PURPOSE:
To manage the sourcing, negotiation, and acquisition of materials, components, and services required by the business, ensuring the best balance of cost, quality, reliability, and lead time. The role is responsible for developing supplier relationships, optimising procurement processes, and ensuring timely availability of inputs to support production and operational continuity.
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY:
Strategic Sourcing & Cost Management
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Identify, evaluate, select and onboard suppliers that meet cost, quality, lead time, and compliance requirements;
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Actively manage and reduce component costs through strategic sourcing, negotiation, and value engineering if applicable — while preserving product quality;
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Analyse and report on product costing and procurement cost trends and contribute to Gross Profit improvement initiatives in collaboration with finance and product teams;
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Conduct regular cost benchmarking to ensure component pricing remains competitive in the market;
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Drive supplier involvement in cost-down projects and suggest alternative materials or sources where appropriate;
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Support Engineering projects and introduction of new products through sourcing new suppliers or components, conducting a sourcing risk analysis and a cost analysis on new product designs.
Supplier Relationship & Risk Management
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Build strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure supply continuity, responsiveness, and flexibility;
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Monitor supplier capacity, lead times, and responsiveness to identify risks early;
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Develop and execute mitigation strategies for supply disruptions, long lead times, and critical part dependencies;
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Work with finance to manage payment terms, currency risk, and supplier credit limits.
Quality-First Supplier Management
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Prioritise quality, reliability, and consistency in supplier selection and ongoing performance management;
Procurement Manager
Job title
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Take ownership of supplier non-conformances including Supplier Corrective Action Requests (SCAR);
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Maintain a preferred supplier list and conduct annual supplier evaluation based on performance, quality records, and audit outcomes;
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Implement and use Service Level Agreements where needed;
Operational Procurement & Process Control
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Manage the end-to-end purchasing process, from requests for quote to purchase order placement, in line with material planning requirements and production needs;
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Review material planning outputs and ensure timely procurement of components, considering lead times, minimum order quantities, economic order quantities, and inventory levels;
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Liase with the Finance Manager on large orders or deposit requirements ahead of time to allow for efficient cash management;
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Ensure orders are accurate and complete and all technical information is provided and revision controlled to support the purchase order;
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Expedite outstanding orders to meet production and delivery deadlines, escalating as needed;
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Monitor and manage purchase order accuracy, pricing updates, delivery confirmations, approval levels and change control;
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Report on procurement KPIs such as supplier on-time delivery, component cost variance, and supplier quality performance;
Systems, Process & Compliance
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Critically evaluate existing systems and processes for opportunities to improve efficiency and accuracy;
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Ensure all relevant procedures and work instructions are up to date and properly reflects the work that needs to be done;
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Ensure compliance with the Quality Management System;
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Ensure compliance with Safety, Health & Environmental policies.
AUTHORITY:
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Signatory for purchase orders