against contractual obligations to protect value.
What you'll be doing:
- Autonomously lead regional, multi-site operational tenders and enterprise contracts that serve all manufacturing sites, including establishing logistics and other operational services to enable the new plant start-up.
- Develop, implement and maintain contracting processes, templates and governance in line with regional and central Purchasing and Supply Chain policy; embed compliance and supplier performance management across sites.
- Oversee post-award supplier performance against the contract, ensuring obligations, KPIs and programme milestones are delivered safely on time and to quality; manage change control, claims and commercial outcomes.
- Build capability by mentoring colleagues, sharing best practice and improving data quality, reporting and process efficiency.
A full role profile is available upon request from HR/Talent Acquisition.
What we'd love for you to have:
- Experience of leading complex negotiations across multiple manufacturing sites.
- P-2-P & E-procurement experience.
- Highly experienced in the use of SAP.
- Attained or working towards CIPS accreditation.
- Proactive and creative in finding solutions that will positively impact the organisation.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Excellent level of MS Office proficiency - Excel (e.g. pivots, lookups), Outlook, Word.
- Highly numerate with demonstrable analytical skills.
- Strong organisation and time management ability.
- Attention to Detail, Tenacity & Problem Solving.
We’ll provide:
- Enhanced Holiday Pay - 33 days including bank holidays plus the opportunity to purchase more.
- 16 weeks Company Sick Pay after 3 months of service.
- Group Income Protection.
- Enhanced Maternity, Paternity and Adoption packages.
- Life Assurance - 4 x annual salary.
- Defined Contribution Pension Scheme.
- Staff Bonus Scheme.
- Career Progression Routes.
- Employee Assistance Programme through Health Assured.
- Westfield Health Cash Plan.
- Perkbox.
- Access to Costco Membership.
- Wickes Employee Purchase Scheme.
- On site Gyms.
- Wellbeing Initiatives and Mental Health First Aiders.
- Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
- Cycle to work scheme.
- On site Car Charging Points.
Knauf Insulation welcomes applications from everyone and is committed to treating everyone equally, regardless of: age; sex; disability; ethnicity; gender identity; religion/belief; sexual orientation; marriage/civil partnership or pregnancy/maternity. In particular, we encourage applications from people from a minority background or from demographics that are underrepresented in the manufacturing industry. We are a Disability Confident Committed (Level 1) and take care to ensure good EDI (Equality, Diversity & Inclusion) practices in all our operations. If you are invited to an interview, a member of our team will be in touch via email to enquire about any access requirements or reasonable adjustments that we can make for your interview.
Contracts Manger (Purchasing) in St. Helens employer: KNAUF INSULATION LIMITED
Contact Detail:
KNAUF INSULATION LIMITED Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Contracts Manger (Purchasing) in St. Helens
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, especially those who work at Knauf or similar companies. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by researching Knauf's values and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their mission and how you can contribute to it.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Contracts Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead complex negotiations. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Contracts Manger (Purchasing) in St. Helens
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Contracts Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in leading tenders and contracts, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in negotiation and supplier performance management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for the role and how your values align with Knauf's. Share specific examples of how you've guided teams or improved processes in previous roles.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use quantifiable achievements to show how you’ve successfully managed contracts or improved supplier performance. This will help us see the impact you can make.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at KNAUF INSULATION LIMITED
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into Knauf's values and mission. Understand their approach to procurement and contracts management. This will not only show your genuine interest but also help you align your answers with what they value.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past roles that demonstrate your ability to lead complex negotiations and manage supplier performance. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the team dynamics. Inquire about their current challenges in procurement or how they measure success in supplier performance. This shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the position.
✨Demonstrate Your Problem-Solving Skills
Think of a few scenarios where you've had to creatively solve problems in a fast-paced environment. Be ready to share these stories, as they’ll highlight your tenacity and analytical skills, which are crucial for the Contracts Manager role.