Strategic Procurement Manager

-; City of Edinburgh; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement firm in the UK is seeking a Strategic Procurement Manager to optimize indirect spend and supplier performance. This hybrid role is based in Runcorn, requiring 3 days in the office and 2 days at home. The ideal candidate has over 4 years of experience in procurement, strong stakeholder management skills, and a strategic mindset. This is an excellent opportunity to influence business performance and innovation within a complex, multi-business-unit environment.

Qualifications

• At least 4 years' experience in a purchasing or procurement role.
• Experience working cross-functionally within a multi-business-unit organisation.
• Experience managing teams with a range of skill levels.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and category management strategies.
• Analyse costs and identify opportunities to reduce spend and improve efficiency.
• Create and execute effective negotiation strategies.

Skills

Results-focused

Adaptable

Influential

Innovative

Education

CIPS qualified or working towards

Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English

Tools

Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Job description

Ref 45947 County Cheshire Branch name Rivington Road, Whitehouse Industrial Estate, Runcorn, Cheshire, WA7 3DJ Salary Competitive Closing date 15/01/2026 Contract type Employee - Permanent

Description

Strategic Procurement Manager

Location: Head Office, Runcorn - Hybrid role 3 days office based / 2 days at home

Function: GNFR (General Non-Finished Raw Materials)

Reporting to: Head of General Procurement (GNFR)

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement Manager to join our GNFR team at our Runcorn Head Office. This is a key role responsible for managing and optimising indirect spend across the business, ensuring value for money, strong supplier performance, and effective risk management.

You will play a pivotal role in developing sourcing and category strategies, building strong supplier relationships, and supporting the wider business strategy by providing market insight, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance with regulatory and quality standards.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing and category management strategies
• Analyse costs and identify opportunities to reduce spend and improve efficiency
• Create and execute effective negotiation strategies
• Conduct cost, scenario and benchmarking analysis
• Identify, assess and mitigate procurement-related risks
• Monitor market trends and anticipate changes in supplier negotiation power
• Optimise sourcing procedures to maximise efficiency and value
• Support budget development and ongoing cost control
• Contribute directly to GNFR procurement targets
• Develop, manage and monitor supplier contracts, including KPIs and SLAs
• Work cross-functionally to balance cost, lead times and risk
• Support compliance with ISO standards, ESOS, CSR, GDP and other business requirements
• Collaborate with stakeholders across the Phoenix Group to drive profitability and cost efficiency through shared market intelligence

About You

You are a proactive, results-driven procurement professional with a strategic mindset and strong stakeholder management skills. You are comfortable working in a complex, multi-business-unit environment and thrive on delivering measurable value.

Experience

• At least 4 years' experience in a purchasing or procurement role
• Experience working cross-functionally within a multi-business-unit organisation
• Experience managing teams with a range of skill levels

Knowledge

• Knowledge of sourcing and procurement principles, techniques and best practices
• Working knowledge of cost management and risk management
• Knowledge of the pharmaceutical industry is desirable

Skills & Behaviours

• Results-focused: Able to meet deadlines and deliver against objectives
• Adaptable: Remains calm under pressure and responds positively to challenge
• Influential: Builds strong relationships and communicates persuasively
• Innovative: Thinks creatively, anticipates change and develops effective solutions

Qualifications

• CIPS qualified or working towards
• Minimum of 5 GCSEs including Maths and English
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook)

Why Join Us?

This is an excellent opportunity to make a tangible impact in a strategic procurement role, working closely with senior stakeholders and contributing directly to business performance, efficiency and risk reduction.