Procurement Lead

Procurement LeadTyne & Wear (on-site full-time)c.£60k + benefitsWe are working with a multi-site manufacturing business operating in complex, project-led environments, supplying engineered products into demanding industrial sectors.This is a commercially focused procurement role with a clear emphasis on supplier management, cost reduction and commercial performance. You will take ownership of key supplier relationships and spend areas, identifying opportunities to reduce cost, improve terms and strengthen supplier performance while protecting quality, service and continuity of supply.Working closely with operations, planning and wider commercial teams, you will help move the procurement function towards a more proactive, data-led approach, challenging existing arrangements, developing the supplier base and ensuring the business is achieving best overall value.This opportunity would suit an experienced procurement professional from manufacturing who is comfortable taking ownership of suppliers, leading commercial negotiations and delivering measurable cost improvements.The roleTake commercial ownership of key suppliers and procurement spend areasIdentify and deliver measurable cost-saving and cost-avoidance opportunitiesLead supplier negotiations covering pricing, contracts, payment terms and wider commercial agreementsReview existing supplier arrangements and challenge historical pricing and commercial termsAnalyse spend, pricing and supplier data to identify opportunities for consolidation, renegotiation and improved valueLead RFQs, RFPs, benchmarking and competitive tender activitiesDevelop and maintain strong strategic relationships with key suppliersMonitor supplier performance across cost, quality, delivery and serviceLead supplier reviews and improvement activity where performance falls below expectationsIdentify opportunities to rationalise and strengthen the existing supplier baseSupport sourcing and supplier selection for new products, projects and business requirementsManage commercial risk within supplier contracts and agreementsWork closely with operations and planning to balance cost objectives with supply continuity and operational requirementsImprove procurement reporting, processes and commercial visibility across the businessUse ERP/MRP systems and Excel to support spend analysis, supplier performance and commercial decision makingThe personEstablished procurement experience within a manufacturing environmentStrong track record of delivering cost savings through negotiation, sourcing and supplier managementConfident managing senior relationships with suppliers and challenging existing commercial arrangementsExperience negotiating supplier contracts, pricing and commercial termsStrong understanding of supplier performance management and developmentCommercially minded with the ability to identify and quantify cost-saving opportunitiesStrong analytical skills with confidence working with spend and procurement dataAdvanced Excel skills would be advantageousHighly organised, proactive and comfortable taking ownership of projects and supplier relationshipsStrong communication skills with the ability to influence both suppliers and internal stakeholdersDegree or CIPS qualification would be advantageousExperience within a high-volume or complex manufacturing environment would be beneficialWe are supporting several clients across the region with similar requirements. Suitable applicants may also be considered for comparable opportunities.This vacancy is advertised by Continuum Recruitment Group Ltd, acting as a recruitment agency. We are committed to equal opportunities and welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals. By applying, you consent to your data being processed in accordance with our Privacy Policy, available on request.