Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.
We believe that being successful is a choice.
We choose to be successful.
We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.
As OCU continues its journey of growth, a new opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Procurement Officer to join us in our Stockport Head Office. The purpose of the role is to play a critical role in managing procurement activities and supplier relationships within the organisation. Leveraging your expertise in strategic sourcing, negotiation, and supply chain management, you will lead procurement initiatives to optimise costs, mitigate risks, and ensure the timely acquisition of goods and services to support business operations and objectives.
Duties and Responsibilities
* Manage relationships with key suppliers, including contract manufacturers, distributors, and service providers, to ensure alignment with business objectives and performance expectations.
* Conduct supplier evaluations, performance reviews, and audits to monitor supplier performance, address issues, and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
* Negotiate contracts, pricing agreements, and service level agreements with suppliers to achieve cost savings, mitigate risks, and secure favourable terms and conditions.
* Review and analyse contract terms, conditions, and specifications to ensure compliance with business requirements, legal standards, and regulatory obligations.
* Promote supplier diversity initiatives and ensure compliance with diversity policies and regulations in supplier selection and contracting processes.
* Identify and assess risks associated with supply chain disruptions, price fluctuations, and supplier performance issues, and develop risk mitigation strategies to minimize exposure and ensure business continuity.
* Implement contingency plans, alternative sourcing strategies, and supply chain resilience measures to mitigate risks and ensure the availability of critical goods and services.
* Subject Matter Expert for the procurement process from requisition to purchase order issuance, ensuring compliance with Microsoft Dynamics 365, company policies, procedures and procurement regulations.
* Support Procurement team with purchase order and cost accuracy, driving continual improvement of processes to optimise Microsoft Dynamics 365 configuration.
* Analyse procurement data, spending patterns, and cost drivers to identify opportunities for cost reduction, process optimisation, and efficiency improvements.
* Prepare procurement reports, dashboards, and presentations to communicate key procurement metrics, performance indicators, and savings achievements to senior management and stakeholders.
Skills and Experience
* Proven experience as a buyer or procurement professional, with a track record of successfully managing procurement activities and supplier relationships.
* Strong knowledge of procurement principles, strategic sourcing methodologies, and contract negotiation techniques, with expertise in procurement processes and procedures.
* Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers, stakeholders, and internal customers.
* Analytical mindset with the ability to analyse procurement data, conduct cost-benefit analysis, and make data-driven decisions to optimize procurement outcomes.
* Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* Proficiency in procurement software and tools, such as ERP systems, e-procurement platforms, and spend analytics tools, is desirable.
* Relevant degree or professional qualification in procurement, supply chain management, business administration, or a related field is essential.
* Professional accreditation or membership with relevant procurement organizations (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.
Company Information:
Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.
Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms, and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.
We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.
We believe that being successful is a choice.
We choose to be successful.
We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.
We celebrate difference and appreciate diverse backgrounds. We encourage everyone who join us to be themselves at work and create inclusive teams in our workplace.