At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global sourcing strategies for electronics and drive supply chain transformation.
- Company: Dynamic electronics manufacturing firm with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, private medical insurance, and life assurance.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of global electronics procurement and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and strong understanding of electronics manufacturing.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Strategic Procurement Specialist to lead the development and execution of a global sourcing strategy for electronics, PCBAs, contract manufacturing, and complete box-build solutions. This is a unique opportunity to take ownership of a global electronics sourcing strategy and play a critical role in shaping future manufacturing capabilities. You will have the opportunity to influence major strategic decisions, build global supplier partnerships, and deliver meaningful operational and commercial improvements across an international business. This is a high-impact role that will drive the transformation of a global electronics supply chain from a fragmented regional purchasing model into a coordinated, scalable, and resilient global procurement function. You will work cross-functionally with Engineering, Operations, Supply Chain, Quality, and Commercial teams to deliver cost optimisation, supply continuity, manufacturing excellence, and strategic supplier partnerships.
Key Responsibilities:
- Developing and implementing global sourcing strategies for electronic components, PCBAs, EMS providers, and box-build manufacturing.
- Creating multi-year category roadmaps aligned with business growth and manufacturing objectives.
- Consolidating supplier spend and leverage global purchasing power.
- Standardising sourcing methodologies, supplier selection criteria, and commercial agreements.
- Balancing cost, quality, innovation, service performance, and supply chain risk within category strategies.
Electronics Supply Chain Transformation
- Leading the transition towards a globally coordinated electronics manufacturing strategy.
- Driving the evolution from component sourcing to complete box-build solutions where commercially beneficial.
- Evaluating make-versus-buy opportunities and manufacturing transfer initiatives.
- Working with engineering teams to improve design-for-manufacture and supply chain efficiency.
- Simplifying and optimising the supplier base through rationalisation and standardisation activities.
Contract Manufacturing & Supplier Development
- Building and manage a network of strategic Electronics Manufacturing Services (EMS) and box-build partners.
- Identifying, assess, negotiate, and onboard new manufacturing partners globally.
- Ensuring suppliers can meet quality, capacity, geographic, and operational requirements.
- Developing supplier scorecards, performance reviews, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Leading executive-level supplier relationship management and escalation processes.
Strategic Sourcing & Commercial Leadership
- Leading global sourcing activities, RFQs, supplier selection, and commercial negotiations.
- Negotiating framework agreements, manufacturing contracts, and service-level agreements.
- Delivering measurable cost savings, cost avoidance, and value engineering initiatives.
- Conducting total cost of ownership analysis and identify sourcing alternatives.
- Collaborating with Finance to validate savings and business value delivery.
Risk Management & Supply Chain Resilience
- Develop dual-source and regional sourcing strategies.
- Identify and mitigate geopolitical, operational, regulatory, and supplier risks.
- Support business continuity planning and contingency strategies.
- Strengthen supply chain resilience through proactive supplier and risk management.
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience in Strategic Procurement, Category Management, Commodity Management, or Supply Chain Strategy.
- Background within electronics manufacturing, EMS, PCBA, contract manufacturing, or industrial technology.
- Strong understanding of electronic components, PCBAs, manufacturing processes, and box-build assembly.
- Proven experience leading international sourcing initiatives and supplier negotiations.
- Strong commercial acumen, analytical capability, and strategic thinking skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior leadership level.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including data analysis and reporting.
- Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving manufacturing environment.
Benefits of the SupplyChain Manager role include:
- 60,000-70,000
- Up to 7% matched pension
- PMI
- Group life assurance
- Group income protection
Strategic Procurement Specialist – Electronics 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Specialist – Electronics in Reading
✨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 Procurement Heads.
✨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 Strategic Procurement Specialist – Electronics in Reading
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 Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨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 Procurement Heads!
✨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 Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads's culture.
