Procurement Team Lead

We're building something powerful. Let's build it together. We've delivered high-performance embedded computing solutions for four decades across industries including defence, telecoms, and aerospace.

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Procurement Team Lead to oversee procurement operations within our SMT design and manufacturing business. This role will be responsible for leading a team of procurement professionals, driving sourcing strategies, managing KPIs, and ensuring effective category management to support business objectives.

• Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team to achieve manufacturing and business goals.
• Set clear objectives and monitor team performance against KPIs.
• Negotiate supplier contracts to secure optimal pricing, quality, and delivery terms.
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring resilience and reliability.
• Take ownership of assigned procurement categories (e.g. electronic components, raw materials, manufacturing services).
• Drive cost savings, supplier innovation, and long-term value creation.
• Establish and track procurement KPIs (cost savings, supplier performance, lead times, compliance).
• Provide regular reports and insights to senior management.
• Ensure adherence to company policies, ethical standards, and regulatory requirements.
• Analyse procurement data to identify trends, opportunities, and areas for improvement.
  
  Work closely with engineering, production, and quality teams to align procurement with operational needs.
• Support new product introduction (NPI) projects with timely sourcing and supplier engagement.

• Proven experience in procurement leadership within manufacturing (preferably electronics/SMT).
• Strong knowledge of sourcing strategies, supplier management, and category management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Analytical mindset with ability to interpret data and drive KPI improvements.
• Proficiency in procurement systems and ERP tools.
• Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business, Engineering, or related field (CIPS qualification desirable).

• Strategic thinker with a hands‑on approach.
• Strong leadership and people management skills.
• Results‑driven, with a focus on continuous improvement.
• Ability to thrive in a fast‑paced, high‑tech manufacturing environment.

• 25 days holidays + bank holidays and holiday purchase scheme.
• Annual profit share bonus.
• Cycle to work, Home & Tech and car salary sacrifice schemes.
• Death in service benefit & income protection.
• Employee assistance programme and virtual GP.
• Employee referral scheme.
• Enhanced parental leave.
• Generous company pension scheme with up to 10% employer contribution.
• One paid volunteering day per year.
• Private Health Insurance through Bupa.
• YuLife wellbeing app.

We are an equal opportunity employer and believe in the power of a diverse, inclusive team. We welcome all applications from all suitably qualified people, regardless of race, sex, disability, religion / belief, sexual orientation or age. Please let us know if you require anything which would enable your success throughout our interview process.

Competitive

Colchester, Essex

Permanent