Supply Chain Operations Lead

VANRATH; Bangor; On-site; GBP 32,000 - 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Supply Chain & Inventory Operations Lead to oversee procurement and inventory systems in Bangor. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, leading purchasing processes, and ensuring operational efficiency. A CIPS Level 4 qualification, experience in multi-site operations, and strong negotiation skills are essential. This position offers industry-leading benefits and the opportunity to significantly impact the company's operations.

Benefits

Excellent Benefits (Industry Leading)

Qualifications

• Proven experience in supply chain or procurement roles.
• Ability to manage procurement transitions and system upgrades.
• Comfortable rolling out new tools and processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead supplier sourcing and negotiate contract terms.
• Manage the inventory management system.
• Coordinate materials planning to meet project timelines.
• Supervise purchasing and inventory staff.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Problem-solving skills

Proficient in Sage

Education

CIPS Level 4 (or equivalent)

Degree in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

Sage

WorkPal

Job description

Overview

VANRATH are delighted to be assisting a highly reputable client with the Recruitment of a Procurement Specialist to join a fantastic company who are very staff centric and have a dynamic team at their Bangor Office.

Job Title: Supply Chain & Inventory Operations Lead
Location: Bangor, Northern Ireland, UK
Salary: £32,000 - £40,000 DOE

About the Role

Are you ready to take control of a vital part of business operations and drive real, measurable impact? We\u2019re looking for a Supply Chain & Inventory Operations Lead - a dynamic, forward-thinking professional who can bring order, insight, and efficiency to the way we manage materials, suppliers, and logistics.

This role offers the chance to lead from the front: designing and owning procurement and inventory systems, improving supplier performance, and ensuring operational readiness across multiple locations. You\u2019ll work closely with leadership, finance, and project teams to align stock availability and purchasing decisions with business priorities and project demands.

What You\u2019ll Be Doing

Strategic Supply Management

• Lead supplier sourcing and build strong, reliable relationships with vendors.
• Take charge of contract terms, pricing negotiations, and performance tracking.
• Identify and implement opportunities for improved cost-efficiency and supplier reliability.
• Manage the end-to-end purchasing lifecycle - from internal requisitions to delivery tracking.

Inventory Oversight & System Control

• Take ownership of a new inventory management system and ensure it is fully embedded in daily operations.
• Maintain real-time visibility and accuracy of stock across multiple sites.
• Develop clear processes for stock movement, storage, and control.
• Manage damaged goods, returns, and reconciliation issues with suppliers and teams.

Cross-Functional Operations

• Act as the operational link between procurement, finance, and delivery teams.
• Coordinate materials planning to meet project timelines and site requirements.
• Translate supply data into actionable insights for budget control and project planning.
• Ensure all purchasing and stock data integrates accurately with wider business systems (including Sage and WorkPal).

Team & Process Leadership

• Supervise and support staff involved in purchasing, goods handling, or inventory.
• Drive continuous improvement in how procurement and stock processes are managed.
• Provide clear reporting to senior leadership on risk areas, purchasing trends, and system performance.

What We're Looking For

Must-Have

• CIPS Level 4 (or equivalent professional qualification)
• Solid experience in supply chain or procurement roles, ideally across multi-site operations
• Proficient in using inventory and finance systems (Sage experience preferred)
• Strong negotiation, communication, and problem-solving skills
• Comfortable taking ownership of systems and rolling out new tools/processes

Nice-to-Have

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or related field
• Familiarity with field-based workforce tools (e.g. WorkPal)
• Background in construction, technical products, or project-based supply environments
• Previous team leadership or training experience
• Experience managing procurement transitions or system upgrades

Why This Role?

This isn\u2019t just another operational role. It\u2019s a high-impact position where you\u2019ll help build the foundation for how supply and inventory are managed in a growing, ambitious business. You\u2019ll have the autonomy to lead, the tools to make change, and the opportunity to contribute directly to business success.

For further information on this opportunity, or any other jobs in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Phil Doherty via Vanrath in the strictest confidence.

INDPD

Benefits:
Excellent Benefits (Industry Leading)