At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships in a growing manufacturing environment.
- Company: Dynamic SME focused on innovation and growth in the manufacturing sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and drive improvements in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising supply chains and supporting business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience, strong communication skills, and a hands-on approach.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Role
We are looking for a seasoned Procurement Manager with a strong background in manufacturing and supply chain management to take ownership of procurement activity across the business.
This is an important role, particularly as the business prepares for a significant increase in order intake.
The successful candidate will ensure that procurement processes, suppliers and supply chains are equipped to support demand, while working closely with internal departments to ensure projects move efficiently from design through to supply chain.
You will be responsible for developing and establishing new supply chains, managing supplier relationships and ensuring materials and components are sourced effectively, competitively and on time.
The role will suit someone who is comfortable working within an SME environment, can operate both strategically and hands-on, and has the experience to make a real difference within a growing manufacturing business.
Key Responsibilities
- Take ownership of the procurement function, ensuring it can support increasing order volumes and business demands.
- Manage the procurement process from design handover through to supply chain, ensuring requirements are clearly communicated and actioned.
- Work closely with the design and engineering teams to ensure all relevant information is transferred effectively into the supply chain.
- Develop, establish and manage new supply chains to support business growth and operational requirements.
- Identify, source and onboard new suppliers, both locally and internationally.
- Explore and establish overseas sourcing opportunities, including working with agencies or partners managing Chinese suppliers.
- Build and maintain strong supplier relationships, ensuring quality, cost and delivery expectations are achieved.
- Manage supplier performance, lead times, pricing and purchasing activity.
- Ensure the effective use of the company's ERP system to manage purchasing, orders, stock and supplier information.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to ensure procurement activity aligns with production schedules and customer delivery requirements.
- Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supply chain efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Support the business through a period of increased order intake and continued growth.
About You
We are looking for an experienced procurement professional who can bring structure, knowledge and commercial awareness to the role. Ideally, you will have:
- Proven experience in a Procurement Manager or senior procurement position.
- A strong background in manufacturing and industrial supply chains.
- Experience using ERP systems and managing purchasing processes through an ERP platform.
- A good understanding of the relationship between design, engineering, procurement and production.
- Experience establishing new supply chains and developing supplier networks.
- Experience sourcing internationally and managing overseas suppliers; knowledge of Chinese supply chains would be advantageous.
- The ability to manage increased order volumes while maintaining control of cost, quality and delivery.
- Experience working within an SME environment, where a flexible, hands-on approach is essential.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Excellent organisational, negotiation and problem-solving abilities.
- A proactive approach, with the confidence to take ownership and drive improvements.
- What We Are Looking For
This is an opportunity for an experienced individual who can come into the business, understand existing processes and quickly make an impact.
You will be a confident communicator who can build relationships across the business and externally with suppliers.
You will also be comfortable working independently, identifying opportunities and putting the right supply chain processes in place to support future growth.
Previous experience within a manufacturing SME would be particularly beneficial.
- Salary & Benefits
- Salary of 50,000- 55,000 depending on experience.
- January start preferred, ideally allowing for a handover period.
- Initially office-based to support onboarding and integration into the business.
- Greater flexibility around working arrangements once established in the role.
- The opportunity to take ownership of procurement and make a tangible contribution to a growing manufacturing business.
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Procurement Manager (FTC) employer: Vantage Consulting
Vantage Consulting is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London where innovation meets sustainability. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills and advance your career within a supportive team that values collaboration and excellence. Enjoy the benefits of a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and the chance to contribute to meaningful projects that drive energy efficiency and building performance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager (FTC)
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager (FTC)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Vantage Consulting that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Vantage Consulting can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Vantage Consulting that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Vantage Consulting know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage Consulting
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
