Procurement Manager

About the role

Based in Vision RT’s Basingstoke site and reporting to the Director of Operations, the candidate will be responsible for streamlining and centralising procurement within the firm’s operations. The candidate’s primary goal will be to leverage the firm’s historic and projected growth to ensure continuity of component supply and achieve cost‑saving targets.

The role will require direct management of a small team and close liaison with the Production Manager, the wider production team, and quality team colleagues.

The role will involve developing new procurement arrangements, both off‑the‑shelf and made‑to‑spec (build‑to‑print). In particular, it will support the introduction of new products into the Vision RT portfolio and require close cooperation with the Product Delivery (R&D) team.

Some liaison may be required from time to time with colleagues from Vision RT’s parent company, William Demant, for training or to develop best practices.

Travel to supplier or company sites in the UK (e.g. London) and abroad may be required occasionally.

• Developing, leading, and executing procurement and sourcing strategies for both existing products and new product introductions (NPI). Building and maintaining strong relationships with new and existing suppliers, while developing optimal procurement arrangements to achieve required commercial terms. Seeking and identifying new and replacement suppliers and supporting their selection and successful onboarding into the firm’s processes.
• Ensuring all suppliers meet the firm’s quality goals in line with the quality policy, in collaboration with the Quality Manager. Monitoring supplier performance, driving improvements, and ensuring consistent quality. Ensuring timely delivery of direct goods, indirect items, and services.
• Tracking and reporting key functional metrics to reduce expenses and improve effectiveness. Developing negotiation strategies, closing deals with optimal terms, and implementing supplier contracts in collaboration with Quality and Legal teams.
• Performing cost and scenario analysis, benchmarking, and understanding market trends and risks. Assessing, managing, and mitigating risks, particularly relating to single‑source suppliers, supplier stability, ethical sourcing, sustainability, delivery, quality, and product end‑of‑life.
• Monitoring and forecasting upcoming levels of demand using ERP software. Conducting supplier audits and site visits. Managing a small procurement team and driving continuous improvement of procurement processes.
• Working at all times within the firm’s ISO
  13485 quality system processes. Managing total production inventory in line with company strategy and maintaining appropriate stock levels to support production forecasts. Supporting the implementation of design changes by working closely with R&D and ensuring materials are available as required.
• Collaborating with the Finance team to manage purchase price variances, expenses, and stock reconciliation. Setting and maintaining departmental and supplier performance KPIs.

• Proven working experience (over three years) as a procurement manager in a manufacturing environment, including both mechanical and electronic assemblies. A demonstrable track record of managing suppliers to reduce costs using multiple techniques and strategies.
• Demonstrable sensitivity and discretion in maintaining strong relationships with a loyal and valued supply base while improving commercial terms. Familiarity with sourcing and supplier management.
• Strong commercial focus with excellent communication skills and the ability to handle complex and challenging situations with confidence. Strong negotiation and networking skills, along with the ability to gather and analyse data and work effectively with figures.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a dynamic and growing organisation. Strong planning and leadership capabilities. Ability to develop effective and pragmatic solutions to new situations and challenges.
• CIPS qualification or similar in supply chain management, logistics, or business administration. Experience with Sage 200…