Procurement​/Purchasing Manager

Summary

Nova is a marine energy company that designs, builds and operates renewable energy projects. Nova has a world‑leading track record in tidal energy and has recently expanded into floating solar, with a strong pipeline of projects across the UK, Europe and Africa.

To deliver this pipeline, Nova requires an experienced Procurement/Purchasing Manager with a passion for negotiating exceptional deals that deliver strong long‑term growth for our shareholders. The supply chain for these projects is geographically widespread and broad in scale – from blue‑chip suppliers to local groundworks contractors. Our projects are characterised by their fast pace, high quality and requirement to run like clockwork.

The Procurement/Purchasing Manager will serve as the primary liaison for all commercial interactions with our supply chain overseeing proposals, quotations, order placements and ensuring timely delivery of goods and services. The ideal candidate will bring substantial experience, strong relationship management skills, and a proven ability to negotiate favourable terms.

This role presents a unique opportunity to build from the ground up. Initially hands‑on, it will encompass everything from preparing purchase orders to developing long‑term procurement strategies. As the first dedicated member of the procurement team, you will be responsible for establishing systems, shaping the team culture, and leading its growth as the company scales.

We are seeking a proactive and strategic professional who is ready to make a lasting impact and contribute meaningfully to Nova’s continued success. Whilst the role will be predominantly desk based, flexibility to attend national and international meetings is required. This will also include some activities outwith standard business hours.

• Lead and manage all procurement activities (including but not limited to: power station hardware, site services, legals, software and licensing).
• Identify and qualify suppliers for products and services provision.
• Work with engineers to develop high quality RFQs and assess tenders received.
• Develop, review and negotiate contract terms and conditions.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure the best possible value for money/quality.
• Ensure all required levels of quality, cost and timescales are met.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Nova’s key suppliers.
• Provide strategic procurement direction to the Nova Executive, including implementation of state‑of‑the‑art procurement system and software tools.
• Ongoing coaching of Nova staff in best practice in supplier management.
• Other procurement and company duties as required by the business.

Essential attributes:

• Positive, self‑motivated and friendly personality, with a ‘can‑do’ attitude.
• At least 5 years’ experience within a procurement role.
• A passion for negotiating excellent deals and building strong supplier relationships.
• Experience with international imports and exports.
• Strong analytical skills, commercial awareness and supply chain risk management.
• Attention to detail, ensuring timely and high‑quality outputs.
• Ability to work flexibly and communicate well within a small, cross‑discipline team.

• Experience with in an engineering/manufacturing business.
• Experience at a senior level in procurement in a relevant/related industry.
• Experience with Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office products.

• Undergraduate/postgraduate qualification in a business / management field.
• Level 4 (Diploma in Procurement and Supply) from CIPS or equivalent.

• Competitive salary based on experience: FTE range £55 – 70k per annum.
• Matched 5% employer pension contribution, raising to 10% on length of service.
• 33 days annual holiday allowance, rising to 35 on length of service.
• Hybrid working arrangements.
• Private medical and life insurance.
• Comprehensive family‑friendly policies.

To apply ,  with a tailored covering letter to ap, explaining why you think you would be suited to this position, your reasons for applying and other pertinent information such as available start date, relocation/visa status.
Applications without a covering letter will not be read
.

For the Subject field in your email, please use: “Job application: 25001 Procurement/Purchasing Manager”.

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom. Successful candidates will be required to provide proof of their right to work as part of the interview process and/or pre‑employment checks.

• Employment type:
  
  Full‑time (part‑time and contract positions will be considered)
• Seniority level:
  Mid‑Senior level
• Job function:
  Purchasing and Supply Chain
• Location:
  
  Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom