An Interim Manufacturing Manager is urgently required to join our client, a technology manufacturing company in West Suffolk / Bury St Edmunds. 8 month fixed term contract, site based role, paying up to £90K p/a on a pro rata basis. 

Leading a high value, low volume, complex manufacturing site the main objective of the contract is to cover long-term illness. The ongoing absence of the permanent jobholder, along with the impacts of global inflation and Brexit is resulting in increased lead times, rising material costs and a lack of onsite leadership.

Responsible for the manufacture of premium, technically advanced products with full accountability for H&S, environmental, customer, quality, cost and delivery. Initially steadying the operation, your efforts will then develop and foster an environment of Continuous Improvement and implement Lean Manufacturing methodologies whilst offering the team increased support and personal development through inspirational leadership.

Key Responsibilities include:

• Ensure that products are manufactured in a cost effective, timely manner meeting specifications and quality requirements
• Deliver manufacturing production plans
• Set Manufacturing and Production KPI’s, review and assess ongoing performance. 
• Manage Production and Manufacturing departments.
• Maintain the high focus on Health & Safety via ongoing reviews of accidents/near misses
• Responsible for the manufacturing budget, forecasts and Cap Ex proposals
• Lead the team in contributing ESG initiatives, ensure environmental considerations, improvements and targets are included in all operations
• Ensure a continuous improvement culture is embedded, develop and train methodologies
• Ensure excellent communication between departments to resolve manufacturing issues effectively and promptly
• Recruit, develop and coach a high performing manufacturing team
• Create an environment of trust and transparency where everyone is working to their optimal level and has opportunities to grow
• Communicate and maintain good relationships with Union to ensure ongoing respectful collaboration

Whom we are looking for:

Suitable applicants will have a proven record of accomplishment within a similar high value, low volume, complex manufacturing environment. The ability to start ASAP and commit to a period of 8 months is essential.

• Relevant manufacturing/engineering degree, or HND Btec Professional level 5 Award
• Extensive manufacturing / plant management experience
• Ideally, your career success has been gained within sectors to include: Electronics, Electrical, Electro-Mechanical, IT hardware, Consumer electronics etc.
• Expert Lean, Six Sigma, Kaizen etc. continuous improvement methodologies
• Proficiency in managing financial budgets and forecasting
• Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), SAP, or Sales Force systems experience is beneficial
• Understanding of relevant IOSH/NEBOSH, ISO standards
• Excellent leadership and people management skills
• Proven problem solving, team building, planning and decision making success
• Commercial and Financial acumen.
• Located locally / within a commutable distance – this is a site based role
• Able to work 2 nights per month
• Able to start work at short notice
• Eligible to work and remain in the UK for at least 8 months

What is on offer?

8 month, fixed term contract

Pro rata salary up to £90K, £7500 per month, £60K for 8 months. Bonus on completion, Medical Insurance, Pension

Applications from Interim Experts may be considered. Day rate in the region of £375 - £450 p/d

Our client are currently recruiting for Senior Category Manager level opportunities which are working within the Technology, Digital, Cloud and Networks spaces. Working across the full lifecycle of strategy, procurement and contract management these roles would suit procurement / commercial professionals who have a track record in developing category strategies, supplier market engagement and senior stakeholder relationship building. With a significant spend these roles offer the opportunity to deliver flexible, creative, innovative a leading edge technology solution.

Key deliverables include:-

• Deliver ‘best in class’ category management through developed innovative category and sourcing strategies that demonstrate a clear focus on customer service and deep market insight
• Work collaboratively across a wide senior stakeholder community to develop category strategies that deliver value and are sustainable
• Possess excellent communication and consultative skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders / suppliers.
• Delivering strategic supplier relationship management (SRM) that enhances category and supplier performance
• Team leadership / management

About you

The successful candidate will ideally bring a blend of the following:-

• Strategic category management experience across either hardware or software – including technology services, digital, cloud, networks etc
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills, including ability to engage, influence and positively challenge in complex environments
• Team leadership / management experience

This role attracts a salary of up to c£72k + bonus and can be contractually based out of either London, West Midlands, Norfolk, Merseyside or South Wales with the flexibility of some home working.

Langley are a diverse, minority-owned business and we are passionate about promoting diversity and equality. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability status or gender and particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

For further information please email info@langleysearch.com or call +44(0) 333 366 0839 quoting 7909NR.

Our client are currently recruiting for Strategic Head of Category Management opportunities which are working within the Technology, Digital, Cloud and Networks space. Working across the full lifecycle of strategy, procurement and contract management these roles would suit procurement / commercial professionals who have a track record in developing category strategies, market engagement, senior stakeholder engagement and team leadership. With a significant spend these roles offer the opportunity to deliver flexible, creative, innovative a leading edge technology solution.

Key deliverables include:-

• Team leadership and management, including coaching and capability development.
• Deliver ‘best in class’ category management through developed innovative category and sourcing strategies that demonstrate a clear focus on customer service and deep market insight
• Work collaboratively across a wide senior stakeholder community to develop category strategies that deliver value and are sustainable
• Possess excellent communication and consultative skills to build strong relationships with stakeholders / suppliers.
• Delivering strategic supplier relationship management (SRM) that enhances category and supplier performance

About you

The successful candidate will ideally bring a blend of the following:-

• Strategic category management experience across either hardware or software – including technology services, digital, cloud, networks etc
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills, including ability to engage, influence and positively challenge in complex environments
• Experience in leading, managing and developing the capability of commercial teams
• A track record of thought leadership and transformation

This role attracts a salary of up to c£95k + bonus and can be contractually based out of either London, West Midlands, Norfolk, Merseyside or South Wales with the flexibility of some home working.

Langley are a diverse, minority-owned business and we are passionate about promoting diversity and equality. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability status or gender and particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.

For further information please email info@langleysearch.com or call +44(0) 333 366 0839 quoting 7907NR.

Sourcing Manager required to join a global business. Permanent role, remote / home-based, offering a salary in the region of £50 - £100K p/a with benefits.

The Sourcing Manager joins a FORTUNE 250 company, a leading provider of business- distribution, logistics and supply chain solutions for Electrical and Electronic products and services to the Communications, Utility and Broadband sectors.

Joining a new and rapidly expanding Global division offers the successful applicant the opportunity to build the business unit's Procurement function from the ground up.

Responsible for the management of direct and indirect purchasing spend the appointed Sourcing Manager will in time, build a team of staff. Largely working with a UK Vendor base you will ensure that all procurement strategies meet the needs of the global client base.

Within this highly autonomous role you will work with stakeholders, vendors and clients on a global basis. With dotted lines to C & D suite stakeholders, you will act as the internal Lead on all matters relating to procurement.

Job Description

• Lead and plan sourcing events, vendor engagement, evaluation and selection
• Ensure product cost competitiveness and high service levels within purchasing categories
• Manage Direct spend for Finished Goods, Components, Materials etc
• General Indirect spend management for the business unit
• Implement efficient sourcing strategies and processes for transactional and strategic buying ensuring supplies and services are available at the lowest total cost
• Spend in the region of £25m-£30M p/a
• Category Management: Take lead and own cost savings initiatives
• Build relationships with key Vendors to better understand suppliers’ business models to improve the quality and pricing of products and services,
• Build relationships with business leaders up to the Board
• Manages and leads functional teams involved in sourcing initiatives
• Implement KPIs: Cost savings, quality, reliability and working capital.

Key Responsibilities:

• Proven best practice category management and strategic sourcing processes
• Demonstrable history of improving the quality and service level of direct and indirect goods and services
• Able to manage medium to large global transformation procurement projects
• Able to design and implement a strategic sourcing function,
• Expert knowledge of purchasing strategy, processes, and technology
• Strong ERP and IT systems usage
• Procure 2 Pay processes
• Degree in Supply Chain or a Business related field is required
• Experience to date ideally gained in an Electrical / Electronic Service Provider
• Demonstrable track record of working in a highly complex, global business
• Your CV will provide clear examples of cost reductions and process improvements
• Have negotiated highly complex procurement contracts worth millions of pounds
• Expert knowledge of key contractual international purchasing law
• Proven usage of online sourcing platforms
• Financial acumen: Total Cost of Ownership models is required
• Excellent communication, leadership and presentation skills are required
• Currently residing in and remain in the UK on an indefinite/long term basis

What’s on offer?

Salary in the region of £50-£100K, Bonus, Pension, etc. Remote based role with the option of hybrid / site based work if desired

Please apply quoting reference TB/7850

Langley are a diverse, minority-owned business and we are passionate about promoting diversity and equality. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation, age, disability status or gender and particularly welcome applicants from underrepresented backgrounds.