Procurement Lead

The Recruitment Group; Witney; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

The Recruitment Group in Witney is seeking a commercially minded Procurement Lead to join a growing manufacturing business. The role blends hands-on purchasing with supplier development, cost control and continuous improvement of procurement processes.

You will own procurement performance, manage suppliers, forecast demand and oversee MRP/ERP systems, ensuring data accuracy and robust stock control. Experience in manufacturing procurement, advanced Excel and strong analytical skills are

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain within manufacturing or engineering.
• Strong Excel and data analysis skills.
• Knowledge of forecasting, inventory planning and KPIs.

Responsibilities

• Own procurement performance, KPIs and purchasing activities.
• Develop supplier relationships and negotiate terms.
• Oversee MRP/ERP data accuracy and automate processes.
• Forecast demand and manage stock to minimise shortages and excess.
• Monitor budgets, lead times, delivery performance and quality.
• Lead procurement reviews and implement continuous improvement.
• Collaborate with Production, Operations, Engineering and Quality teams.
• Analyse spend and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Support procurement administrator with priorities.
• Identify supply risks and develop alternative suppliers.

Skills

Procurement experience

Analytical skills

Forecasting

Inventory planning

Data-driven decisions

Tools

MRP/ERP systems

Excel

Job description

We're recruiting for a commercially minded, analytical Procurement Lead to join a growing manufacturing business in Witney. This is a varied role combining hands-on purchasing with supplier development, cost control, forecasting and continuous improvement of procurement processes.

Key Responsibilities

• Take ownership of procurement performance, KPIs and purchasing activities.
• Support and guide the Procurement Administrator with day-to-day priorities.
• Manage and develop supplier relationships, negotiate pricing and improve commercial terms.
• Analyse purchasing spend, supplier performance and cost-saving opportunities.
• Oversee MRP/ERP systems, improving data accuracy and automating purchasing processes.
• Forecast demand and manage stock levels to minimise shortages and excess inventory.
• Identify supply risks and develop alternative suppliers where required.
• Work closely with Production, Operations, Engineering and Quality teams.
• Monitor procurement budgets, supplier lead times, delivery performance and quality.
• Lead regular procurement reviews and implement improvement plans.

About You

• Strong experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain, ideally within manufacturing or engineering.
• Excellent knowledge of MRP/ERP systems.
• Advanced Excel and analytical skills.
• Experience in supplier management, negotiation and cost control.
• Good understanding of forecasting, inventory planning and purchasing KPIs.
• Commercially aware, highly organised and confident making data-driven decisions.
• Proactive, self-sufficient and comfortable balancing strategic improvements with hands-on purchasing.

Experience purchasing engineering components, global sourcing or improving procurement systems would be advantageous. Knowledge of SAP Business One or Sage 50 would also be beneficial.

If you would like to know how we will store and process your data, please visit The Recruitment Groups home page to read our GDPR Data Protection.