At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global sourcing strategies and build strategic supplier partnerships.
- Company: Dynamic global supply chain organisation with a focus on transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and group life assurance.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for business transformation and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of logistics and make a real impact in a global setting.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Berkshire
Type: Permanent
Salary: 60,000-70,000
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement Specialist to lead the development and execution of global sourcing strategies across a broad portfolio of third-party products, logistics, distribution, consumables, indirect operational categories, and other non-electronic spend areas. This is an exciting opportunity to influence the future direction of a global supply chain organisation. You will have the autonomy to build strategic supplier partnerships, develop world-class logistics capabilities, and lead transformation initiatives that deliver lasting commercial and operational value. If you’re passionate about procurement excellence, supply chain strategy, and global business improvement, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a strategic, transformation-focused role responsible for shaping global supplier partnerships, optimising logistics networks, driving supplier consolidation, and delivering scalable fulfilment solutions that support continued international growth. Working closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Sales, Engineering, Product Management, and Finance teams, you will play a critical role in building an integrated and resilient global supply network.
Key Responsibilities:
- Global Category Management
- Developing and implementing sourcing strategies across a diverse portfolio including third-party products, mechanical components, consumables, packaging, MRO, indirect operational spend, and other procurement categories.
- Creating category roadmaps aligned to business growth objectives.
- Consolidating spend and leverage global purchasing power.
- Delivering supplier rationalisation and standardisation initiatives.
- Establishing preferred supplier programmes and global pricing frameworks.
- Supplier & Third-Party Product Strategy
- Building strategic relationships with global suppliers and OEM partners.
- Leading supplier qualification, selection, onboarding, and performance management activities.
- Identifying opportunities to improve quality, service, supply continuity, and commercial performance.
- Aligning sourcing strategies with market requirements and business objectives.
- Logistics & Distribution Network Development
- Developing and supporting the implementation of a future-state global logistics strategy.
- Evaluating distribution models and fulfilment networks across multiple international regions.
- Improving lead times, logistics efficiency, customer responsiveness, and service performance.
- Supporting logistics network design and long-term supply chain capability planning.
- Distribution, Warehousing & Logistics Partner Management
- Leading the selection and management of distribution partners and logistics providers.
- Evaluating and implement 2PL and 3PL solutions.
- Developing service-level agreements and performance metrics.
- Assessing vendor-managed inventory, consignment, and replenishment models.
- Establishing scalable warehousing and fulfilment strategies to support global growth.
- Trade Compliance & Logistics Governance
- Supporting international trade compliance and import/export activities.
- Evaluating customs duties, tariffs, trade agreements, and country-of-origin requirements.
- Working with specialist advisors and logistics providers to ensure compliance.
- Driving initiatives that optimise landed costs and improve global supply chain efficiency.
- Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Leadership
- Leading RFQs, sourcing exercises, supplier benchmarking, and contract negotiations.
- Developing total cost of ownership models to support sourcing decisions.
- Delivering measurable cost reduction and value improvement programmes.
- Negotiating commercial agreements, pricing structures, and service contracts.
- Supply Chain Risk & Continuous Improvement
- Identifying and mitigating supply chain, operational, and supplier risks.
- Developing dual-sourcing and contingency strategies.
- Monitoring supplier stability and performance.
- Leading responses to supply disruptions and support business continuity planning.
- Driving procurement and logistics transformation initiatives across the organisation.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience in Strategic Procurement, Category Management, Global Sourcing, or Supply Chain Strategy.
- Experience managing complex global supplier portfolios.
- Strong knowledge of procurement best practice, logistics operations, and supply chain optimisation.
- Demonstrable success negotiating supplier agreements and delivering commercial value.
- Strong analytical, commercial, planning, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience delivering business transformation and change initiatives.
- Excellent communication and influencing abilities, with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office skills.
- Able to perform effectively in a fast-paced and evolving business environment.
Benefits of the Supply Chain Manager role include: 60,000-70,000, Up to 7% matched pension, PMI, Group life assurance, Group income protection.
Senior Procurement Specialist – Logistics in Reading employer: Procurement Heads
Join a forward-thinking global industrial technology and machinery business that values innovation and transformation. With a dynamic work culture that encourages problem-solving and strategic thinking, you'll have the chance to shape global sourcing strategies and build impactful supplier partnerships. Located in Berkshire, UK, this role offers significant travel opportunities and a comprehensive benefits package, including private medical insurance and a matched pension scheme, making it an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful career growth.
