Indirect Purchasing Manager
Indirect Purchasing Manager

Indirect Purchasing Manager

Full-Time 40000 - 45000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
W Talent

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead indirect procurement processes and collaborate with cross-functional teams to optimise costs.
  • Company: Join a leading flexible packaging manufacturer focused on sustainable solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, strong benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and drive efficiency in a dynamic manufacturing environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication abilities.
  • Other info: Opportunity to work in a collaborative culture with a focus on continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 45000 £ per year.

W Talent is delighted to be partnering with a leading flexible packaging manufacturer based in Gainsborough, specialising in high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions for food, medical, industrial, and consumer goods markets. They are now seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Manager to support operations at their Gainsborough manufacturing facility.

The successful candidate will lead the development and continuous improvement of indirect procurement and purchasing processes, working closely with operations, engineering, finance, and supply chain teams to optimise cost, enhance supplier performance, and ensure uninterrupted site operations. This position plays a critical role in driving efficiency, cost control, and cross-functional collaboration across the Gainsborough and Burnley sites, while also supporting selected direct categories such as inks and solvents.

Key Responsibilities
  • Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Technical, and Commercial teams, working closely with the Procurement function to deliver an effective indirect procurement strategy across both sites.
  • Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of indirect procurement processes and systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned to business needs.
  • Develop and embed category management strategies across indirect spend areas including MRO, services, CapEx, utilities, logistics, and facilities.
  • Support and contribute to SIOP-related activities where indirect procurement impacts operational planning and delivery.
  • Work closely with senior procurement leadership and stakeholders to analyse spend data, supplier performance, and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities.
  • Conduct detailed spend analysis across indirect categories, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to drive efficiency and value.
  • Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring delivery against agreed KPIs, SLAs, and contractual obligations.
  • Lead contract negotiations and renewals for key indirect categories, ensuring commercial value and risk mitigation.
  • Support procurement activities relating to inks and solvents, ensuring alignment with production requirements and cost targets.
  • Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, supplier performance, and cost management.
  • Develop and manage demand planning and purchasing strategies for indirect categories to ensure continuity of supply.
  • Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives, including supplier consolidation and process efficiencies.
  • Monitor, report, and improve supplier performance, service delivery, and material/service availability.
  • Promote best practice and a culture of continuous improvement across procurement and supplier management activities.
Key Requirements
  • Experience in procurement, supply chain, or indirect purchasing within a manufacturing or industrial environment.
  • Strong knowledge of ERP systems and procurement tools.
  • Experience in supplier management, contract negotiation, and category management.
  • Proven ability to analyse data and deliver actionable insight.
  • Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders at all levels.
  • Strong strategic and tactical thinking capability.
  • Excellent project management and organisational skills.
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders.
  • Ability to work in a confidential and professional manner.
  • High attention to detail with a thorough and accurate approach.
  • Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively.
  • Calm under pressure with a proactive, positive, and 'can do' attitude.
  • CIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable.

A competitive salary starting between £40,000 and £45,000 plus a strong benefits package is on offer. The role is based in Gainsborough with responsibility supporting the Burnley site. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement strategy, driving cost efficiencies, and enhancing supplier performance within a dynamic and operationally diverse manufacturing environment.

Indirect Purchasing Manager employer: W Talent

Join a leading flexible packaging manufacturer in Gainsborough, where innovation meets sustainability. As an Indirect Purchasing Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values continuous improvement and employee development, offering competitive salaries and a robust benefits package. This role not only allows you to shape procurement strategies but also provides unique opportunities for professional growth within a dynamic manufacturing environment.
W Talent

Contact Detail:

W Talent Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Indirect Purchasing Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their products and values, especially in sustainable packaging. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As an Indirect Purchasing Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen your skills before the big day.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.

We think you need these skills to ace Indirect Purchasing Manager

Indirect Procurement
Supplier Management
Contract Negotiation
Category Management
Data Analysis
ERP Systems
Procurement Tools
Project Management
Communication Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Attention to Detail
Strategic Thinking
Tactical Thinking
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Indirect Purchasing Manager. Highlight your experience in procurement and any specific achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your experience with supplier management and cost-saving initiatives, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for working with us at StudySmarter.

Showcase Your Skills: In your application, make sure to highlight your strong analytical skills and project management experience. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to drive efficiency and improve processes, so give us some examples!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at W Talent

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around indirect purchasing. Understand the key responsibilities of the role and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, like supplier management and contract negotiations.

✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills

Be prepared to talk about your experience with data analysis. They’ll want to know how you've used spend data to identify trends and opportunities in the past. Bring examples of how your insights led to cost-saving initiatives or improved supplier performance.

✨Demonstrate Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role involves working closely with various teams. Think of specific instances where you’ve collaborated with operations, finance, or engineering. Highlight how you’ve driven efficiency and enhanced supplier performance through teamwork.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific procurement challenges. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making skills in scenarios related to supplier performance issues or contract negotiations. This will show them you can think strategically under pressure.

Indirect Purchasing Manager
W Talent

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