Regional Procurement Lead

Job Description

Regional Procurement Lead - European Operations
Location: Derry/Londonderry, Northern Ireland
Client: International Apparel Manufacturer

VANRATH are delighted to be partnering with a global leader in the apparel industry to recruit an experienced Procurement professional to lead their regional procurement operations. This position plays a key role in shaping purchasing strategies, developing supply chain efficiencies, and leading a high-performing European procurement team. This role offers both influence and progression at an international level.

Why this role?

  • Team Leadership: Guide and develop a cross-functional procurement team spanning multiple European sites.

  • Strategic Ownership: Shape procurement frameworks, deliver cost efficiencies, and manage high-value supplier negotiations.

  • International Collaboration: Engage directly with global teams and multiple business units to drive value across the supply chain.

Your Key Focus Areas:

  • Lead and manage the European procurement function, ensuring alignment with wider business objectives across manufacturing and regional operations.

  • Establish and implement sourcing strategies that support operational needs and deliver measurable cost savings.

  • Lead contract negotiations with vendors, working closely with legal, treasury, and risk departments to ensure compliance.

  • Build and sustain effective supplier relationships; identify and qualify alternative sources to reduce risk and increase resilience.

  • Collaborate across internal teams including Finance, Technical, Operations, and Logistics to support cross-functional procurement goals.

  • Monitor procurement metrics and produce performance reports aligned with internal controls and corporate compliance.

  • Drive continuous improvements through process evaluation, supplier performance management, and adoption of procurement best practices.

What You'll Need to Succeed:

  • A degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, or a related discipline.

  • A minimum of 5 years' experience in Procurement, Sourcing, or Supply Chain, with a proven track record of leading teams.

  • Hands-on experience purchasing both direct materials (e.g., packaging, raw materials, energy) and indirect goods/services (e.g., MRO, supplies).

  • Proficiency in ERP systems with a strong grasp of procurement workflows (Requisition to Pay).

  • A strategic mindset with excellent analytical, communication, and negotiation skills.

  • Solid understanding of international procurement practices and commercial terms.

  • Competency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel, Word, and PowerPoint.

Added Advantage:

  • SAP P2P and SAP Ariba knowledge, particularly in cross-border environments.

  • CIPS certification or progress toward completion.

  • Experience using BI tools (e.g., Power BI) for data analysis and reporting.

For more information on this role, apply via the link below or contact Jack Groves at VANRATH.