Indirect Purchasing Manager

W Talent is delighted to be partnering with a leading flexible packaging manufacturer based in Gainsborough, specialising in high-quality, sustainable packaging solutions for food, medical, industrial, and consumer goods markets. They are now seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Manager to support operations at their Gainsborough manufacturing facility.

The Role

The successful candidate will lead the development and continuous improvement of indirect procurement and purchasing processes, working closely with operations, engineering, finance, and supply chain teams to optimise cost, enhance supplier performance, and ensure uninterrupted site operations. This position plays a critical role in driving efficiency, cost control, and cross-functional collaboration across the Gainsborough and Burnley sites, while also supporting selected direct categories such as inks and solvents.

Key Responsibilities

• Collaborate with Operations, Engineering, Finance, Technical, and Commercial teams, working closely with the Procurement function to deliver an effective indirect procurement strategy across both sites
• Lead the implementation and continuous improvement of indirect procurement processes and systems, ensuring they are fit for purpose and aligned to business needs
• Develop and embed category management strategies across indirect spend areas including MRO, services, CapEx, utilities, logistics, and facilities
• Support and contribute to SIOP-related activities where indirect procurement impacts operational planning and delivery
• Work closely with senior procurement leadership and stakeholders to analyse spend data, supplier performance, and market trends to identify cost-saving opportunities
• Conduct detailed spend analysis across indirect categories, identifying trends, risks, and opportunities to drive efficiency and value
• Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring delivery against agreed KPIs, SLAs, and contractual obligations
• Lead contract negotiations and renewals for key indirect categories, ensuring commercial value and risk mitigation
• Support procurement activities relating to inks and solvents, ensuring alignment with production requirements and cost targets
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, supplier performance, and cost management
• Develop and manage demand planning and purchasing strategies for indirect categories to ensure continuity of supply
• Identify and implement cost reduction initiatives, including supplier consolidation and process efficiencies
• Monitor, report, and improve supplier performance, service delivery, and material/service availability
• Promote best practice and a culture of continuous improvement across procurement and supplier management activities

Key Requirements

• Experience in procurement, supply chain, or indirect purchasing within a manufacturing or industrial environment
• Strong knowledge of ERP systems and procurement tools
• Experience in supplier management, contract negotiation, and category management
• Proven ability to analyse data and deliver actionable insight
• Experience in preparing and delivering presentations to stakeholders at all levels
• Strong strategic and tactical thinking capability
• Excellent project management and organisational skills
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Ability to work in a confidential and professional manner
• High attention to detail with a thorough and accurate approach
• Ability to prioritise workload and manage multiple tasks effectively
• Calm under pressure with a proactive, positive, and "can do" attitude
• CIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable

Salary & Benefits

A competitive salary starting between -40,000 and -45,000 plus a strong benefits package is on offer. The role is based in Gainsborough with responsibility supporting the Burnley site. This position offers the opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement strategy, driving cost efficiencies, and enhancing supplier performance within a dynamic and operationally diverse manufacturing environment.