At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead supplier governance and improve procurement processes for impactful operations.
- Company: Join Tradebe, a leader in sustainability and circular economy.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus, pension, and wellness perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in environmental sustainability while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
Discover Tradebe. Tradebe is a group of industrial businesses with the commitment of creating a more sustainable planet and making significant contributions to human wellbeing. In the UK, we are leaders focused on recycling, energy recovery and circular economy, managing all different environmental liabilities in a sustainable way.
What will you do? Make an impact! As Procurement & Commercial Support Manager, you'll support site operations by improving supplier governance, commercial control, and cost transparency across operational spend, maintenance activity, and shutdown-related work. Working closely with site leadership, Operations, Maintenance, Engineering, Finance, Procurement, and SHEQ, you'll help ensure supplier decisions are commercially sound, risk-aware, and well documented, while keeping processes practical for a busy operational environment.
What you'll be doing:
- Leading site-level supplier governance, reviewing performance, capability, compliance, risk, and overall value.
- Supporting supplier negotiations, framework agreements, benchmarking, and alternative sourcing activity.
- Reviewing and challenging scopes, quotations, rate structures, labour hours, materials charges, variations, and invoices.
- Providing procurement and commercial support for shutdowns, major maintenance activity, and high-value operational work.
- Introducing practical procurement processes, including approval routes, quote evaluations, change records, and supplier performance measures.
- Driving continuous improvement while ensuring procurement supports operations rather than slowing them down.
Do you have what it takes?
- Experience in procurement, commercial, contract, or supplier management within an industrial, operational, engineering, or maintenance environment.
- Understanding of labour-based contracts, cost-plus pricing, materials procurement, and maintenance or engineering operations.
- Experience negotiating with suppliers and managing commercial agreements.
- Confidence reviewing and challenging costs, invoices, scopes, commercial terms, and supporting documentation.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build trust and challenge appropriately across site teams, contractors, and stakeholders.
- Able to work effectively in fast-paced operational environments.
Desirable skills:
- Experience supporting plant shutdowns, major maintenance activity, or high-value operational projects.
- Engineering, technical, quantity surveying, or commercial operations background.
- Knowledge of SAP or similar ERP systems.
- Experience in regulated, high-risk, industrial, environmental, or waste management environments.
We expect from you to be accountable, drive results, embrace change, and demonstrate high levels of collaboration!
What's in for you?
- Competitive salary
- Bonus
- 6% contributory pension
- A range of benefits, including access to our benefits platform for discounts and cashback on shopping purchases, gyms and leisure activities, cycle to work scheme, and a dedicated wellbeing centre.
Ready to make a difference? Apply now!
Tradebe is committed to guaranteeing selection processes based on merit and skills free of any bias based on age, gender, sexual orientation, religion, or nationality. We believe in equal opportunities, and we work for it.
Procurement & Commercial Support Manager in Southampton employer: Tradebe
Tradebe is an exceptional employer that prioritises sustainability and employee wellbeing, making it a leader in the recycling and energy recovery sector. As a Procurement & Commercial Support Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values accountability and continuous improvement, while enjoying competitive salaries, bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your personal and professional growth. Join us in making a meaningful impact on the planet and your career at our dynamic UK operations.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Commercial Support Manager in Southampton
✨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 Tradebe.
✨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 Procurement & Commercial Support Manager in Southampton
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 Tradebe:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Tradebe. 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 Tradebe.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradebe
✨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 Tradebe!
✨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 Tradebe. 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 Tradebe's culture.
