Procurement Manager in Stockport

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

We have a fantastic new opportunity for an experienced Procurement Manager to join the team in our Stockport Head Office. As a Procurement Manager, you will lead the procurement function within the department, responsible for implementing the procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and augmenting purchasing processes to support business objectives. Your role will involve overseeing, developing, and managing a team of procurement professionals, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and driving cost savings, efficiency improvements, and quality enhancements across the procurement function.

Duties and Responsibilities

1. Live and breathe procurement strategies, policies, and procedures to support organisational goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
2. Lead and manage a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
3. Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, senior management, and external suppliers, to understand their procurement needs and priorities and align procurement activities accordingly.
4. Oversee the sourcing and selection of suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to optimise cost, quality, and delivery performance while minimising risk.
5. Monitor market trends, industry developments, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and innovation in procurement practices.
6. Drive strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier consolidation, vendor rationalisation, and global sourcing strategies, to achieve economies of scale and maximize value for the organisation.
7. Develop and manage procurement budgets, forecasts, and financial targets, tracking expenses and cost savings initiatives to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints and achievement of financial objectives.
8. Implement procurement technology solutions, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and improve data visibility and analytics capabilities.
9. Work with cross-functional teams and collaborate with departments such as finance, operations, and legal to integrate procurement activities into overall business processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
10. Develop and implement supplier performance management programs, conducting regular supplier evaluations, audits, and reviews to assess performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

1. Professional experience in supply chain management, procurement, or a related field is required. A master's degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.
2. Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management roles, with a track record of success in developing and executing procurement strategies and leading procurement teams.
3. Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team, foster collaboration, and drive results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
4. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
5. Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to analyse complex data, identify trends and opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to drive business value.
6. Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with the ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions and resolve conflicts or disputes with suppliers.
7. Proficiency in procurement software and ERP Procurement systems, as well as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), for data analysis, reporting, and communication.
8. Knowledge of procurement best practices, industry trends, and regulatory requirements, with a commitment to staying informed about developments in the field.
9. Project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines effectively.
10. Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all procurement activities.

Company Information

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

We celebrate difference and appreciate diverse backgrounds. We encourage everyone who join us to be themselves at work and create inclusive teams in our workplace.