Strategic Purchasing Manager, EMEA

New Balance; Warrington; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

New Balance is seeking a Working Manager for Indirect Procurement in the EMEA region. This role entails leading a team to achieve cost savings while ensuring high service quality. Ideal candidates will possess strong analytical and communication skills, along with relevant experience in sourcing and supply chain management. The position offers flexibility, competitive salary, and a range of benefits supporting well-being and diversity, making it a great opportunity in a vibrant company culture.

Benefits

Discretionary Bonus Opportunity

Discount on health insurance

8% holiday allowance

Flexible Working Hours

Pension Scheme

25 days Annual Leave per year

Up to €250 travel allowance each month

On-site Gym

Employee Discount

Home working equipment

Qualifications

• Relevant experience in sourcing and supply chain management.
• Experience in project management and category management.
• Proficiency in reading contracts and negotiation.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sourcing improvement projects.
• Lead, mentor, and support team members.
• Collaborate with finance on shared objectives.

Skills

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

MBA (preferred)

Tools

E-procurement tools (e.g., SAP Ariba)

Job description

Who We Are:

Since 1906, New Balance has empowered people through sport and craftsmanship to create positive change in communities around the world. We innovate fearlessly, guided by our core values and driven by the belief that conventions were meant to be challenged. We foster a culture in which every associate feels welcomed and respected, where leaders and creatives are inspired to shape the world of tomorrow by taking bold action today.

JOB MISSION:

As a member of New Balance’s Global Strategic Purchasing Team, this position will have oversight and responsibility for leading Indirect Procurement for the EMEA region.The regional teamwill be supporting both regional and Global cost savings goals. The Working Manager is responsible for leading a team while actively contributing to daily tasks and operations. This role requires balancing managerial duties with hands-on work to ensure efficiency and productivity.

MAJOR ACCOUNTABILITIES:

• Develop and implement a centrally ledset of sourcing improvement projects aimed at reducing costs while also improving service quality and total cost of ownership.

• Lead, mentor, and support team members in achieving performance goals.

• Promote a customer service-minded approach with all associate interactions.

• Collaborate with the Finance organisation to align the teams sharedfinancial objectivesand goals.

• Cultivate relationships and align teammembers with key business stakeholders to facilitatethe execution of long-term sourcing strategies.

• Maintain compliance with company policies and industry regulations.

• Lead and assist team members in negotiations thatensure the best quality, service and cost for the company.

• Demonstrate and lead the team in using a robust multi-step sourcing process.

• Prioritise opportunities that achieve the highest return andteamutilisation.

• Leverage E-Procurement technologies to support the Source to Pay process and connect strategic sourcing activities with transactional purchasing.

REQUIREMENTS FOR SUCCESS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required; MBA preferred or commensurate experience.

• Relevant number of years of experience in Direct or Indirect Sourcing,Supply Chain Management, and/or Business Consulting.

• ISM CPM or CPSM Designation or commensurate experience preferred.

• Prior category management experience.

• Proven project management skills.

• Previous exposure with large scale procurement transformations.

• Proficiency reading contracts and negotiation of Commercial Terms.

• Strong analytical approach and mentality.

• Experience with e-procurement tools such as SAP Ariba or similar.

• Effective communication capabilities and presentation skills.

• Problem-solving and proactive approach, with a solutions-driven attitude.

BENEFITS:

Benefits will differ based on the location of the associate.

• Discretionary Bonus Opportunity

• Discount on the health insurance

• 8% holiday allowance

• Flexible Working Hours

• Pension Scheme

• 25 days Annual Leave per year

• Up to €250 travel allowance each month

• Hybrid working

• On-site Gym

• Employee Discount

• Work from-home allowance

• Home working equipment

• Sports subscription services

• Flexibility to Work from Anywhere for up to four weeks per year

• Wellbeing and Mental Health Benefit (24/7 Employment Assistance Program & Support)

Equal Opportunity Employer:

New Balance is committed to equality of opportunity for all current and prospective associates regardless of age, disability, race, religion or belief, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, marriage and civil partnership and gender reassignment. We are an equal opportunity employer and support a culture of diversity and inclusion.

If you have not already done so, please let us know if you require any support so we can make the right adjustments and considerations should they be required.