At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies, negotiate with suppliers, and enhance product range for profitability.
- Company: Join a growing business that values procurement as a key driver of success.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, workplace pension, free parking, and birthday vouchers.
- Other info: Potential for permanent position and excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business growth and supplier relationships in a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles with strong negotiation skills.
Salary: £40,000 per annum
Contract: Maternity Cover 9 to 12 months, with potential to become permanent
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced, commercially minded Procurement Lead to join our growing team on a maternity cover basis for approximately 9 to 12 months. There is also the potential for the position to become permanent, should the existing post holder not return. This is a key role within our business and an exciting opportunity for someone who combines strong procurement expertise with excellent business acumen. You will play a central role in improving profitability, developing our supplier relationships, expanding our product range and ensuring we have the right products, at the right price, at the right time.
Working within a small team of three, you will supervise a Buyer and Administrator and work closely with our Commercial Manager and Buying Team, who focus primarily on stock replenishment. We are looking for someone who is confident making commercial decisions, is not afraid to negotiate hard, and can identify opportunities to reduce costs, increase gross profit (GP) and improve overall business performance.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier & Procurement Management
- Build and maintain strong, strategic relationships with our key UK suppliers.
- Develop closer partnerships with our top suppliers to drive improved pricing, terms and higher gross profit.
- Negotiate confidently and commercially to secure the best possible deals for the business.
- Identify opportunities for retrospective rebates, improved margins, discounts and other commercial benefits.
- Challenge existing supplier arrangements and seek better value wherever possible.
- Consolidate our supplier base where appropriate to improve efficiency, purchasing power and profitability.
- Manage supplier performance and address any issues relating to pricing, availability, quality or service.
- Product Range Development
- Review and continually develop our product range based on commercial performance and customer demand.
- Analyse what is selling and, importantly, what isn't and make informed decisions about which products should be expanded, reduced or discontinued.
- Identify opportunities for new products and suppliers.
- Lead the decision-making process and launches for new product lines, from initial sourcing through to introduction.
- Ensure the range remains commercially competitive and aligned with market opportunities.
- Profitability & Commercial Performance
- Take ownership of procurement decisions that directly impact cost reduction and gross profit.
- Analyse purchasing, sales and margin data to identify opportunities to improve profitability.
- Use strong commercial judgement to make decisions that benefit the wider business rather than simply focusing on purchase price.
- Continuously look for opportunities to improve supplier terms, product margins and overall profitability.
- Monitor market conditions and supplier pricing to ensure we remain commercially competitive.
- Be commercially savvy and prepared to negotiate firmly to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Stock & Supply Chain
- Oversee stocking and supply chain requirements for our top-selling products.
- Work closely with the Buying Team to ensure stock availability and continuity of supply.
- Review stockholding requirements and make commercially sensible decisions around what should be held in-house.
- Work towards reducing our reliance on direct deliveries (DD) where appropriate, in favour of holding more stock in-house to improve reliability, availability and control.
- Identify potential supply chain risks and put proactive solutions in place.
- Balance stock availability with working capital and profitability considerations.
- Team & Collaboration
- Supervise and support a small team consisting of a Buyer and Administrator.
- Work closely with the Commercial Manager to align procurement activity with wider commercial objectives.
- Collaborate with the Buying Team, who are responsible for replenishing stock, to ensure procurement and replenishment strategies work effectively together.
- Share commercial insight and supplier intelligence across the business.
- Take ownership of procurement decisions and confidently communicate recommendations to senior management.
About You
We are looking for someone who is commercially astute, confident and proactive, with the ability to see beyond the day-to-day purchasing function and understand how procurement decisions affect the wider business. You will ideally have experience in a Procurement, Buying, Purchasing or Commercial role, with a strong understanding of supplier management and negotiation.
You will be someone who:
- Has excellent business and commercial acumen.
- Is confident negotiating with suppliers and is not afraid to negotiate hard when required.
- Has a proven ability to identify opportunities to reduce costs and increase gross profit.
- Is analytical and comfortable using sales, margin and purchasing data to make informed decisions.
- Can identify trends and understand what sells, what doesn't, and why.
- Is confident making decisions and taking ownership of the outcome.
- Has strong relationship-building skills and can develop effective, long-term supplier partnerships.
- Thinks strategically while remaining hands-on and commercially practical.
- Has excellent organisational skills and can manage multiple priorities.
- Is comfortable working in a small, fast-moving team where your decisions can have a real impact.
- Has leadership experience or the confidence and ability to supervise and develop others.
Why Join Us?
This is an excellent opportunity to join a naturally growing business where procurement is recognised as a key driver of commercial success. You will have the opportunity to make a genuine difference to the business, influence our supplier strategy and product range, and take ownership of initiatives that directly improve profitability.
The package includes:
- £40,000 per annum
- Workplace pension
- Free on-site parking
- Birthday vouchers
- Long-service vouchers
- A naturally growing and ambitious business
- Excellent opportunities for career progression for the right candidate
- The potential for the role to become permanent following the maternity cover period
Procurement Manager in Nuneaton employer: Vacancy
Join a dynamic and supportive accountancy practice in Witham, Essex, where your expertise as a Senior Bookkeeper will be valued and nurtured. We offer competitive salaries, flexible working hours, and a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and development, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Nuneaton
✨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 Vacancy.
✨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 Manager in Nuneaton
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 Vacancy:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vacancy. 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 Vacancy.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vacancy
✨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 Vacancy!
✨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 Vacancy. 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 Vacancy's culture.
