Procurement Manager
Nigel Wright GroupThe 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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