Supply Chain & Procurement Manager

Senior Supply & Procurement Manager

Ipswich | Hybrid Working | £65,000 + Bonus + Benefits

Are you a commercially minded supply chain leader who enjoys balancing strategic planning with operational execution?

We're partnering with a well-established international business seeking an experienced Senior Supply & Procurement Manager to take ownership of a critical function responsible for supply planning, procurement, inventory strategy, supplier management and demand fulfilment.

Reporting directly to the Operations Director, this newly created leadership position will play a key role in shaping and delivering the organisation's supply strategy, ensuring products and materials are available when needed, whilst driving efficiency, resilience and continuous improvement across the wider business.

This is not a traditional logistics-focused supply chain role. Instead, it offers the opportunity to lead procurement and supply operations, influence business-wide decision making and develop long-term strategies that support growth, service performance and customer satisfaction.

The Opportunity You'll lead an established purchasing and supply team, partnering closely with colleagues across operations, sales, product management, finance and logistics to create a fully integrated approach to demand planning, procurement and inventory management.

Success in this role will require strong leadership, commercial acumen and the ability to build trusted relationships both internally and externally. You'll be equally comfortable developing strategic plans, negotiating with suppliers and rolling up your sleeves to resolve complex supply challenges.

Key Responsibilities Supply Chain Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement a supply and procurement strategy aligned to wider business objectives.
• Lead the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) process, ensuring demand and supply remain balanced.
• Drive forecasting accuracy and improve visibility across the supply network.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen supply continuity, service performance and operational efficiency.
• Support business growth through effective planning of materials and resources.

Procurement & Supplier Management

• Manage relationships with a diverse network of domestic and international suppliers.
• Negotiate commercial agreements and service level commitments.
• Ensure consistent supply of quality products and materials.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement initiatives where required.
• Develop robust supplier strategies to minimise risk and improve resilience.

Inventory & Supply Management

• Oversee inventory planning and stock performance across multiple locations.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to ensure availability aligns with customer demand.
• Review stock forecasting models and identify opportunities to optimise inventory levels.
• Coordinate supply requirements with manufacturing and external production partners where applicable.

Process Improvement & Performance

• Analyse operational data to identify trends, inefficiencies and improvement opportunities.
• Establish and monitor key supply chain KPIs.
• Lead projects focused on cost reduction, waste elimination and performance enhancement.
• Champion continuous improvement methodologies and best-practice processes.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify potential supply disruptions and implement mitigation plans.
• Monitor risks across procurement, supplier performance and supply continuity.
• Maintain oversight of import and export compliance requirements.
• Ensure robust governance and business continuity practices are in place.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, coach and develop a well-established supply and procurement team.
• Create a positive, high-performance culture that encourages accountability and collaboration.
• Support succession planning, talent development and training initiatives.
• Conduct performance reviews, objective setting and development planning.
• Work closely with HR on employee relations and people management activities.

About You We're keen to hear from experienced supply chain professionals who have operated at a senior level within complex commercial or manufacturing environments.

You'll bring:

• Significant experience in senior supply chain, procurement or sourcing leadership roles.
• Proven experience leading and developing teams.
• Strong supplier management, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Experience implementing strategic supply chain initiatives and driving continuous improvement.
• Advanced ERP systems knowledge.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• A collaborative leadership style with high levels of emotional intelligence.
• Strong commercial awareness and the ability to influence at all levels.
• Knowledge of inventory planning, demand forecasting and supply optimisation.
• Understanding of international supply networks and import/export requirements.
• Lean Six Sigma, continuous improvement or operational excellence credentials.
• Degree-level qualification or equivalent industry experience.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience.
• Annual performance-related bonus.
• Hybrid working arrangement.
• Senior leadership exposure and influence.
• Opportunity to shape and develop an important function within the business.
• Comprehensive benefits package.
• Long-term career development opportunities.

If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely influence business performance, build a best-in-class supply function and lead a talented team through the next stage of growth, we'd love to hear from you.