Description

Caudwell Marine is a pioneering UK marine engineering company, backed by entrepreneur and philanthropist John Caudwell. We are redefining marine propulsion through the development of a diesel outboard system built for uncompromising performance, reliability and control in all conditions, with a global product launch planned for 2026. As a growing and ambitious business, we are focused on delivering cutting-edge technology designed for the toughest marine environments and turning innovation into real-world impact.

At Caudwell Marine, every team member plays an important role in shaping the future of the company. Our approach is built around being confident, committed and consistent in everything we do. Driven by endurance and powered by people, we are building a team that sets high standards and is helping redefine the future of marine propulsion.

Role & Responsibilities

The Indirect Procurement Manager will report to the Procurement Director and will be responsible for leading the indirect buying function to ensure the effective and timely delivery of goods and services to meet business indirect requirements. The role will ensure full adherence to procurement processes and departmental strategy while managing key indirect spend categories and delivering cost savings targets. A key part of the role will be shaping procurement strategy, driving supplier performance, and contributing to the wider strategic direction of business systems and procurement capability across Caudwell Marine.

Responsibilities include:

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies to reduce cost through supplier negotiations, competitive bidding, and leveraging opportunities across indirect spend.
• Drive productivity improvement and sourcing initiatives with internal stakeholders to reduce reliance on single and sole-source suppliers.
• Work with stakeholders to optimise requisition-to-payment processes, qualify alternative suppliers, and manage supply chain risks.
• Escalate and resolve supplier and service issues to support business operations.
• Develop and manage the contract management process and key supplier relationships.
• Define, manage, and report procurement KPIs including cost reduction, vendor payment terms, and supplier performance.
• Lead non-commercial procurement events such as Kaizen workshops, working capital/inventory workshops, and supplier summits.
• Lead and manage procurement projects, establishing cross-functional teams to ensure successful delivery.
• Support Buyers in implementing strategic procurement initiatives across all spend areas.
• Lead, mentor, and develop the procurement team.
• Oversee procurement processes to ensure compliance, best practice, and audit readiness.
• Promote early procurement involvement in sourcing and business decision-making.
• Lead execution of procurement strategy and report progress against targets to senior leadership.
• Travel as required to support supplier and business engagement activities.

Required Skills & Experience

• Minimum 8 years’ experience in a senior indirect procurement role.
• Proven experience driving change in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Strong experience in manufacturing or a related industrial sector.
• Demonstrated ability to lead procurement strategy and deliver measurable cost savings.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to analyse supplier performance and negotiate effectively.
• Experience managing procurement processes, supplier contracts, and performance frameworks.
• Proven experience working cross-functionally with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
• Experience leading procurement projects and managing complex stakeholder groups.
• Strong understanding of procurement KPIs and performance management systems.
• Experience working in environments requiring compliance, governance, and audit readiness.

Personal Attributes

• Consistent, confident, and committed approach to work.
• Integrity is paramount in all aspects of work.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to see both operational and long-term implications.
• Strong emotional intelligence with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships.
• Excellent communication skills across all levels, internally and externally.
• Results-driven with a proactive, “can do” attitude.
• Strong organisational and planning skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently with autonomy, while remaining open to direction and collaboration.
• High energy and determination to deliver results with pace and enthusiasm.
• Flexible, adaptable, and comfortable working in changing environments.
• Strong team player who can both lead and support others effectively.
• Ability to balance hands-on execution with longer-term strategic thinking.
• Decision-making ability that prioritises overall business success over functional silos.

Qualifications

• CIPS qualification (working towards MCIPS) or equivalent.

Additional Information

• Location: Coventry.
• Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00am – 5:00pm.
• Hybrid working arrangement: three days in the office (including a mandatory Wednesday office day) and two days working from home.
• Flexibility may be required depending on business needs.
• Some travel required, including potentially to the USA and Europe.
• 5-day working week.

Disclaimer

Caudwell Marine operates a Preferred Supplier List (PSL) for recruitment agencies, which is currently not under review. Agencies not on our PSL are kindly requested to refrain from submitting speculative CVs or contacting our hiring managers or employees directly regarding recruitment matters.

Please note that any CVs submitted by non-PSL agencies, whether speculative or otherwise, will be treated as unsolicited.