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Procurement Manager

Nigel Wright Group

The Company

Lead procurement for a fast‑paced manufacturing business at a pivotal point in its growth.

We are supporting a successful, manufacturing organisation to appoint a Procurement Manager into a newly defined role. This is a hands‑on opportunity to take ownership of procurement across a lean, high‑performing operation, with genuine influence at senior level.

The business operates in a fast-paced environment and is actively working to diversify its customer and sector exposure. Procurement plays a critical role in supporting that strategy.

The client offers a hybrid-working model - c3 days per week on site/2 days working remotely.

The Opportunity

The Procurement Manager will lead and develop the Procurement Function, covering both direct and indirect spend. This is a broad role balancing strategy, supplier management and operational delivery.

You will

  • Lead all procurement activity across the business
  • Balance strategic supplier development with hands‑on purchasing when required
  • Manage a small, experienced team (materials and purchasing)
  • Own supplier relationships, performance and change management
  • Support business planning through cost analysis, reporting and supplier insight
  • Coordinate RFQs, supplier selection and nomination activities
  • Manage compliance, risk and governance across the supply base
  • Drive cost, efficiency and process improvement initiatives
  • Act as the central procurement interface with production, engineering, maintenance, quality and finance

This is a visible, influential, and operationally critical Procurement role.

About You

The successful Procurement Manager will be a resilient, pragmatic procurement professional who is comfortable operating in a busy SME environment.

You are likely to bring

  • Experience in fast‑paced manufacturing
  • Exposure to both direct materials and indirect spend (including MRO)
  • Strong supplier management and negotiation capability
  • Confidence managing competing priorities and engaging/influencing cross-functional stakeholders
  • A hands‑on mindset alongside strategic awareness
  • The ability to lead, influence and develop others in a lean team

Prior team management experience is desirable but not essential – this role would suit someone stepping up into a broader procurement leadership position.

Job Type

Job Type
Full Time
Location
Sunderland

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