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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and evolve direct materials procurement for a top engineering firm.
- Company: Kilnbridge, a leading UK engineering and construction specialist.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic construction setting with strategic leadership.
- Qualifications: Experience in direct procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Join a company that values integrity, teamwork, and excellence.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Referment is partnering with Kilnbridge, a leading UK engineering and construction specialist, to appoint a Direct Procurement Manager to lead and evolve its direct materials procurement function. This is a senior, high-impact role offering real ownership across strategy, supplier frameworks, and team leadership within a complex, fast-moving construction environment.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Group Head of Procurement, you will take responsibility for all direct procurement activities across the Kilnbridge Group, managing a team of buyers and working closely with bid and project teams to deliver commercial value, manage risk, and strengthen supply chain performance. This role blends hands-on procurement delivery with strategic leadership, supporting Kilnbridge's ongoing procurement maturity and transformation journey.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Direct Materials Procurement team
- Establish and manage group-wide supplier agreements and frameworks
- Negotiate commercial terms, SLAs, and KPIs
- Drive risk mitigation and cost optimisation initiatives
- Use market intelligence to inform procurement strategy
- Partner with senior stakeholders across projects, finance, H&S, quality, and sustainability
- Champion continuous improvement, innovation, and best practice
About You
- Strong experience in direct procurement within construction or engineering
- Proven track record delivering 1–3 year procurement strategies
- Confident negotiator with solid contractual and legal knowledge
- Experienced people leader with a collaborative, performance-driven mindset
- CSCS qualified (CIPS desirable, not essential)
- Comfortable operating in high-stakes, stakeholder-heavy environments
Role Details
- Location: Head Office – E16, London
- Hours: 08:30 – 17:30 (flexibility required)
- Contract: PAYE (monthly)
Why Kilnbridge?
Kilnbridge is known for its commitment to integrity, teamwork, safety, and excellence - delivering technically complex projects while investing in its people and supply chain partnerships.
Direct Procurement Manager (App: 3a1b6) employer: Referment
Contact Detail:
Referment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Direct Procurement Manager (App: 3a1b6)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and engineering sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself to potential employers. Remember, it’s all about who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Kilnbridge and their procurement strategies. Understand their projects and challenges, and think about how your experience can add value. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re the one they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Direct Procurement Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Direct Procurement Manager (App: 3a1b6)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Direct Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in direct procurement within construction or engineering, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and any relevant achievements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for Kilnbridge. Mention specific examples of how you've driven procurement strategies and improved supplier relationships in the past.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills: Since this role involves negotiating commercial terms and SLAs, make sure to highlight your negotiation successes. Share stories that demonstrate your confidence and ability to achieve favourable outcomes.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on the path to joining our team at Kilnbridge!
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your direct procurement knowledge, especially within the construction or engineering sectors. Be ready to discuss your past experiences and how they relate to the role at Kilnbridge. Highlight specific strategies you've implemented and the outcomes they achieved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Direct Procurement Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on collaboration and performance-driven results. Think about how you can demonstrate your ability to inspire and develop others.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Negotiation is key in this role, so come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Be ready to discuss your approach to establishing commercial terms, SLAs, and KPIs. This will show that you understand the importance of these elements in driving value.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Kilnbridge values strong stakeholder relationships, so think about how you've partnered with various teams in previous roles. Prepare to discuss how you’ve navigated high-stakes environments and managed risks while delivering commercial value. This will highlight your ability to work effectively across different functions.
