Sourcing Manager

Portwest; Manchester; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

Portwest, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE, seeks a Sourcing Manager based in Manchester, UK. You will source, negotiate and review supplier agreements with global vendors to secure best price and value.

The role requires 5+ years of procurement experience, strong vendor management and knowledge of EU purchasing procedures, with responsibility for cost reductions and category management.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in procurement, sourcing or supply chain within PPE/clothing/footwear.
• Proven vendor negotiation and supplier relationship management at international levels.
• Strong knowledge of Irish and EU purchasing procedures.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category management and cost analysis.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management across global suppliers.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and digital sourcing tools.

Responsibilities

• Negotiate with international vendors to secure best pricing and quality.
• Manage supplier relationships and ensure contract compliance and value.
• Conduct market research and benchmarking for alternative vendor options.
• Lead strategic sourcing and category management initiatives.
• Oversee supplier evaluation and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Monitor global sourcing activities and maintain vendor communications.
• Analyse procurement costs and develop cost-reduction strategies.
• Oversee procurement of finished products, trims and fabrics; issue quotations weekly.
• Promote SRM and perform ad hoc duties as required.

Skills

Vendor negotiation

Relationship management

Strategic sourcing

Procurement regulations

Stakeholder management

Market research

Cost analysis

Procurement systems

Tools

Procurement systems

Digital sourcing tools

Job description

PORTWEST, a leading global manufacturer of safety wear, workwear and PPE is currently seeking applications for the position of Sourcing Manager based in Manchester, UK on a full-time permanent basis reporting to the Director of Procurement & Trading. Founded in 1904, Portwest has become one of the fastest growing workwear companies in the world currently employing over 5,100 staff worldwide. With 1400 styles across more than 20 ranges, we design, manufacture and distribute market leading workwear, safety wear and PPE in fully owned production facilities.

We’re on a mission to become the world’s most requested PPE and Safety Wear Brand.

Job Summary

As the Sourcing Manager you will take a proactive approach in sourcing, negotiating and reviewing supplier agreements with 3rd party vendors globally for a range of products and services. This role will ensure best price and value for Portwest through evaluating vendor propositions, negotiations, audits and continuous market research into alternative vendor offerings, in conjunction with various other departments.

Key Responsibilities

• Negotiate with international vendors to secure best pricing and quality for Portwest products, attending trade fairs and vendor meetings annually.
• Manage supplier relationships to ensure efficient purchasing controls, service levels, contract compliance, and value for money.
• Conduct ongoing market research and benchmarking to explore alternative vendor options and maintain competitive procurement strategies.
• Implement modern strategic sourcing and category management techniques, both traditional and online, ensuring compliance with Irish and EU legislation.
• Lead evaluation teams and stakeholder groups for supplier assessment, selection, and implementation of audit recommendations.
• Monitor and report on global sourcing activities and maintain regular communications with vendors.
• Analyse procurement costs and develop strategies to drive cost reductions and improve expenditure efficiency.
• Oversee procurement of finished products, trims and fabrics, completing quotations and other procurement tasks weekly.
• Promote Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and perform additional ad hoc duties as required.

Requirements

• 5+ years of experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain management, from within the PPE, clothing, or footwear industries.
• Proven track record in vendor negotiation and relationship management at both national and international levels.
• Strong knowledge of procurement regulations and best practices, including familiarity with Irish and EU purchasing procedures.
• Experience in strategic sourcing, category management, and cost analysis, with a demonstrated ability to deliver cost reductions.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including experience leading cross-functional evaluation teams and working with global suppliers.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and digital sourcing tools, with a proactive approach to market research, benchmarking, and continuous improvement.

Company Awards

• Great Place To Work 2024
• Private Irish Business of the year - Export Industry Awards 2025
• Silver Ecovadis Sustainability Rating 2025

Applicants must have a right to live and work in the relevant jurisdiction.

Portwest is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, civil status, veteran status, family status, disability status or membership of a minority group.