Operational Procurement Manager in Reading

Location: BerkshireType: PermanentSalary: 60- 65000Consultant: Lucy LoRussoContact: : Operational Procurement ManagerAdvanced Manufacturing (Automotive) Berkshirec65,000 + Strong benefits package This is an exciting opportunity to join a highly successful, internationally recognised engineering and manufacturing business operating at the forefront of complex, high-value engineering.

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The business is entering an exciting period of growth and transformation, with significant new programmes, an expanding international supply base and ambitious plans across automotive, aerospace and defence.

We're seeking an Operational Procurement Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day procurement operation, leading a team of buyers and managing a significant direct and indirect spend portfolio.

This is a role with genuine influence.

You'll be responsible for ensuring the business has the right suppliers, at the right cost, quality and delivery performance, whilst developing the procurement capability to support continued growth.

It's also an opportunity to join at an important point in the organisation's development.

As the wider business evolves towards a Group procurement structure, there is scope for the successful individual to take on greater responsibility and play a significant role in shaping how procurement operates across the wider organisation. Role of the Operational Procurement Manager Reporting to the Supply Chain & Procurement Director, you'll lead the operational procurement function, managing a team of buyers and executing the procurement strategy required to support forecast demand and business growth.

You'll be responsible for balancing the immediate demands of a fast-paced manufacturing environment with longer-term supplier strategy, cost reduction and continuous improvement.

This is a hands-on procurement leadership role.

You'll need to be comfortable getting into the detail when required, resolving supplier issues, supporting the team through escalations and ensuring procurement delivers against the needs of Engineering, Manufacturing, Planning, Quality and Operations.

Key responsibilities include:

Leading and developing a team of buyers and driving delivery against the company's direct procurement strategyManaging a significant portfolio of direct procurement spend across a complex manufacturing environmentResearching and identifying suppliers capable of delivering the right combination of value, quality, capability and deliveryRunning tenders, evaluating bids and making recommendations based on both commercial and technical considerationsNegotiating and agreeing contracts and monitoring supplier performanceConducting value-for-money reviews of existing contracts and supplier arrangementsEnsuring security, continuity and sustainability of supply across critical products and servicesDirectly managing the casting supply chain, including patterns, castings and machiningManaging logistics associated with casting supply into machining partners where requiredDeveloping and implementing purchasing procedures and processes for the wider buying teamSupporting the development of the company's supplier strategy, including the number, type and capability of suppliers requiredDeveloping frameworks that enable departments to understand and work effectively within budget controlsManaging supplier quality in conjunction with the Quality teamEnsuring regular communication and performance reviews with key suppliersDeveloping strategies to reduce purchased inventory and improve working capitalLeading supplier selection, development and performance management across quality, delivery and costDriving cost reduction and value improvement initiativesSupporting and resolving technical manufacturing queries and supplier non-conformancesWorking closely with Engineering and suppliers on concurrent engineering and DFM opportunities to improve manufacturability and lead timesProviding procurement input and support into production planning activitiesManaging external and internal expediting where requiredWorking closely with Finance to resolve commercial and invoicing issuesDeveloping departmental strategies to improve procurement efficiency and operating performanceIdeal Operational Procurement Manager We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who combines strong commercial capability with the leadership skills and resilience to thrive in a fast-moving manufacturing environment.

You will likely bring: Extensive and proven procurement experience within a complex manufacturing or engineering environmentExperience leading a procurement team, or the capability and ambition to step into a broader procurement leadership positionStrong sourcing experience, particularly across castings, machining and engineered componentsStrong ERP/MRP experience and understanding of purchasing processesProven experience in supplier selection, development and performance managementStrong negotiation and contract management capabilityExperience delivering cost reduction and value-for-money initiativesThe ability to manage supplier performance across quality, delivery, cost and riskExperience with expediting and managing supply issues in a demanding manufacturing environmentAn understanding of production planning, engineering and manufacturing processesExperience working collaboratively with Engineering and suppliers on DFM and lead-time reductionStrong stakeholder management skills and the ability to influence at all levelsExcellent communication and relationship-building skillsStrong commercial acumen and the ability to make sound business decisionsResilience and the ability to remain effective when working under pressureThe confidence to operate autonomously, make decisions and work through ambiguityA proactive, hands-on approach with a genuine desire to improve the way procurement operatesThe Person This is not a role for someone who wants to sit at arm's length from the operation.

The environment is fast-paced, demanding and highly hands-on, and the successful individual will need to be comfortable rolling their sleeves up, getting into the detail and taking ownership when things don't go to plan.

You'll be the person who can take a supplier escalation and say "I've got this", giving confidence to the wider business while also developing your team to become more capable and self-sufficient.

We're looking for someone who is commercially sharp, resilient, ambitious and hungry to make a difference.

Automotive or motorsport experience is not essential.

Strong procurement professionals from aerospace, defence, precision engineering, industrial manufacturing and other complex engineering environments could be highly relevant. xohmjla

What matters most is your ability to understand complex manufacturing, manage suppliers, lead people and operate commercially in an environment where priorities can change quickly.

Benefits

Alongside the opportunity to join a growing and highly successful engineering business working on some of the most demanding programmes in advanced manufacturing, the company offers an excellent employee proposition including: Salary of c65,000Flexible working after probation, including 1 day per week from home25 days holiday plus bank holidays, increasing with serviceEnhanced pension contributionsPrivate BUPA healthcareDental schemeEmployee Share Trust participationEV car salary sacrifice schemeCycle to Work schemeOn-site canteenCareer development and talent acceleration programmesEmployee assistance programme and wellbeing supportFinancial planning supportVolunteering opportunitiesSabbatical opportunities after qualifying serviceGenerous family-friendly policiesLife assurance