Procurement Manager

Your new company

Hays are excited to collaborate with The North British Distillery in seeking an experienced and driven Procurement Manager. This role offers the unique opportunity to impact the company's direction through strategic procurement initiatives.

As a distinguished and esteemed producer of Scotch grain whisky, The North British Distillery excels in the artful processes of distilling and ageing grain spirit - a fundamental component of blended whisky. The North British Distillery is committed to fostering talent and offering rewarding career opportunities. Embracing core values that resonate across the organisation, they cultivate a cohesive environment where every voice matters and contributions are appreciated.

Located in the heart of Edinburgh, they are a modern company based on traditional values. With superb connectivity, they are just a 20-minute walk from Haymarket rail station or a brief 12-minute bus ride. Additionally, convenient on-site parking and nearby bus stops make them easily accessible.

Your new role

In this pivotal position, reporting to the Finance Director, you will take charge of the procurement process, ensuring all purchasing activities are conducted with the utmost efficiency and effectiveness. A significant aspect of your role will be to identify and implement cost-saving measures across both direct and indirect spending areas, reflecting the substantial impact of your contributions to the company's multi million-pound financial operations.

Your mandate includes spearheading initiatives for continuous improvement to refine procurement strategies, thereby boosting operational efficiency and effectiveness. You'll engage in strategic sourcing, adopt collaborative relationships with suppliers, and secure advantageous terms through skilled negotiation. By introducing industry best practices across various market segments, you'll realise substantial cost reductions. As the in-house authority on procurement, you'll serve as a vital liaison, working closely with stakeholders at every level, offering your specialised knowledge and contributing to the company's success.

Joining a prestigious and established Scotch Whisky distillery, this role promises not only a fulfilling career and competitive remuneration, but also a commitment to your professional growth through top-tier development programmes and training. You'll have the freedom to shape your role and exert a significant influence on the direction of procurement within the Company.

Main Responsibilities:

• Working as part of a team to ensure that all activities on site are carried out in accordance with the relevant work instruction, adhering to the necessary company health, safety and environmental requirements and complying with all current regulatory legislation to maintain a safe working environment for all employees
• Maintaining awareness of the regulatory and Company standards that apply for the role such as HMRC, COMAH and H&S. COMAH specific - Understand and act in accordance with the Site Emergency Response Plan in the event of an evacuation or major incident, and regularly participate in COMAH improvement activity
• Assess requirements for the business and implement/update appropriate procurement systems in order to deliver the strategic aims of the company
• Negotiating, maintaining and developing key supply contracts. Including negotiating pricing to ensure cost effectiveness
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to understand their procurement requirements and develop sourcing strategies
• Review and consolidate existing suppliers, vendors and contractors
• Responsible for contractor management, including ensuring suppliers are compliant with current legislation
• Sourcing and on-boarding of new suppliers, including conducting due diligence and appropriate evaluation prior to approval
• Ensuring all procurement activities are compliant within legislation, policy and procedure
• Advise the company and deliver on all aspects of an appropriate best practice procurement strategy
• Conduct periodic supplier performance reviews with contract owners and take ownership for commercial obligations concerning all such contracts
• Where appropriate, and if necessary, negotiate service agreements with single source suppliers
• Develop a sustainable supply chain
• Any other duties that may reasonably be required in line with your contractual role

What you'll need to succeed

You are a highly motivated and experienced procurement specialist, with a proven track record within a manufacturing environment. Passionate about procurement, a skilled communicator, and able to build strong relationships. A bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management or related field is desirable although not essential.

You possess a comprehensive understanding of current industry standards and best practices, ensuring consistent adherence to regulations. Your adaptable nature equips you to navigate the ever-changing needs of business effectively. Excelling in high-pressure situations, you consistently meet stringent deadlines with ease.

One of your standout qualities is the development and preservation of strong relationships with stakeholders. You are vigilant in monitoring market developments, including fluctuations in supplier costs and product availability. Moreover, you are proactive and capable of independent decision-making when necessary.

The required skills and experience are detailed below:

• Strong track record of delivering cost savings and improvement in procurement processes
• Strong analytical and problem solving abilities
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills
• Adept at stakeholder management
• Experienced in contractor management
• Experienced in building, implementing, and ensuring compliance with procurement systems
• Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office suite
• Good working knowledge of industry regulations and standards

What you need to do now

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.

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