At a Glance
- Tasks: Develop sourcing strategies for steel, plastics, and engineered components while managing supplier performance.
- Company: The Whittan Group is the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage products, serving commercial and industrial sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working pattern with up to one day per week from home and influence strategic procurement decisions.
- Other info: Position based in Telford, working 37.5 hours per week.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced engineering environment and drive real commercial impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, with CIPS qualification preferred.
The Whittan Group is the largest manufacturer of steel storage products in the United Kingdom. Through a portfolio of market-leading brands, we design, manufacture, and install innovative storage solutions for commercial and industrial environments across the UK and Europe.
Location: Telford
Hours: 37.5 hours per week
Working Pattern: Hybrid - up to 1 day per week working from home
About the Role
You’ll work in a fast‑paced, engineering‑led environment, partnering closely with internal teams and suppliers to optimise cost, ensure quality, and deliver long‑term value to the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Develop and implement sourcing strategies across key commodity areas including:
- Steel sections and tubing
- Plastics and injection moulding
- Fasteners and engineered components
- Paints and coatings (wet & dry systems)
- Outsourced finishing and roll forming
- Lead end‑to‑end sourcing activities including RFQs, negotiations and contract awards
- Conduct market analysis, benchmarking and cost modelling to identify savings opportunities
- Supplier Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers aligned with business needs
- Monitor and drive supplier performance across cost, quality and delivery
- Build and maintain strong, strategic supplier relationships
- Cost & Commercial Management
- Deliver cost reduction and value improvement initiatives
- Apply should‑cost modelling and value engineering techniques
- Monitor commodity markets (particularly steel and related materials) and mitigate risk
- Manage contracts, pricing agreements and commercial exposure
- Risk & Compliance
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks
- Support business continuity planning
- Ensure supplier compliance with environmental, ethical and regulatory standards
Essential
- Proven experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or commodity management
- Experience with cost modelling, value analysis and data‑driven decision‑making
- Experience using ERP systems (e.g. SAP)
- CIPS qualification or equivalent
Desirable
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent
- Experience within a commodity buyer or strategic sourcing role
- Advanced Excel skills (analysis, reporting, modelling)
- Experience managing global supplier relationships
- Strong understanding of market trends and commodity pricing dynamics
Why Join The Whittan Group?
- Be part of the UK’s leading steel storage manufacturer
- Work with a diverse range of products and commodities
- Influence strategic procurement decisions at scale
- Collaborate with expert teams across engineering and operations
- Opportunity to drive real commercial impact in a growing business
Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager employer: Whittan
The Whittan Group, located in Telford, offers a hybrid work model and opportunities to collaborate with expert teams. As the leading steel storage manufacturer in the UK, employees can influence significant procurement decisions and drive value in a diverse product range.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager
✨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 Whittan.
✨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 Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager
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 Whittan:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Whittan. 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 Whittan.
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittan
✨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 Whittan!
✨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 Whittan. 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 Whittan's culture.
