Procurement Manager

LEX Diagnostics Limited; Melbourn; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A medical diagnostics company in Melbourn seeks a Procurement Manager to build the purchasing framework from scratch. You will work directly with leadership and multiple departments to drive supplier negotiations and procurement processes. Ideal candidates should have significant experience in regulated environments, coupled with strong negotiation skills and a hands-on approach. Join a mission-driven team offering impactful work and excellent benefits, including a 10% employer pension contribution and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)

Private Medical Insurance

Life insurance

25 days’ annual holiday

Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement/purchasing in a regulated environment.
• Ability to build supplier relationships that ensure quality and cost-effectiveness.
• Strong practical skills and decision-making capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement the procurement and purchasing framework.
• Build and maintain effective supplier relationships.
• Introduce systems for seamless procurement processes.
• Lead negotiations and manage supplier contracts.
• Advise leadership on procurement best practices.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Procurement experience

Hands-on practicality

Confidence to drive change

Job description

Overview

At Lex Diagnostics, we’re on a mission to transform rapid molecular testing. Every decision we make, from the technology we develop to the suppliers we partner with, has a direct impact on patients’ lives around the world.

Now, we’re looking for a Procurement Manager who’s excited by a blank canvas. Someone who wants to set up the entire procurement and purchasing function from scratch. If you’ve ever wished you could design the process your way, with the freedom to do it properly, without legacy systems slowing you down, this is that opportunity.

What makes this role different?

• Impact from day one. You’ll be the person who shapes how we buy, negotiate and manage suppliers across the business.
• Freedom to build. No “we’ve always done it this way.” You’ll set the policies, systems and partnerships that will support Lex Diagnostics as we scale.
• Collaboration at the core. You’ll work side by side with R&D, operations and leadership, ensuring procurement drives innovation as well as efficiency.
• Mission-driven work. Your decisions won’t just save costs; they’ll help us deliver life-saving diagnostics faster and more sustainably.

What you’ll be doing

• Designing and implementing Lex’s entire procurement and purchasing.
• Building supplier relationships that balance quality, speed and cost-effectiveness.
• Introducing systems and processes that make procurement seamless, transparent and scalable.
• Leading negotiations and contracts that set us up for long-term success.
• Advising the leadership team on best practices and market insights.

What we’re looking for

• Proven experience in procurement/purchasing, ideally in a manufacturing, medtech, or similar highly regulated high-growth environment.
• Hands-on practicality. Initially this is a standalone tactical role, so you will need to be as comfortable building rolling up your sleeves.
• Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
• The confidence to set direction, challenge assumptions, and drive change.
• Above all, someone who sees procurement not as a back office function, but as a critical driver of innovation and growth.

Why join us?

At Lex, you’ll never be “just a cog in the machine.” You’ll be part of a small, ambitious team where every role matters. You’ll get the autonomy to make decisions and the support to make them count.

The Future

In December 2023, QuidelOrtho invested in LEX Diagnostics, which included the exclusive option to acquire the company up to or shortly after 510(k) clearance by the FDA. In QuidelOrtho, we have an investment partner that recognises the capabilities of our are excited for what we can continue to build together.

What this means for you

1. More Resources - Manufacturing scale, regulatory & distribution infrastructure
2. R&D Focus - Concentrated innovation around LEX platform and test menu
3. Career Mobility - As well as creating a cross-disciplinary development environment in science and engineering, we hope that LEX employees can transition into broader roles (e.g., regulatory affairs, global supply chain, sales, clinical affairs) across the integrated organisation.
4. Global Exposure - International workflows & markets (US & EU)
5. Impact & Stability - Increased product reach and organisational strength
6. Development - Structured programs and training opportunities

2026 will see the elevation of the LEX Diagnostics teamfrom startup environment into a well-supported, international diagnostics powerhouse without sacrificing the very thing that made our team successful, innovation. You’ll help drive forward a unique, market-leading platform within a growing team that needs to invest in your development and career growth.

Our working culture encourages entrepreneurship, shared ideas, and technical collaboration, while providing you the freedom to do your best work. We also offer fantastic employee benefits including:

• Employer pension contribution of 10% (+3% personal contribution)
• Private Medical Insurance
• Life insurance
• 25 days’ annual holiday plus bank holidays
• Discounts and memberships to local sports facilities and the theatre

Apply Now