Senior Procurement Associate

We have an exciting opportunity to work for our global client located in Cambridgeshire. The role is a full-time temporary contract position signed off for 2 years. Our client offers hybrid working (2-3 days on site per week) and the role offers an hourly rate of £23.69 - £40.31 per hour depending on experience, plus 25 days holiday pro rata per annum and other benefits.

This position will drive execution of key strategic projects and the management of global suppliers supporting our organisation’s multi-year supply and manufacturing optimisation initiatives.

This position will partner with external suppliers who manufacturer and or distributor electronic components as well as contract manufacturers who produce sub-assemblies or finished products. All of these direct materials support the manufacturing and sales of our organisation’s identification and monitoring products.

Success in this role requires a deep understanding of supplier management principles and practices, specifically within the complex electronics manufacturing industry.

This position will thrive on the need to leverage exceptional analytical capabilities, firm project management skills, proactive problem-solving skills, and strong collaborative communication to ensure long-term supply assurance, cost of goods improvements and overall successful project execution.

Role Functions

(Functions include, but are not limited to, the following)

* Lead contract negotiations with suppliers to secure favorable terms and conditions, ensuring alignment with company policies and regulatory standards. Monitor and enforce compliance with contractual obligations, including pricing, delivery schedules, quality requirements, and other key performance metrics. Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to resolve contractual issues and mitigate supplier-related risks.

* Execute long-term strategic sourcing plans for critical electronic components and sub-assemblies. Analyse global market trends, identify cost optimisation opportunities, and drive total cost of ownership (TCO) reductions while ensuring continuous supply and mitigating component shortages for global manufacturing operations.

* Lead and execute high-impact cross-functional procurement and manufacturing optimisation projects. Develop detailed project plans, manage complex timelines, track deliverables across internal teams and external CMOs, and ensure alignment with strategic business goals, including achieving targeted cost savings and supply assurance.

* Build and maintain strong relationships with global suppliers, acting as the main point of contact for all supplier-related matters. Develop an in-depth understanding of supplier capabilities, performance, and strategic alignment with company objectives. Conduct regular supplier performance evaluations and follow-up actions to drive continuous improvement.

* Collaborate with cross-functional teams to identify potential suppliers, evaluate their qualifications, capabilities, and compliance with regulatory requirements. Conduct thorough supplier audits to assess their ability to meet quality, cost, and delivery expectations. Make informed recommendations on supplier selection and ensure smooth integration of new suppliers into the supply chain.

* Establish, monitor, and manage comprehensive Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and Service Level Agreements (SLAs) to evaluate supplier health and operational excellence. Generate executive-ready dashboards and reports to communicate performance, compliance, and risks to senior stakeholders, and use these metrics to drive Quarterly Business Reviews (QBRs) and continuous improvement initiatives.

* Proactively identify and assess potential risks within the supplier base, developing and implementing risk mitigation strategies to ensure uninterrupted supply. Continuously monitor the market for changes in supplier capabilities, financial stability, geopolitical factors, and regulatory compliance that may impact the supply chain. Develop contingency plans and alternative sourcing strategies to minimize disruptions.

* Collaborate closely with internal stakeholders, including Procurement, Quality…