Commodity Manager - Stoke

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Hempstalls; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology solutions provider in the United Kingdom is seeking a dynamic Commodity Manager to lead procurement initiatives and shape the future of their supply chain. The role requires strong negotiation skills, experience in supplier relationship management, and advanced analytical capabilities. Ideal candidates will have a background in procurement with relevant certifications. This position offers significant autonomy and the opportunity to drive impactful strategic sourcing decisions.

Qualifications

• 8-10 years of experience in procurement and supply chain management.
• Proven background in commodity purchasing (IT, electrical/electronic, mechanical).
• Strong analytical skills for monitoring market trends and cost structures.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities with quality and timeliness.
• Drive operational excellence and innovation in procurement processes.
• Negotiate contracts covering cost, quality, delivery, and compliance.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier relationship management

Cost reduction

Cross-functional collaboration

Advanced Microsoft Office skills

Education

Bachelor's in Business Administration or Supply Chain

MCIPS/APICS or equivalent certifications

Tools

MRP/ERP systems (Navision/D365)

Agile PLM

Job description

Overview

Rapiscan Systems is a global leader in detection technology, delivering cutting‑edge cargo and vehicle inspection systems for ports, borders, military, and high‑security facilities. Our mission is to help customers combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration, and trade fraud through innovative, reliable, and high‑performance solutions.

Overview of role

We're seeking a dynamic Commodity Manager to lead strategic procurement initiatives across our global Cargo sites. This is a high‑impact role with significant autonomy, where you'll shape the future of our supply chain by developing supplier relationships, driving cost‑effective sourcing strategies, and mentoring a global commodity team.

The role entails operating at a Management Level with a high degree of autonomy, whilst managing, mentoring, and developing an effective Commodity Team response globally, delivering cost‑effective solutions for our Cargo sites.

In this role, you will define and own the capability, strategy, and operational excellence of your assigned commodities.

You will develop key innovation sourcing activities, promote risk‑aware sustainable procurement, enhance the capability of the Procurement teams and promote the Procurement function internally and externally.

You will be a trusted advisor in creating the procurement of tomorrow and work side‑by‑side with stakeholders to deliver best‑in‑class products.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement activities for assigned commodities, ensuring timely delivery and quality standards. Develop and implement strategic supplier relationships and sourcing strategies.
• Drive operational excellence and innovation in procurement processes. Support NPD/NPI teams to align sourcing with product roadmaps.
• Monitor market trends, cost structures, and competitive landscapes to identify new opportunities.
• Manage supplier performance, obsolescence issues, and multi‑site procurement projects.
• Negotiate contracts covering cost, quality, delivery, and compliance. Lead strategic reviews with internal and external stakeholders.
• Support make‑or‑buy decisions and engineering change orders. Ensure procurement systems comply with ISO standards.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's in Business Administration or Supply Chain preferred. Equivalent experience (8‑10 years) considered.
• Proven background in procurement and supply chain management.
• Commodity purchasing experience (IT, electrical/electronic, mechanical, fabrication).
• Operations experience in materials/inventory management (a plus).
• MCIPS/APICS or equivalent certifications.
• Strong negotiation and supplier relationship management skills.
• Demonstrated cost reduction achievements.
• Excellent communication and cross‑functional collaboration skills.
• Advanced Microsoft Office skills (Excel: VLOOKUP, pivot tables, formulas).
• Proficiency in MRP/ERP systems (Navision/D365 preferred).
• Agile PLM experience.