An exciting opportunity has been created for a Procurement Lead to join a global leader in high-technology medical products. The Procurement Lead is responsible for managing day to day procurement activities and supplier performance across a global supply network, with a primary focus on suppliers and contract manufacturers in order to procure finished goods. The role will execute sourcing strategies set by the Procurement Director, optimise total cost, and ensure continuity of supply.
This is a hybrid role with 3 days a week at their head office in Hemel Hempstead
Key responsibilities of the Procurement Lead:
Lead commercial management for a defined portfolio of suppliers and CMOs, owning pricing, terms, and contract implementation within strategies set by the Procurement Director.
Run RFx and negotiations to secure competitive pricing and total cost of ownership against agreed budgets and savings targets.
Analyse and challenge key cost drivers (including upstream raw materials) and propose mitigation actions where cost or availability risks emerge.
Act as primary procurement contact for suppliers, maintaining strong relationships and alignment to service, quality, and compliance expectations.
Review supplier performance across cost, quality, OTIF, and responsiveness, driving corrective actions and continuous improvement with cross‑functional stakeholders.
Assess supply chain risk across tier‑1 and key tier‑2 materials, escalating issues and supporting dual‑sourcing or re‑sourcing decisions where necessary.
Support annual cost‑improvement and value‑creation targets for suppliers by identifying opportunities and delivering agreed initiatives.
Work closely with Quality, Regulatory, Planning, and Commercial teams so suppliers support launches, change controls, and ongoing service requirements.
Lead or support procurement workstreams for change controls, product transfers, cost‑improvement projects, validation work, and supplier audits.
Skills & experience required of the Procurement Lead:
Over 5 years' experience in procurement, sourcing, or supply chain roles, including direct materials or contract manufacturing in medical devices, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, cosmetic or FMCG. (5+ years direct procurement experience is essential)
Experience working with suppliers and stakeholders across different countries or regions, with proven ability to manage cross‑cultural relationships and time‑zone differences. (cross‑cultural experience is good to have)
Exposure to NPD, change control, or technical transfer projects, working cross‑functionally with Quality, Regulatory, and R&D or Technical functions.
Solid understanding of contract manufacturing environments, core commercial and contractual terms, and supply risk management principles. (Experience either in manufacturing environment or working with manufacturing partnerships is essential)
CIPS or equivalent professional procurement qualification are desirable
Package of the Procurement Lead
Salary £55-£60,000
Bonus
Pension
Private Health
Softer Benefits
This Procurement Lead position would suit a procurement or purchasing professional who has held roles such as Senior Buyer, Lead Buyer, Principle Buyer, Category Manager or Procurement Manager
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