At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the purchasing team and modernise procurement processes for a growing business.
- Company: Dynamic distribution company with a reputation for quality and reliability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, employee share scheme, and clear progression opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to progress to Procurement Director within three years.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement leadership and strong understanding of international trade.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 € per year.
Salary: £55,000 - £60,000 + Bonus + Benefits
Location: East Manchester (Office Based)
Start Date: ASAP
Manchester Staff are delighted to be partnering with our client, a growing and ambitious business with an exciting growth trajectory. Operating within a fast-paced distribution environment, the business has built a reputation for quality, reliability, and long-standing supplier partnerships across global markets.
As the company continues to scale, they are now looking to appoint a Procurement Lead to take ownership of the purchasing function, provide operational leadership, and help shape a more strategic, future-focused procurement capability. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced procurement professional who enjoys balancing hands-on operational involvement with long-term strategic development and who thrives in a collaborative, down-to-earth environment.
The Opportunity
As Procurement Lead, you will play a key leadership role within the purchasing function, ensuring continuity across operations while helping modernise procurement processes and strengthen supplier relationships. Working closely with the Commercial Supply Chain Director, you will support the development of a scalable procurement function capable of supporting future business growth while ensuring the business remains agile in response to evolving international trade regulations and supply chain challenges. The role also offers a genuine long-term progression pathway, with the opportunity to develop into a Procurement Director position over the next three years as the business continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and support the purchasing team, ensuring continuity across day-to-day operations and the international supply chain
- Build strong supplier relationships and support procurement strategy aligned to wider commercial goals
- Manage and monitor international trade considerations including tariffs, duties, quotas, and CBAM requirements
- Improve procurement systems, reporting, and data visibility to drive efficiency and cost control
- Coach and develop the purchasing team while helping build a scalable procurement function for future growth
About You
- Proven experience in a senior procurement or purchasing leadership role within a distribution or product-led business
- Strong understanding of international trade dynamics including duties, tariffs, import quotas, and ideally CBAM or similar regulatory frameworks
- Experience managing international supply chains, ideally including Asia, Turkey, and container logistics
- Commercially astute with strong supplier negotiation experience
- Highly systems and data-driven with advanced Excel capability and experience improving purchasing processes and reporting
- Confident working both operationally and strategically
- A hands-on leader who is willing to support the team directly when needed
- Strong people management and coaching skills with a focus on developing team capability
You'll be just as comfortable handling day-to-day purchasing challenges as you are influencing long-term procurement strategy. You'll bring structure, clarity, and continuous improvement while remaining collaborative and approachable.
If you're looking for an opportunity to shape a function, influence business direction, and progress toward a Procurement Director-level role, this could be an excellent next step.
What's on Offer
- £55,000 - £60,000 basic salary
- Bonus scheme with potential to earn 10% of basic salary
- Company employee share scheme
- Company pension scheme
- Company laptop and mobile phone
- Opportunity to shape and modernise the procurement function
- Clear progression pathway toward Procurement Director level
- Collaborative and supportive working environment
Ready to Apply?
If you're an experienced procurement professional looking for a hands-on leadership role where you can make a genuine impact while helping shape the future of a growing international business, we'd love to hear from you.
Procurement Lead in Manchester employer: Uk Staffing Group
Join a dynamic and ambitious company in East Manchester, where you will thrive in a collaborative and down-to-earth environment. As a Procurement Lead, you will not only take ownership of the purchasing function but also enjoy a clear progression pathway towards a Procurement Director role, supported by a strong emphasis on employee development and a generous benefits package including a bonus scheme and employee share options.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for new opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you understand their challenges and how you can help modernise their purchasing function. Tailor your examples to highlight your experience with international trade dynamics.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just wait for job postings! Be proactive and reach out directly to companies you admire, like ours. Express your interest in potential roles and share how your skills align with their needs. It shows initiative and could land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews with a thank-you email. Reiterate your enthusiasm for the role and mention something specific from the conversation. It keeps you top of mind and shows your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Lead in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Procurement Lead role. Highlight your experience in managing international supply chains and your understanding of trade dynamics to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of how you've led teams and improved procurement processes in the past, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for shaping our procurement function!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We want to know how you lead! In your application, give us a glimpse into your hands-on leadership approach and how you coach and develop your team. This is key for us as we look for someone who can balance operational involvement with strategic development.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity to join our growing team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Uk Staffing Group
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in a distribution environment. Be ready to discuss your experience with international trade dynamics, tariffs, and supplier negotiations. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but can also handle the complexities of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Procurement Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop a team. Prepare examples of how you've coached team members or improved team performance in the past. Highlighting your hands-on leadership style will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since the role requires strong systems and data management skills, come prepared to discuss how you've used data to drive efficiency and cost control in previous roles. Bring specific examples of how you've improved procurement processes through data analysis and reporting.
✨Align with Their Vision
Understand the company's growth trajectory and their goals for modernising the procurement function. Be ready to share your vision for how you can contribute to this journey. Showing that you’re aligned with their strategic direction will make you a more attractive candidate.
