Indirect Purchasing Manager

Indirect Purchasing Manager

The Indirect Purchasing Manager will lead the development and management of the group's indirect procurement function. The role is responsible for establishing sourcing strategies, supplier-management practices, purchasing controls, and processes for goods and services not intended for resale. The role will deliver value, cost efficiency, supply continuity, governance, and service improvements while partnering with stakeholders across the group.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the indirect purchasing strategy, policies, processes, and controls.
• Lead sourcing activities for indirect goods and services, including tendering, quotation, evaluation, negotiation, and supplier selection.
• Manage indirect spend categories and develop category plans aligned with operational and business requirements.
• Negotiate and manage supplier contracts, commercial terms, pricing, service-level agreements, and renewal arrangements.
• Establish supplier performance-management processes, including performance reviews, risk management, issue resolution, and corrective actions.
• Identify and deliver cost-saving, value-improvement, standardisation, and spend-consolidation opportunities.
• Build effective partnerships with budget holders and stakeholders to understand demand, requirements, and future purchasing needs.
• Oversee purchasing activity, purchase-order compliance, delegated authority controls, and procurement governance.
• Lead, coach, and support indirect purchasing team members, including the Indirect Purchasing Buyer where applicable.
• Develop procurement reporting, including spend analysis, savings tracking, supplier performance, contract status, and compliance measures.
• Ensure procurement records, supplier information, contracts, and documentation are accurate and maintained appropriately.
• Work with Finance and operational teams to support budgeting, forecasting, payment terms, and cash-flow objectives.
• Identify and mitigate supply, commercial, operational, and supplier-related risks.
• Drive continuous improvement in procurement systems, processes, data quality, and stakeholder service.

Key Stakeholders

• Product Operations Director
• Finance and budget holders
• Operations, Facilities, IT, HR, Marketing, and other support functions
• Senior business leaders
• External suppliers, service providers, and contract partners

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in procurement, purchasing, category management, or supply chain.
• Experience leading indirect procurement activity and managing a range of indirect spend categories.
• Proven ability to lead sourcing events and negotiate supplier contracts and commercial terms.
• Strong understanding of procurement governance, supplier management, contract management, and purchasing controls.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering cost savings, commercial value, or operational improvements.
• Experience managing stakeholders at different levels, including senior leaders.
• Strong analytical, financial, negotiation, planning, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to lead, develop, and motivate team members.
• Strong proficiency with procurement systems, reporting tools, and spreadsheet analysis.

Desirable

• Experience establishing a new procurement function, framework, or operating model.
• Relevant procurement qualification, such as CIPS, or equivalent experience.
• Experience in a multi-site, distribution, retail, automotive, or operational business.
• Experience using e-procurement, contract-management, or supplier-performance systems.

Key Competencies

• Strategic and commercially focused
• Strong negotiator and influencer
• Leadership and people-development capability
• Collaborative stakeholder partner
• Analytical, organised, and detail oriented
• Decisive, pragmatic, and solutions focused
• High standards of integrity, governance, and accountability
• Continuous-improvement mindset

Measures of Success

• Delivery of agreed cost savings, cost avoidance, and value-improvement targets.
• Increased visibility, control, and compliance across indirect spend.
• Improved supplier performance, service quality, and contract outcomes.
• Reduced supplier risk and strengthened continuity of supply.
• Timely completion of sourcing activity, contract renewals, and purchasing requirements.
• Stakeholder satisfaction with procurement support and commercial outcomes.
• Effective development and performance of the indirect purchasing team.