Supply Chain Engineer (Contract) | Outside IR35 | Renewables Hardware Scale-Up
We are supporting a fast-scaling UK-based clean technology manufacturing business as it moves from low-volume production into a high-growth, industrialised manufacturing phase.
They are seeking an experienced Supply Chain Manager / Procurement Consultant to take ownership of a key commodity area and help drive supplier performance, cost optimisation, and scalable procurement processes.
This is a hands-on, commercially focused role suited to someone who thrives in complex, fast-moving environments where supply chain decisions directly impact product delivery and business growth.
Role Overview
You will take end-to-end ownership of a defined commodity area, managing supplier relationships, procurement activity, and commercial performance. The role requires strong negotiation capability, analytical thinking, and the ability to operate autonomously within a scaling organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage purchase activity, inventory tracking, and demand-driven procurement adjustments
- Own strategic supplier relationships and lead regular performance reviews
- Drive commercial negotiations including pricing, contracts, and long-term value agreements
- Act as the primary commercial interface between suppliers, engineering, and quality teams
- Lead full sourcing cycles from RFQ/RFI through to contract award
- Identify and onboard new suppliers focused on cost, quality, sustainability, and lead time
- Deliver cost reduction initiatives and support ongoing product cost-down activity
- Analyse supplier and cost data to generate insights and improve decision-making
- Develop and improve procurement processes to support scaling operations
- Support wider business needs across operations when required
Skills & Experience Required
- 5+ years’ experience in procurement / supply chain within manufacturing or similar environments
- Strong commercial negotiation and supplier management experience
- Proven ability to analyse quotations and challenge supplier pricing structures
- Good understanding of manufacturing cost drivers
- Experience working with ERP systems
- Strong analytical, organisational, and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to work independently in a fast-paced environment
- Experience with electrical components or harness-related commodities is highly beneficial
- Willingness to travel to suppliers when required
Contract Details
- Outside IR35 (QDOS)
- UK-based (hybrid / site travel as required)
- Hybrid working
- Immediate start preferred
This is an opportunity to play a key role in shaping procurement and supply chain capability during a critical scale-up phase of a high-growth engineering business. There are scopes for extensions and even a permanent transition for the right person.
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