Operations & Procurement Manager in Oxford

The Operations Manager is responsible for leading and optimising the company’s end-to-end operational performance with the core role of proactively managing Procurement and Integrated Business Planning (IBP) with oversight and management of Logistics and Customer Services to ensure product availability, customer deliveries, cost efficiency through excellent planning, implementing lean stock management strategies and ensuring deadlines are met whilst aligning with UK & fiwe business objectives.

A strong leader & effective communicator to drive change, create a lean and motivated working environment.

Qualified in Supply Chain Management (CIPS/CPSM preferred) with 3 – 5 years management experience in a similar environment which includes international imports and custom controls.

Setting clear objectives, performance measures and accountability across the team.

Procurement & Supply:

• Own and lead the UK Procurement Strategy working closely with fiwe (80%) and third-party (20%) suppliers.
• Manage price increases.
• Management of the procurement department within the UK business to ensure all policies are adhered to on a day-to-day basis.
• Ongoing professional and self-development and knowledge updates for Procurement Team and reporting line, ensuring day to day tasks are carried out and ad hoc purchasing duties are supported getting hands on as required.
• Conduct monthly meetings with Sales & Technical Directors, Product Manager & Finance Controller on stock development, accuracy, availability and forecasting.
• Accurate forecast and demand planning whilst working closely with the business and the client project requirements.
• Ensuring that the procurement department achieves agreed KPI’s to maximise the level of service to stakeholders.
• S&OP Co-Ordinator for the business.
• Key contact for Company Logistic SAP System, ensuring procurement staff are fully trained, system is maintained and updated, and we are best able to utilise all available tools and reports.
• To support the Department Managers and Procurement Team to ensure all purchasing activities are fulfilled as per the Global Purchasing Organisation standard.
• Liaise with parent company on supply, pricing, and availability.
• Source and manage supplier relationships, including negotiations, quality, safety and SLAs.
• Ensure all third-party suppliers adhere to group purchasing policy.
• Monitor supplier performance and drive improvements.

IBP Planning & Forecasting:

• Own and lead the IBP process across all functions.
• Develop demand forecasts using data and sales input.
• Align supply with demand to maintain service levels and stock efficiency.
• Run monthly IBP meetings and manage risks/opportunities.

Logistics, Inventory & Cost Control (Reporting & Oversight):

• Optimise stock levels and reduce slow-moving inventory replenishing as necessary.
• Oversee inbound logistics, international freight, customs clearance and UK distribution activities with the Logistics Co-Ordinator.
• Ensure management of third-party logistics providers and carriers is delegated to achieve on time in full (OTIF) Targets and create a strategy to ensure compliance and cost effectiveness.
• Deliver cost control through effective purchasing.
• Develop & implement inventory control systems & practices.
• Support stock accuracy and inventory turnover working with the Logistics Co-Ordinator.
• Support budgeting with accurate procurement data.
• Championing our Process System to drive continuous improvement in logistics, service levels and cost controls.

Customer Services Leadership (Reporting & Oversight):

• Oversee the Customer Services function to ensure excellent order processing, communication, and issue resolution.
• Set and monitor service KPIs such as order accuracy, response times, claims and customer satisfaction.
• Act as the escalation point for operationally driven customer issues.
• Ensure strong collaboration between Operations Department and all areas of the business.

Systems & Collaboration:

• Proficient in SAP or similar Databases.
• Maintain accurate SAP data and reporting.
• Strong use and knowledge of excel analysis and reports.
• Work with Sales, Marketing, Finance, and Operations to align plans.
• Support product launches with sourcing and stock readiness.

Compliance:

• Ensure adherence to company policies and UK regulations.
• Maintain supplier compliance, ethical & quality standards I.W.A. QA Policy.
• Maintaining and updating records of purchase orders, pricing reports and inventory records.
• For the health, safety and wellbeing of self, department & visitors.

Authorities:

• Negotiate supplier terms, pricing, lead times, minimum order quantities and select third-party suppliers & support Department Managers with their suppliers and negotiations.
• Make purchasing decisions based on forecasts and IBP outputs.
• Implement procurement and planning improvements.
• Challenge demand forecasts and escalate supply risks.

Accountabilities:

• Agreeing contract costs in line with DOA.
• IBP effectiveness and forecast accuracy.
• Product availability and service levels.
• Inventory performance (stock turns, slow movers).
• Cost savings and supplier performance.
• Data accuracy and supply chain risk management.
• Maintaining SAP system ensuring up to date information.
• For proactive management & development of purchasing department.
• Ensuring teams PDP’s are completed in accordance with Company processes.
• Monitor pricing fluctuations and ensure all increases over agreed levels are communicated with the MD before orders placed.

Key KPIs:

• Forecast Accuracy.
• Stock availability.
• Stock Turns.
• Inventory Value.
• OTIF delivery performance.
• Cost Savings.
• Reduce Slow-Moving Stock %.