Procurement Manager

Kerridge Commercial Systems; Newcastle upon Tyne; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading technology firm is seeking a Procurement Manager to develop and implement procurement strategies while ensuring effective supplier management. This role requires a minimum of 5 years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and familiarization with procurement best practices. Located in Newcastle upon Tyne, the successful candidate will benefit from a hybrid work policy, combining office and remote work.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years of procurement experience, with 2 years in a supervisory role.
• Proven experience in negotiating contracts and managing suppliers.
• Proficient in procurement methodologies and contract law.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement strategies aligned with corporate goals.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes including supplier selection.
• Monitor supplier performance with KPIs and corrective actions.

Skills

Negotiating commercial contracts

Supplier relationship management

Procurement best practices

Communication skills

Organisational skills

IT literate

Education

CIPS, CPSM certification or equivalent

Tools

ERP systems

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

At Klipboard we've introduced a flexible hybrid work policy, where employees spend three days in the office and two days working from home. This approach promotes a balanced work environment that combines office collaboration with the comfort and convenience of remote work.

Klipboard provides specialist software, services and support to deliver fully integrated trading and business management solutions to companies in the distributive trade – wherever they are in the world. With a unique depth of knowledge and experience in ERP / SaaS solutions, Klipboard has a wide range of clients includes wholesalers, distributors, merchants and retailers from small traders to multinational enterprises. Klipboard has offices in the UK, Ireland, The Netherlands, South Africa, Kenya and North America. Our mission is simple : to design and deliver high performance, integrated ERP solutions that enable our distributive trade customers to source effectively, stock efficiently, sell profitably and service competitively

• Klipboard is the leading, specialist supplier of fully integrated technology solutions and related services to niche vertical markets in the wholesale and retail distribution, logistics, Automotive sectors.
• A fast-paced PE backed organisation going through a period of strong growth and operational consolidation
• The newly created Procurement Manager will lead and optimise sourcing, supplier management, and purchasing activities to ensure cost-effective, timely, and compliant supply of goods and services that support business objectives. This role combines strategic sourcing, contract negotiation, procurement process improvement, and cross-functional stakeholder engagement to deliver value, mitigate risk, and support sustainable supply chain practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with corporate goals including but not limited to ECG objectives and budget targets.
• Define and maintain the procurement strategy that is appropriate to expected supplier spend.
• Lead end-to-end sourcing processes including market analysis, RFP / RFQ management, supplier selection, negotiation, and contract award.
• Manage and develop supplier relationships to ensure performance, continuity, quality, and cost competitiveness.
• Monitor supplier performance using KPIs, lead supplier reviews, and implement corrective action plans when required.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with internal policies, regulatory requirements, and ethical sourcing standards.
• Collaborate with stakeholders across Finance, Operations, Legal, Engineering, and Project teams to define requirements and deliverables.
• Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes, systems, and tools to increase efficiency and transparency.
• Manage purchase order process, approvals workflow, and verification of invoice accuracy against contracts and deliveries.
• Lead or support procurement-related risk assessments, supplier audits, and business continuity planning.

Skills, Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ progressive procurement experience with at least 2 years in a supervisory or managerial role.
• Proven experience negotiating commercial contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing methodologies, and contract law fundamentals.
• Proficiency with procurement or ERP systems
• Excellent communication, stakeholder management, and influencing skills.
• Excellent organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• IT literate with good knowledge of Microsoft office suite

Desirable

• Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM, or equivalent.
• Experience with eProcurement systems, spend analytics, and category management.
• Familiarity with sustainability and ethical sourcing frameworks.
• Experience in a software business and particularly cloud hosting agreements

Company Info

You may also have seen from our recent posts that we are excited to begin sharing our new company name – Klipboard. Kerridge Commercial Systems (KCS) is becoming Klipboard and our new brand is designed to bring together our expertise across distribution, automotive, retail, rental, transport management, manufacturing, and field service management. We have offices based across the world and we are looking for talented individuals to join our growing teams. Due to our growth over the last few years it is an exciting time to join us as we enter our next chapter! At Klipboard we've introduced a flexible hybrid work policy, where employees spend three days in the office and two days working from home. This approach promotes a balanced work environment that combines office collaboration with the comfort and convenience of remote work.

Equal Opportunities

As a global company, we value and respect the diversity of our workforce, aiming to empower everyone to embrace each other's differences. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where diversity, equity, and inclusion are integral to our company and culture. We recognize the benefits of a diverse workforce, where creativity and valuing differences enable us all to thrive and sparks innovation.

If you require any help, adjustments and / or support during the interview and offer process then please advise our TA or HR team.

Research shows that women and other underrepresented groups are less likely to apply for a role unless they meet every listed requirement. However, we recognise that skills and experience come in many forms, and we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every criterion. If you are passionate about this role and believe you have the right mindset and transferrable skills, we would love to hear from you!

To all recruitment agencies : Klipboard does not accept agency speculative resumes. At present we only accept CV’s from Agencies on our PSL who have been assigned specific position / s. Please do not forward resumes to our careers site or direct to Klipboard employee as this does not constitute an introduction and Klipboard retrospectively will not be liable for any candidate ownership or fees related to unsolicited resumes.

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