Strategic Sourcing Lead: Chemicals & Materials

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment; Reading; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final Salary Pension Scheme

35 hour working week

Job summary

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead strategic sourcing of chemicals and raw materials. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts and develop long-term sourcing strategies across manufacturing, R&D and business operations.

The role emphasizes analytical market insights, risk management and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a global manufacturing setting.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, Chemistry, Mathematics or a related discipline.
• Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing or a relevant commercial position.
• Strong negotiation, supplier management and analytical skills.
• Commercially astute with understanding of markets, value chains and cost drivers.
• Confident managing contracts and influencing stakeholders across a complex organisation.
• Chemical, lubricant, petroleum additive or manufacturing-sector experience would be advantageous.
• CIPS, CPSM, MBA or other relevant professional qualification would be beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Manage and develop strategic supplier relationships.
• Negotiate pricing, contracts and supply agreements.
• Analyse commodity markets, cost drivers and supply risks.
• Develop long-term regional and global sourcing strategies.
• Identify and qualify new suppliers and manufacturing partners.
• Produce price and volume forecasts to support business planning.
• Resolve supplier quality and continuity issues.
• Support cost reduction, capital investment and supply network optimisation.
• Collaborate with technical, manufacturing, planning and commercial teams.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier management

Analytical skills

Commercial acumen

Contracts management

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Business, Economics, Chemistry, Mathematics or related

Job description

Cranleigh STEM & Sustainability Recruitment is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to lead strategic sourcing of chemicals and raw materials. You will manage supplier relationships, negotiate contracts and develop long-term sourcing strategies across manufacturing, R&D and business operations.

The role emphasizes analytical market insights, risk management and collaboration with cross-functional teams in a global manufacturing setting.