At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and manage supplier relationships in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join the UK's largest manufacturer of steel storage products, The Whittan Group.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with expert teams and work with diverse products and commodities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement decisions and drive value in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strategic sourcing; CIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 in Telford employer: Whittan
The Whittan Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Telford where innovation meets collaboration. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, you will have the opportunity to influence strategic procurement decisions while working alongside expert teams. Enjoy a hybrid working pattern that promotes work-life balance, and be part of a leading manufacturer that values your contributions and fosters a culture of excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager in Telford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. 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 products. Understand their market position and be ready to discuss how your skills in strategic sourcing can add value to their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your achievements! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships in previous roles.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager in Telford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Strategic Sourcing & Commodity Manager role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, and don’t forget to mention any relevant qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background makes you a perfect fit. Be sure to mention specific examples of your achievements in cost reduction or supplier management that relate to our needs.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills:Since this role involves a lot of data-driven decision-making, make sure to highlight your experience with cost modelling and market analysis. We love seeing candidates who can demonstrate their analytical prowess, especially if you’ve used tools like Excel or ERP systems.
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. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining The Whittan Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at Whittan
✨Know Your Commodities
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of the key commodities mentioned in the job description, like steel sections and plastics. Understanding market trends and pricing dynamics will show that you're not just familiar with the products but also passionate about them.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Sourcing Skills
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in strategic sourcing and procurement. Have specific examples ready that highlight your ability to develop sourcing strategies, conduct market analysis, and negotiate contracts. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and strategic mindset.
✨Supplier Relationships Matter
Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained strong supplier relationships in the past. Share examples of how you've evaluated suppliers and driven performance improvements. This will show that you understand the importance of collaboration in achieving business goals.
✨Data-Driven Decision Making
Since the role involves cost modelling and value analysis, be prepared to discuss how you've used data to make informed decisions. Highlight your experience with ERP systems and advanced Excel skills, as these are crucial for the role. It’ll show that you can leverage data effectively in your sourcing strategies.
