Strategic Sourcing Manager

W Talent

Strategic Sourcing Manager

70,000 + benefits

Location: West Midlands

Overview

My client is international engineering and manufacturing organisation, is seeking an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join their team based in the West Midlands

This is a key role within a global procurement function, responsible for leading a team focused on strategic sourcing and supplier management across a complex and technical product environment. The successful candidate will bring a highly analytical and strategic procurement mindset, with the ability to develop, own, and execute category strategies that deliver long-term value to the business.

The position requires a proactive and collaborative leader who can work effectively with stakeholders across engineering, operations, and commercial teams within an international business environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop a global team of procurement professionals, ensuring alignment with business and procurement objectives.
• Develop, implement, and continuously refine category strategies that support business growth and operational efficiency.
• Analyse spend, supplier markets, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for value creation and risk mitigation.
• Lead complex supplier negotiations, ensuring commercial, contractual, and operational considerations are aligned with company policies.
• Drive structured sourcing activities including RFx processes, supplier selection, and contract negotiations.
• Negotiate and manage contracts across multiple sites and regions, covering pricing, delivery, and commercial terms.
• Work closely with cross-functional teams to ensure procurement strategies support wider business requirements.
• Identify and deliver cost optimisation and value improvement initiatives across key product categories.
• Build strong supplier relationships and ensure effective supplier performance management.
• Provide regular reporting and insights to support procurement decision-making.

Candidate Profile

• Proven experience in strategic procurement, category management, or supply chain leadership roles.
• Strong analytical capability with the ability to interpret data, market trends, and cost structures to inform procurement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience creating, owning, and delivering category strategies within a complex manufacturing or industrial environment.
• Strong commercial acumen and experience leading supplier negotiations and managing contractual agreements.
• A structured, results-oriented approach with strong attention to detail.
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Experience working with ERP systems (e.g. SAP) and advanced Excel or data analysis tools.
• Good understanding of manufacturing supply chains and cost drivers.
• Degree qualified in engineering, supply chain, business, economics, or a related discipline.