Senior Procurement Manager

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.

The level of service offered by VANRATH has been excellent. They have not simply facilitated a change of job but have considered my longer-term career objectives from the outset.

VANRATH have also engaged employers in speculative conversations where a role may not already exist rather than simply trying to fit my CV to known vacancies.

After submitting my CV, Ross Stevenson contacted me to direct me in my future role. Ross had vast experience in recruiting in my field and went out of his way to secure my new position. He provided fantastic support and I couldn't have dealt with anyone better than him.

We've been working with Adrian Harrison at Vanrath for a while now and they've always provided a very good experience. Our contacts have always been highly responsive, well-informed about our business and partner with us rather than being transactional which is a big plus. We'll definitely continue to work with Vanrath moving forwards and wouldn't hesitant to go to them for any of our hiring needs.