Group Supply Chain Manager

Stockport, Lancashire
Opals Group
Role Overview

The Group Supply Chain manager will support the procurement function within the organisation, responsible for developing and implementing procurement strategies, managing supplier relationships, and optimising purchasing processes to support business objectives. Reporting directly to the Group Head of Procurement and Supply Chain, the role will liaise with a team of procurement professionals, collaborating with internal stakeholders, and driving cost savings, efficiency improvements, and quality enhancements across the procurement function.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, and procedures to support organisational goals and objectives, ensuring alignment with industry best practices and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrate leadership to a team of procurement professionals, providing guidance, coaching, and support to foster a high-performing and collaborative work environment.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including department heads, senior management, and external suppliers, to understand their procurement needs and priorities and align procurement activities accordingly.
• Oversee the sourcing and selection of suppliers, negotiating contracts, and managing supplier relationships to optimise cost, quality, and delivery performance while minimising risk.
• Monitor market trends, industry developments, and supplier performance metrics to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and innovation in procurement practices.
• Drive strategic sourcing initiatives, including supplier consolidation, vendor rationalisation, and global sourcing strategies, to achieve economies of scale and maximize value for the organisation.
• Develop and manage procurement budgets, forecasts, and financial targets, tracking expenses and cost savings initiatives to ensure adherence to budgetary constraints and achievement of financial objectives.
• Implement procurement technology solutions, tools, and systems to enhance efficiency, automate processes, and improve data visibility and analytics capabilities.
• Lead cross-functional teams and collaborate with departments such as finance, operations, and legal to integrate procurement activities into overall business processes and ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
• Develop and implement supplier performance management programs, conducting regular supplier evaluations, audits, and reviews to assess performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement.

Skills and Experience

• A bachelor’s degree in business, supply chain management, procurement, or a related field is desirable. A master’s degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.
• Proven experience in procurement or supply chain management roles, with a track record of success in developing and executing procurement strategies and leading procurement teams.
• Strong leadership and management skills, with the ability to motivate and inspire a team, foster collaboration, and drive results in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Strategic thinking and analytical skills, with the ability to analyse complex data, identify trends and opportunities, and develop innovative solutions to drive business value.
• Strong negotiation and contract management skills, with the ability to negotiate favourable terms and conditions and resolve conflicts or disputes with suppliers.
• Proficiency in procurement software or systems, as well as Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook), for data analysis, reporting, and communication.
• Knowledge of procurement best practices, industry trends, and regulatory requirements, with a commitment to staying informed about developments in the field.
• Project management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks, manage multiple projects simultaneously, and meet deadlines effectively.
• Commitment to professionalism, integrity, and ethical conduct in all procurement activities.

Driven by values, powered by inclusion.

At OCU, our values guide everything we do: integrity, collaboration, respect, innovation and one company united. They shape how we work with our clients, communities, and each other. We believe that inclusion is more than a principle – it’s the foundation of our success. By embracing equity and ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to thrive, we create a workplace where diverse perspectives are valued, and everyone feels they belong.

Together, we build stronger teams, deliver better outcomes, and grow in ways that reflect the communities we serve. If you want to be part of a culture where values matter and inclusion is at the heart of everything we do apply now and help us shape the future together.

If you are invited to progress in the recruitment process, will you require any reasonable adjustments to support you? Please let us know so we can ensure the process is accessible and fair for you. Any information you share will be treated confidentially and will only be used to support you during the recruitment process.