At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for high-value engineering projects.
- Company: Established engineering manufacturer with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Early finish Fridays, life assurance, employee assistance, and cycle to work scheme.
- Other info: Long-term career growth opportunities in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a respected organisation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement leadership in engineering and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced Procurement Manager looking for a role where strategic thinking and commercial impact matter more than purchasing volume? We’re working with a well-established engineering manufacturer seeking a Procurement Manager to take ownership of procurement strategy, supplier performance and cost management across complex, project-led manufacturing programmes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone from a low-volume, high-value manufacturing environment where quality, technical understanding and supplier partnerships are critical to success.
The Role
As Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for developing procurement strategies that support project delivery, improve supplier performance and drive commercial value across the supply chain. Working closely with engineering, operations and project teams, you will ensure critical components and materials are sourced effectively while maintaining quality, delivery and cost objectives.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to business objectives
- Build and manage long-term supplier relationships and framework agreements
- Lead supplier rationalisation and performance improvement initiatives
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and support value engineering projects
- Manage procurement activity across multiple concurrent projects
- Mitigate supply chain risks and ensure continuity of supply
- Support project teams with sourcing strategies for critical and long lead-time components
- Ensure compliance with contractual, quality and regulatory requirements
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven procurement leadership experience within engineering, manufacturing, OEM or capital equipment environments
- Experience sourcing low-volume, high-value engineered products or components
- Strong commercial and supplier negotiation skills
- Experience working closely with engineering and project teams
- Knowledge of supplier performance management and procurement governance
- Ability to balance cost, quality and delivery requirements within complex projects
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
What’s on Offer:
- Early finish every Friday
- Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Long-term career opportunity within a respected engineering organisation
Monday to Thursday 8:15am - 4:45pm | Friday 8:15am - 1:45pm
Procurement Manager in Bedford employer: Proactive Global
Join a respected engineering manufacturer that values strategic thinking and commercial impact in procurement. With a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being, including an early finish every Friday and comprehensive benefits like life assurance and a cycle to work scheme, this role offers significant opportunities for professional growth and development within a collaborative environment. If you are looking for a meaningful career where your expertise in low-volume, high-value manufacturing can truly make a difference, this is the place for you.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Bedford
✨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 Proactive Global.
✨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 Procurement Manager in Bedford
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 Proactive Global:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Proactive Global. 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 Proactive Global.
How to prepare for a job interview at Proactive Global
✨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 Proactive Global!
✨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 Proactive Global. 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 Proactive Global's culture.
