Category Sourcing Lead

TN United Kingdom; Cheltenham; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Category Sourcing Lead to enhance their procurement capabilities. This role focuses on strategic sourcing and supplier management, ensuring operational demands are met while driving continuous improvement. The successful candidate will collaborate with stakeholders to optimize value and implement cost-saving strategies. With a supportive work environment and a commitment to diversity, this innovative firm offers flexible benefits and career development opportunities, making it an exciting place to advance your career in supply chain management.

Benefits

Flexible working hours

25 days holiday

Life assurance

Flexible benefits package

Pension scheme

Sports and social club

Supportive work environment

Qualifications

• Proven achievements in strategic sourcing and supply chain strategies.
• Ability to develop suppliers and manage relationships effectively.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement category strategies aligned with business needs.
• Lead cost reduction workshops to achieve annual savings.
• Conduct quarterly business reviews with key suppliers.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier development

Negotiation skills

Commercial acumen

Communication skills

Education

CIPS Level 5+

Job description

Ultra Precision Control Systems is seeking a Category Sourcing Lead to join the Supply Chain team, reporting to the Head of Sourcing and Resilience.

Role Overview

The PCS Supply Chain function manages procurement processes for goods and materials, ensuring operational demands are met and products/services are delivered to customers.

The successful candidate will lead a commodity, delivering world-class procurement capabilities, partnering with stakeholders to maximize value, executing strategies including category management, supplier management, and sourcing decisions, and driving continuous improvement and compliance.

Key Responsibilities

1. Define and implement category strategies aligned with business needs.
2. Establish and enforce long-term agreements ensuring compliance.
3. Create commodity strategies with favorable payment terms and buffer inventory of over 1 month.
4. Identify and establish long-term supplier partnerships focusing on total cost, aiming for a 5% reduction.
5. Reduce supplier base by 20%, ensuring suppliers are appropriately sized and performant.
6. Identify single-source parts and develop risk mitigation strategies.
7. Maintain agility in sourcing strategies based on market conditions.
8. Lead cost reduction workshops to achieve annual savings.
9. Ensure suppliers can meet commitments through capacity planning and readiness reviews.
10. Conduct quarterly business reviews with key suppliers, identifying improvement opportunities and risks.
11. Present and influence technology solutions to improve efficiency.
12. Support and influence engineering in new design initiatives, utilizing supply chain intelligence.
13. Collaborate across functions to meet business objectives.
14. Implement make-or-buy strategies to reduce lead times and costs.
15. Identify and deliver ongoing efficiency and cost savings.
16. Report monthly on initiatives, opportunities, risks, and objectives.

Required Skills & Experience

• CIPS Level 5+ preferred.
• Strategic sourcing experience with proven achievements.
• Experience in developing and implementing supply chain strategies.
• Skills in supplier development and management.
• Ability to develop suppliers and manage relationships effectively.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Strong commercial acumen.

Additional Requirements

Must be able to obtain and maintain UK security clearance.

Benefits

We offer flexible employee benefits and career development opportunities, including:

• Flexible working hours.
• 25 days holiday, with options to buy or sell extra days, plus bank holidays.
• Life assurance worth four times annual salary.
• Flexible benefits package.
• Pension scheme with employer contributions up to 7.5% after 5 years.
• Sports and social club.
• Supportive work environment with team events.

Additional Information

Applicants must be eligible to work in the UK without restrictions and be prepared for security vetting.

Diversity & Inclusion

Ultra PCS is committed to diversity, inclusion, and equality. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and do not discriminate based on race, religion, gender, age, disability, or other protected characteristics.