Indirect Procurement Manager

Sensata Technologies; Barking; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology company in Barking is seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Manager to oversee procurement operations across multiple factories in China. The role involves strategic sourcing, supplier management, and significant cost-saving initiatives. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in procurement and strong project management skills, along with a bachelor's degree in a relevant field. This position offers opportunities to lead a team and drive procurement efficiency.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of experience in indirect or strategic procurement.
• At least 2 years in a team leadership or complex project management role.
• Proven track record in supplier management and contract negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Lead strategic sourcing and procurement of non-production materials.
• Manage negotiations for Long Term Agreements and Purchase Orders.
• Develop and implement comprehensive category strategies.

Skills

Supplier management

Negotiation skills

Project management

Communication skills

Analytical skills

Interpersonal skills

Education

Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field

Tools

Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel)

Cost estimating software

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and strategic-minded Indirect Procurement Manager to lead the indirect buyers in 3 factories in China and manage $80M yearly spend. In this role, you will be responsible for the end-to-end strategic sourcing and procurement of non-production material goods and services, covering areas such as IT, Machines, Tools, Fixtures, Marketing, Professional Services, Facilities Management, and Travels. The ideal candidate is not only a procurement expert but also a skilled project manager, risk mitigator, and business partner. You will deliver significant cost savings and operational efficiency through superior negotiation, robust supplier relationship management, and process optimization, while ensuring supply chain resilience and security. Not only refer to execute the works as a follower, more concentrated on “why” and “how”.

General Responsibilities

• Manages inventory management and material budgets
• Manages analyses of market conditions and trends to predict future supply needs
• Responsible for consistent communication with suppliers to ensure timelines are met
• Responsible for interactions between suppliers and functional teams to answer any questions related to any documents
• Manages negotiations ranging from Long Term Agreements to individual Purchase Orders

Experience / Qualifications

• A university degree required (i.e. Bachelors degree) or equivalent relevant work experience.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop team members
• Holds self and others accountable to achieving goals and standards
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced environment to handle multiple competing tasks and demands
• Strong communication skills; oral, written and presentation
• Strong organization, planning and time management skills to achieve results
• Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel)
• Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers

Strategy Development & Category Management

• Analyze internal needs and external market dynamics to develop and implement comprehensive category strategies for assigned indirect spend areas.
• Lead cross‑category sourcing, evaluation, and consolidation of suppliers.

Project Management & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Possess a strong global awareness for project management, capable of independently leading complex, strategic procurement projects from demand analysis and planning to execution, ensuring on‑time and on‑budget delivery.
• Proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and lead initiatives to enhance overall procurement efficiency and compliance.

Risk Mitigation & Compliance

• Establish and maintain a comprehensive supplier risk assessment and mitigation framework, conducting regular performance, financial, and business continuity reviews of critical suppliers.
• Ensure all procurement activities strictly adhere to company policies and external regulations, effectively mitigating legal, financial, and operational risks.

Negotiation & Cost Control

• Lead and participate in high-value, high-complexity commercial negotiations to secure optimal terms, contract term negotiation and contract master data management.
• Work with internal function to renew contract timely to reduce business risk.
• Managing bidding and RFQ process, leading cross-function teams to prepare bidding, analysis bidding result and scorecard and determine best overall value to the organization.
• Drive continuous reduction in Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) through strategic sourcing, demand management, and value engineering, achieving annual cost‑saving targets.

Communication, Leadership & Influence, and Team Management

• Demonstrate a decisive and professional demeanor with excellent communication and leadership skills.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders (e.g., department heads, Finance, Legal) to influence and guide requirements.
• With a positive attitude and high professional integrity, lead and develop the procurement team (if applicable), or act as a key member driving cross‑functional collaboration, resolving conflicts, and building consensus.
• Coaching and manage the team from 3 different sites.

Job Requirements (China Indirect Procurement Manager)

• Bachelor's degree or higher in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field.
• Automated equipment purchasing experience is a plus. Minimum of 5 years of experience in indirect or strategic procurement, with at least 2 years in a team leadership or complex project management role.
• A proven track record of success in supplier management, contract negotiation, and risk management.
• Strong holistic view and project management capabilities, able to manage multiple priorities and remain effective under pressure.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and persuasively to diverse audiences.
• Decisive, with a strong sense of responsibility and professional ethics.
• Ability to lead, coach, and develop junior engineers and procurement team members.
• Proficient in Excel financial cost modeling and cost estimating software.
• Working knowledge of cost estimating methods: bottoms-up, analogous, three‑point, factor, parametric, equipment factor, etc.
• Analytical skills to review and interpret data and make recommendations regarding costs.
• Strong communication skills: verbal, written and technical presentations.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to successfully coordinate and complete multiple tasks within established and changing deadlines.
• Demonstrated successful performance with independent problem solving.
• Strong personal and professional ethical values and integrity.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office programs (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Excel).
• Strong interpersonal & collaboration skills to work effectively with all levels of the organization including suppliers and/or external customers.
• Must be a team player able to work in a fast‑paced environment with demonstrated ability to handle multiple competing tasks and demands.
• Holds self and others accountable to achieving goals and standards.

Preferred Qualifications

• More than 10 years working experience in purchasing, especially in indirect purchasing.
• Professional certifications such as CPSM, CIPS, or PMP are highly advantageous.
• Prior experience with procurement systems like Oracle, Coupa or other systems is preferred.
• Relevant industry experience in automation industry is a plus.
• Good English skill. Written and reading, fluent oral expression for meetings in a multinational environment is necessary.