Strategic Sourcing Manager

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Who we are:

Ceres is leading the way in clean energy innovation, pioneering advancements in electrolysis for green hydrogen production and fuel cells for future power solutions. With our dynamic licensing model, we've built powerful partnerships with major multinational companies like Bosch, Doosan, Shell, and Weichai and our solid oxide platform is transforming energy systems, delivering high-efficiency green hydrogen to decarbonise some of the most emissions-heavy industries including steelmaking, and future fuels.

At Ceres, we foster a workplace driven by passion and purpose. We support our team to think ambitiously, collaborate creatively and confront complex challenges directly. Innovation is at the core of who we are, and we strive to push the boundaries of what's possible with technology.

Purpose of the role:

A key role with a high degree of visibility and profile, you will have ownership of the strategic sourcing and procurement of goods and services for direct spend (Chemicals, Powders and Metals) and key indirect purchases. You will lead the development of appropriate supply chain strategies for Ceres, in collaboration with our Partners, that meets both their needs and the ongoing strategic development of Ceres' supply chain.

Key Accountabilities:

• Lead strategic procurement activities for direct materials (Chemicals, Powders and Metals) with existing and new suppliers.
• Support key strategic indirect spends. (facilities/CapEx, estate services, utilities, HR & professional services, travel)
• Support Low Technical Readiness Level Programmes (LTP) with ownership of supply chain and sourcing requirements.
• Support and lead early Supplier involvement with Engineering / Energy Materials. Ensure effective cooperation and engagement with both teams.
• Provide professional support & advice to the business on how to best balance commercial supply arrangements, addressing cost, risk, service, innovation and operational management, whilst taking a whole life cost approach.
• Identify Supply Chain synergies with current supply strategy and new developments.
• Lead and Identify supplier selection for Ceres, working closely with planning team to identify volumes, lead prices negotiation and developing supply selection matrix for an effective handover to Planning for implementation.
• Working closely with SDE team to facilitate discussions around supplier selection to guarantee Ceres's quality standards are met.
• Clearly mapped sourcing plan, which matches Ceres own plans with that of our Partners, supporting implementation of supply agreements for suppliers to Ceres. Enabling contracts (tooling, equipment) led by this role.
• Create and maintain a strategic sourcing dashboard with supply chain strategy for Ceres and its partners, considering potential impact from LTP programs in development.
• Own BOM cost figures, reporting into Product management actual and potential future costs, considering engineering changes planned and/or volume changes.
• Support wider SC&P operations, supply chain assurance, risk management, supplier relationship & performance management and sustainability initiatives.

  Knowledge and skills required for the role:

• Relevant degree (Engineering, Chemicals, Metals, Manufacturing, Supply Chain)
• MCIPS and experience in a procurement role, strategic procurement, managing suppliers, contracts and stakeholders
• Demonstrable experience:
  • procurement of metal and chemical products, developing a roadmap for implementation
  • negotiation and contract management across a range of spend categories where you have successfully implemented change through developing and applying procurement and supply chain practices and strategies
  • in market engagement, defining specifications, managing complex risks, and driving commercial excellence through the supply chain
  • Managing procurement systems and tools
• Strong ability to develop and manage stakeholder engagement plans in a complex environment, across multiple individuals, teams, and business units
• Capable of aligning career objectives, supporting individuals/teams to develop their own career plan
• Exercises full management authority, including performance reviews, discipline and other team actions
• Excellent written and communication skills, capable of strong stakeholder management