Lead Procurement Manager/Direct Material/Data Centre/Category
Posted 2 days ago by Experis UK
Negotiable
Inside
Hybrid
City Of London, England, United Kingdom
Summary: The Lead Procurement Manager for Direct Materials is responsible for strategic sourcing and category management within key mechanical categories across EMEA for a global technology leader. This role involves collaborating with engineering and operations teams to enhance supplier performance and drive commercial value in large-scale infrastructure projects. The position requires a strong focus on sustainability initiatives and stakeholder engagement while streamlining procurement processes. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in direct procurement and a solid understanding of complex technical environments.
Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and deliver sourcing strategies aligned with regional and global objectives.
- Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract governance.
- Identify cost optimisation and value engineering opportunities.
- Drive sustainability initiatives with suppliers.
- Manage supplier KPIs: OTD, Right-First-Time, and compliance.
- Lead QBR/SBR processes to drive performance.
- Oversee contracts, risks, and quality frameworks.
- Partner with Engineering, Design, Construction, Quality, and H&S teams.
- Proactively manage supply chain risks.
- Act as a strategic procurement partner across the product lifecycle.
- Streamline procurement processes (POs, RFPs, Awards).
- Support SAP, Ariba, iCertis, and digital procurement tool implementation.
- Champion digitisation and emerging AI procurement initiatives.
- Support supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge-sharing.
Key Skills:
- 7+ years in direct procurement/strategic sourcing (mechanical or industrial categories preferred).
- Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and contract management expertise.
- Experience in Data Center, industrial, or complex technical procurement.
- Hands-on with procurement systems (SAP, Ariba, iCertis).
- Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain (Master's preferred).
- Skilled at managing stakeholders in complex, global environments.
- Experience in physical product industries, ability to switch between high-level strategy and execution, and confidence working in a matrix organisation.
Salary (Rate): undetermined
City: City Of London
Country: United Kingdom
Working Arrangements: hybrid
IR35 Status: inside IR35
Seniority Level: undetermined
Industry: Other
Lead Procurement Manager - Direct Materials (PAYE Contract)
Location: Hybrid with one day in central London office
Contract Type: PAYE - 18 months
Industry: Technology / Data Center / Engineering
Rate: Competitive PAYE Day Rate
My well known global client is looking for a Lead Procurement Manager to take ownership of strategic sourcing and category management for direct materials across key mechanical categories in EMEA. This is a high-impact role supporting large-scale infrastructure projects for a global technology leader. You'll be embedded in a fast-paced, international environment, partnering with engineering, operations, and cross-functional stakeholders to deliver commercial value, drive supplier performance, and support the growth of next-generation technology infrastructure.
Key Responsibilities
- Category Strategy & Execution
- Develop and deliver sourcing strategies aligned with regional and global objectives.
- Lead supplier selection, negotiations, and contract governance.
- Identify cost optimisation and value engineering opportunities.
- Drive sustainability initiatives with suppliers.
- Supplier Relationship Management
- Manage supplier KPIs: OTD, Right-First-Time, and compliance.
- Lead QBR/SBR processes to drive performance.
- Oversee contracts, risks, and quality frameworks.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with Engineering, Design, Construction, Quality, and H&S teams.
- Proactively manage supply chain risks.
- Act as a strategic procurement partner across the product lifecycle.
- Process & Systems
- Streamline procurement processes (POs, RFPs, Awards).
- Support SAP, Ariba, iCertis, and digital procurement tool implementation.
- Champion digitisation and emerging AI procurement initiatives.
- People & Culture
- Support supplier diversity and inclusion initiatives.
- Mentor junior team members and promote knowledge-sharing.
What We're Looking For
- 7+ years in direct procurement/strategic sourcing (mechanical or industrial categories preferred).
- Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation and contract management expertise.
- Experience in Data Center, industrial, or complex technical procurement.
- Hands-on with procurement systems (SAP, Ariba, iCertis).
- Degree in Business, Engineering, Supply Chain (Master's preferred).
- Skilled at managing stakeholders in complex, global environments.
Nice To Have
- Experience in physical product industries, ability to switch between high-level strategy and execution, and confidence working in a matrix organisation.
Why Join?
- Lead a critical category in a global procurement function.
- Collaborate with top-tier engineering and operations teams.
- Influence the future of procurement with AI and digitisation initiatives.
- Be part of an innovative, international, and supportive environment.
Interested? If you're an experienced procurement professional with a passion for delivering results in high-growth, technical environments and want to work for a market leader, we'd love to hear from you. Please send an updated version of your CV to scott.defries@experis.co.uk
People Source Consulting Ltd is acting as an Employment Business in relation to this vacancy. People Source specialise in technology recruitment across niche markets including Information Technology, Digital TV, Digital Marketing, Project and Programme Management, SAP, Digital and Consumer Electronics, Air Traffic Management, Management Consultancy, Business Intelligence, Manufacturing, Telecoms, Public Sector, Healthcare, Finance and Oil & Gas.