Head Of Procurement

Our client are a South Yorkshire based steel manufacturing company and due to a significant period of expansion, require a new Head of Purchasing at their site.

This role would entailleading the procurement strategy for all raw materials and supplies needed in steel production, focusing on securing the best quality materials at competitive prices while managing supplier relationships, optimising inventory levels, and ensuring timely deliveries to support efficient manufacturing operations;key responsibilities would include developing procurement strategies, supplier negotiation, market analysis, cost reduction initiatives, and managing a team of purchasing professionals within the steel manufacturing environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Procurement:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive purchasing strategy aligned with overall company goals, including cost reduction, quality improvement, and supply chain optimization.
  • Analyse market trends and forecast raw material price fluctuations to identify potential risks and opportunities.
  • Identify and source new suppliers, evaluating their capabilities and reliability to ensure quality standards are met.
  • Conduct supplier selection and negotiation processes to secure favorable pricing and contract terms.

• Supplier Management:

  • Build and maintain strong relationships with key steel suppliers, ensuring consistent communication and performance management.
  • Monitor supplier performance metrics like delivery time, quality, and cost to identify areas for improvement and address any issues.
  • Implement supplier development initiatives to enhance their capabilities and meet evolving needs.

• Cost Optimisation:

  • Identify cost-saving opportunities through volume discounts, alternative sourcing options, and negotiation strategies.
  • Analyse spend data to identify areas for cost reduction and implement cost-saving measures.
  • Conduct regular cost analysis and benchmarking against industry standards.

• Team Leadership:

  • Lead and manage a team of purchasing professionals, providing coaching, development, and performance feedback.
  • Delegate tasks effectively, ensuring team efficiency and alignment with overall procurement strategy.
  • Foster a culture of continuous improvement within the purchasing department.

• Compliance and Risk Management:

  • Ensure adherence to company procurement policies, quality standards, and regulatory requirements.
  • Identify and mitigate potential supply chain risks related to price fluctuations, geopolitical issues, and supplier disruptions.
  • Implement robust quality control processes to verify incoming materials meet specifications.

Required Skills and Experience:

• Deep understanding of the steel industry, including different steel grades, manufacturing processes, and key raw materials.
• Proven experience in strategic procurement, supplier negotiation, and contract management
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate market trends, cost data, and supplier performance
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to build relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers
• Leadership experience in managing a team of purchasing professionals
• Proficiency in procurement systems and data analysis tools

Relevant Educational Background:

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• Professional certifications in procurement or supply chain management (e.g., CIPS, APICS) can be beneficial