At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitability by managing supplier relationships and analysing operational costs.
- Company: Growing logistics business with a direct line to the Managing Director.
- Benefits: Salary up to £40,000, permanent role, and opportunities for influence.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with potential for career growth and visibility across the business.
- Why this job: Shape a brand-new role with significant impact on business decisions.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial awareness and experience in procurement or supplier management.
A broad, commercially influential role with visibility across an entire business, and a direct line to the Managing Director. This is a brand-new Business Operations & Procurement Lead role with a growing logistics business, based in Gosport.
As a Business Operations & Procurement Lead you will sit at the intersection of finance, operations and procurement, helping drive the profitability and performance of a growing logistics business. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will manage supplier relationships, control expenditure, negotiate freight and commercial agreements, analyse where the business makes and loses money, and turn that insight into real savings. It is a varied, hands-on commercial role with genuine influence, where you own the supplier network, the freight spend and the recovery of what the business is owed. If you are commercially sharp, enjoy finding the value others miss and want a role you can shape and make your own, this newly created position offers exactly that.
Job Responsibilities
- Analysing customer profitability, supplier expenditure and operational costs to improve margins and reduce spend
- Producing commercial reporting and management information to support decision-making
- Reviewing customer pricing structures to protect and improve profitability
- Overseeing purchasing activities across all departments and sourcing new suppliers and solutions
- Negotiating supplier contracts and commercial agreements, and running tenders and contract reviews
- Developing supplier performance measures and monitoring service delivery
- Identifying opportunities to consolidate suppliers and leverage the company's purchasing power
- Managing relationships with freight providers and courier partners, and negotiating freight rates
- Reviewing freight spend, challenging cost increases and sourcing alternative carriers where needed
- Managing supplier claims, disputes and recoveries, and securing credits, rebates and refunds
- Working closely with finance to ensure supplier costs and recoveries are accurately recorded
- Coordinating business travel and accommodation, negotiating preferred rates and value for money
- Supporting business improvement initiatives and developing procurement policies and procedures
Skills and Experience
- Strong commercial awareness and business acumen
- Experience managing suppliers, procurement activities or business services
- Experience analysing financial and operational information and presenting business data
- Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills
- Excellent organisational and problem-solving abilities
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills
- The ability to work across multiple departments and competing priorities
- A track record of identifying cost savings and process improvements
- Procurement experience, which is desirable
- Logistics or transport industry experience, which is desirable
- An understanding of supplier contract management and experience managing claims or disputes, which is desirable
- Experience with Business Central or a similar system, which is desirable
Pay and Benefits
- Salary up to £40,000
- 40-hour working week
- Permanent, head office-based role in Gosport, with occasional travel
- Newly created role you can shape and make your own
- Direct exposure to senior leadership and influence over key business decisions
Ready to apply? Broad commercial roles with this much scope and this much visibility do not come along often, and being the first person to hold it means you get to define it. You would work alongside the Managing Director, influence decisions across the whole business, and see the direct impact of your work on profitability and performance. If you are a commercially minded Business Operations & Procurement Lead ready to take ownership, apply now.
Business Operations & Procurement Lead in Newtown employer: Recruit Mint
Join our dynamic team in St Neots, Cambridgeshire, where we prioritise employee growth and a supportive work culture. As a Manufacturing Unload Operator, you'll benefit from competitive pay, structured shifts that allow for a healthy work-life balance, and ample opportunities for career development in a stable and expanding environment. We value your contributions and are committed to fostering a workplace where you can thrive and build a meaningful career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Business Operations & Procurement Lead in Newtown
✨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 Recruit Mint.
✨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 Business Operations & Procurement Lead in Newtown
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 Recruit Mint:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Recruit Mint. 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 Recruit Mint.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recruit Mint
✨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 Recruit Mint!
✨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 Recruit Mint. 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 Recruit Mint's culture.
