Procurement Leader

-; Whitstable; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading manufacturing company is seeking an experienced Procurement Leader to manage all procurement activities. Responsible for developing strategies, supplier negotiations, and team leadership, the role demands strong procurement experience and leadership skills. The ideal candidate will have a degree in a relevant field and CIPS qualifications. This position offers competitive salary and benefits, contributing significantly to the company's performance improvements.

Benefits

Group Personal Pension Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work Scheme

Subsidised Restaurant facility

Free onsite parking

Qualifications

• Strong procurement experience within a manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience leading procurement teams and managing suppliers.
• Solid understanding of inventory control and logistics processes.

Responsibilities

• Develop and manage procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure competitive pricing.
• Manage supplier performance and compliance with company policies.

Skills

Procurement experience

Negotiation skills

Inventory control knowledge

Team leadership

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Education

CIPS Level 3 or 4

Degree in Supply Chain Management or related field

Tools

ERP/MRP systems

Job description

With innovation and engineering at the heart of our business, Martec Ltd (AMAR) has been at the forefront of using the latest technologies and practices for over 30 years, offering the highest performance, quality and reliability where they are needed most. As part of the Amphenol Corporation – a leading global interconnect Fortune 500 specialist company – AMAR is continuing to grow and significantly investing in the future.

Based in Whitstable Kent, AMAR designs and manufactures high‑quality precision components for harsh and demanding environments for a broad range of applications in sectors such as oil and gas, aerospace, marine, nuclear and defence. With over 140 employees across a wide range of disciplines, our complete interconnection solutions provide opportunities for our employees to grow their career and professional experience.

More information on the job vacancy you have selected is available below. If you have any additional questions please contact the HR Department on 01227 773200 or email [e-mail].

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and strategic Procurement Leader to take ownership of all direct and indirect procurement activities across our organisation. This is a key leadership position responsible for delivering optimum cost, quality and delivery performance across a designated range of goods and suppliers.

The successful candidate will drive procurement excellence, ensure stock accuracy and embed best‑practice systems, processes and procedures to support efficient operations and long‑term business goals.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Develop, implement and manage procurement strategies aligned with business objectives.
• Lead supplier negotiations to secure competitive pricing, favourable terms and robust long‑term partnerships.
• Manage supplier performance using KPIs, contract reviews and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Ensure full compliance with company policies, legal standards and regulatory requirements.
• Oversee all transactional procurement activity across a defined supplier category.
• Manage tendering and negotiation processes for new contracts and renewals.
• Ensure daily purchasing activities deliver parts and materials on time to support customer and operational requirements.
• Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to secure continuity of supply and long‑term commercial value.

Inventory & Stock Control

• Ensure stock accuracy through effective cycle counting, auditing and inventory reporting.
• Implement measures to minimise discrepancies, obsolescence and wastage.
• Maintain appropriate stock levels to meet production and customer demand.

Logistics & Stores Management

• Lead and oversee stores operations, ensuring efficient goods‑in and goods‑out processes.
• Collaborate with the Logistics Leader to optimise transport, warehousing and distribution activities.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to streamline logistics and materials handling.

Team Leadership

• Manage, coach and develop a team of buyers, stores and logistics personnel (team of four).
• Set clear objectives, track performance and promote accountability.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, efficiency and cost‑conscious decision‑making.

Cost Management & Reporting

• Deliver cost‑saving initiatives without compromising quality or service.
• Prepare and present regular procurement performance reports, inventory data and savings achievements.
• Support annual budgeting and forecasting processes.

About You

• Strong procurement experience within a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Proven negotiation skills and experience managing supplier performance.
• Solid understanding of inventory and stock control practices.
• Leadership experience with the ability to develop and motivate teams.
• A continuous improvement mindset and a passion for operational efficiency.

Qualifications & Skills

Essential

• CIPS Level 3 or 4, or working towards qualification.
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Strong procurement or supply chain experience, ideally in a manufacturing or operational environment.
• Proven experience leading procurement teams and managing suppliers.
• Solid understanding of inventory control, stock accuracy and logistics processes.
• Strong negotiation, analytical and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems and data‑driven decision making.

Desirable

• Kiazen or Lean Six Sigma certification.
• Project management qualification (PRINCE2, APM).
• Experience implementing procurement or inventory system improvements.

Why Join Us?

• A key strategic role with real influence on business performance.
• Opportunity to shape procurement processes and drive long‑term improvements.
• Collaborative, supportive working environment.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.

The Benefits

• Group Personal Pension Plan.
• Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme.
• Subsidised Restaurant facility.
• Free onsite parking.

To be considered for this position please click the ‘Apply now’ button, and thank you for your interest in Martec Ltd.