Tooling Procurement Specialist

Artifex; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is seeking a Tooling Procurement Specialist to source and manage tooling, fixtures, and related equipment for NPI and manufacturing. You will lead supplier evaluation, negotiate contracts, and secure cost savings while ensuring quality and on-time delivery.

You’ll collaborate with engineering, manufacturing and programme teams, manage spend, and drive continuous improvement in tooling lifecycle management across the business.

Qualifications

• Experience in commercial environments handling complex tooling requirements.
• Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and PowerPoint.

Responsibilities

• Source and procure tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges and related equipment per business needs.
• Lead supplier selection, quotation, negotiation and contract activities for tooling.
• Deliver cost savings and value improvements while maintaining quality and service.
• Support budget management and spend analysis for tooling categories.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain relationships with tooling suppliers and partners.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, cost, delivery and KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality and Programme teams for NPI and tooling delivery.

Skills

Negotiation

Supplier relationship management

Cross-functional collaboration

Analytical thinking

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Tools

TcPCM tooling costing

Teamcenter

Microsoft Office

Job description

Main purpose of the job The Tooling Procurement Specialist plays a vital role in supporting successful product launches through the effective sourcing, procurement, and management of tooling and related equipment.

The role is responsible for ensuring tooling requirements are delivered on time, to specification, and at the most competitive total cost, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and supplier performance.

This is a highly visible role with significant influence on tooling spend, supplier selection, new product introduction (NPI) activities and will significantly influence overall business performance. The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders and external supplier partners to deliver value, innovation, and operational excellence.

Main missions and results

• Source and procure tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and associated equipment in line with business requirements.
• Lead supplier selection, quotation, negotiation, and contract activities for tooling requirements.
• Deliver cost savings and value improvement initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Support budget management and spend analysis for tooling categories.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with tooling suppliers and strategic partners.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, cost, delivery, and service KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation plans where required

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Programme teams to support new product launches.
• Ensure tooling requirements are identified, sourced, and delivered to project timelines.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings and provide procurement expertise.
• Support the successful industrialisation of new products through timely tooling availability.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across commercial, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project teams.
• Understand business needs and translate these into sourcing and supplier strategies.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Challenge and influence stakeholders to optimise procurement outcomes

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier performance, and tooling lifecycle management.
• Support digitalisation and process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to procurement strategy development.
• Share market intelligence and industry best practices.

Preferred skills and experience

• Experience working in a commercial environment on complex tooling requirements.
• Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint.

Desirable

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and product development cycles.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies.
• Awareness of (TcPCM) Teamcentre Product Cost Management for costing tooling and equipment.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong relationship builder with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercially minded with a continuous improvement focus.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list. All employees are expected to show flexibility and continued self-development to meet the ever-changing needs of the business. All job descriptions / vacancy notices will be subject to continual development.

Internal closing date: 1st September 2026

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is an equal opportunities employer committed to eliminating discrimination and fostering an inclusive culture for all. Our aim is that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society, that they feel respected and able to perform at their best. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our colleagues is recognised.