Strategic Sourcing Manager - Manufacturing

We’re recruiting for an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join a well-established manufacturing business in Nottingham.

This is a strategic, commercially focused position responsible for developing and implementing sourcing strategies that improve supplier performance, supply continuity, cost competitiveness and overall supply chain resilience.

Working closely with Supply Chain, Purchasing, Quality, Engineering and wider project teams, you’ll take ownership of key suppliers and sourcing activities while supporting business growth, new product introductions and customer projects.

Location: Nottingham, with occasional UK and international travel to supplier locations.
Job Type: Permanent, Full Time - 37.5 hours per week
Salary: £55,000 - £65,000
Hybrid working available after training period
Benefits: 25 days holiday, enhanced pension, profit share bonus, share incentive scheme

OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE

• Develop sourcing and supply-security strategies for critical materials and services.
• Identify, assess and onboard new suppliers across a global supplier base.
• Develop sourcing roadmaps aligned with business growth, customer demand and new product introduction.
• Lead supplier capability assessments, sourcing audits and supplier risk reviews.
• Negotiate supplier agreements covering pricing, delivery, quality, liability, warranty and continuity of supply.
• Build and develop strategic supplier relationships, driving improvements across cost, quality and delivery.
• Lead cost-reduction initiatives and use total-cost-of-ownership principles to support sourcing decisions.
• Analyse commodity markets, regional supply dynamics and geopolitical factors to identify commercial risks and opportunities.
• Work closely with Quality and Engineering teams on supplier selection, approval and performance.
• Support NPI and customer projects through early supplier engagement, APQP activities and sourcing risk assessments.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and lead improvement or escalation activity where required.

ABOUT YOU

• Strong strategic sourcing and supplier management experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Experience within automotive or another highly regulated manufacturing environment, including APQP/PFMEA and IATF 16949, would be advantageous.
• Proven experience managing and developing supplier relationships.
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with experience securing favourable contract terms and delivering cost reductions.
• Experience assessing supplier capability, capacity, commercial suitability and risk.
• A good understanding of commodity markets, supply dynamics and market intelligence.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and product requirements.
• Strong stakeholder management skills and experience working cross-functionally.
• Degree qualified, relevant procurement/supply chain qualification or equivalent professional experience.