Indirect Procurement Manager

Indirect Procurement Manager | Milton Keynes | up to £51,000 | Permanent

The Opportunity
Are you a proactive procurement professional who thrives in a high-energy, "on-the-ground" environment rather than being tucked away in a corporate office? We are partnering with a leading Rail Specialist in Milton Keynes that is currently experiencing a period of significant growth and a busy order book.

This is a pivotal role where you will take full ownership of the indirect spend function. Managing a broad portfolio (from IT and facilities to building maintenance and consumables) you will manage sourcing activities and mentor a direct report to ensure operational excellence. With over 400 staff on-site, this is a fast-paced, "blue-collar" manufacturing environment where your work directly impacts the heartbeat of the production floor.

Responsibilities:

• Sourcing Activity: Execute sourcing for all indirect spend areas to optimise cost, quality, and service, supporting the wider procurement goals.

• Supplier Management: Manage the sourcing lifecycle, including RFQs and contract renewals, while maintaining strong performance from key suppliers.

• Operational Leadership: Line manage an Indirect Procurement Associate, supporting their training and professional development.

• Stakeholder Collaboration: Work closely with the Strategic Procurement Manager to support new contract negotiations, and align with Facilities Management (FM) to ensure building contractors are H&S compliant.

• Process Improvement: Drive the use of SAP to maintain accurate purchasing records and identify cost-saving opportunities through data insights.

• Compliance: Ensure all procurement activities meet strict industry standards and internal company policies.

The Candidate:

• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years in a procurement role, ideally within a manufacturing, production, or engineering environment.

• Leadership: Previous line management experience (or the demonstrable ability to mentor others) is essential.

• Technical Skills: Proficient in ERP systems (specifically SAP) and Microsoft Office.

• Attributes: A "can-do" attitude is a must. You should be comfortable donning a hi-viz jacket, walking the shop floor, and building relationships with diverse stakeholders.

• Qualifications: CIPS is advantageous but not essential; our client values relevant skills and industry experience.

Location: Milton Keynes (Commutable from Bedford, Northampton, Luton, and surrounding areas).

Salary: Up to £51,000 + 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays). Note: This role offers the opportunity for 3 days remote working per week following the successful completion of a 6-month probation period.

About Ford & Stanley Group Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group are in the business of people and performance. Our mission is to create one million better workdays through facilitating great recruitment, leadership and occupational mental fitness. We support our clients in their most challenging business areas: recruiting, developing and retaining the best talent from shop floor to boardroom.

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Ford & Stanley Talent Services Group Ltd is a Disability Confident employer that is committed to a policy of equal opportunities for all opportunity seekers. We shall adhere to such a policy at all times and will review on an on-going basis all aspects of recruitment to avoid unlawful or undesirable discrimination. We will treat everyone equally irrespective sex, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, age, disability, colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief or political beliefs and we place an obligation upon all staff to respect and act in accordance with the policy.