Junior Procurement Manager

We're working exclusively with an established, global home interiors organisation currently seeking a Junior Procurement Manager to join their Supply Chain & Operations team. This is a well-regarded business within its specialist sector, known for its strong operational standards, collaborative culture, and focus on delivering high-quality products globally.

This is a varied, hands-on procurement role with a strong focus on coordinating New Product Introduction (NPI) and project-based purchasing activity. It's an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in procurement and supply chain within a fast-paced, international environment, working closely with internal teams and global manufacturing partners.

The Role

As Junior Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for coordinating procurement activities related to new product launches and project-based orders, ensuring products are manufactured and delivered in line with agreed timelines.

You will work closely with cross-functional teams including Product Management, Engineering, Quality, Customer Service, and international suppliers to ensure smooth order progression, identify risks, and support successful product launches.

You will be responsible for:

• Managing end-to-end processing of project and new product orders, from order placement through to shipment
• Coordinating closely with internal stakeholders and suppliers to manage timelines, priorities, and constraints
• Tracking order progress including samples, tooling, first production runs, and inspections
• Monitoring delivery timelines, proactively identifying risks, and supporting resolution to prevent delays
• Maintaining accurate order and delivery data within internal systems and providing status updates to stakeholders
• Acting as a key procurement contact for new product and project activity across multiple departments
• Collaborating with international manufacturing partners to ensure deadlines and supply requirements are met
• Supporting supply risk assessments and contributing to mitigation planning
• Providing regular reporting, updates, and exception management to support operational performance
• Supporting process improvements, operational projects, and departmental reporting requirements

Given the global nature of the organisation, the role involves regular collaboration with international suppliers and cross-functional internal teams, offering excellent exposure to end-to-end supply chain operations.

About You

You'll have experience in a procurement, purchasing, supply chain, order management, or operations support role, or strong administrative experience within an operational environment.

You'll be highly organised, detail-focused, and proactive, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and communicate effectively with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

You will ideally have:

• Experience in procurement, supply chain, purchasing, or order coordination
• Strong Excel skills, including pivot tables and lookup functions
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail
• Strong communication and stakeholder coordination abilities
• A proactive approach to tracking orders and managing timelines
• Problem-solving skills and a continuous improvement mindset
• The ability to work collaboratively within a team environment

Experience supporting new product introduction, project coordination, or working with international suppliers would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Apply?

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone looking to build or develop their career in procurement within a global organisation. You'll gain hands-on experience supporting new product launches, working with international suppliers, and contributing to critical supply chain operations.

The role offers hybrid working, career development opportunities, and the chance to work within a collaborative and supportive team environment.

Zero Surplus is one of the UK's premier recruitment agencies, based just outside Cambridge our recruiters source staff for small and international businesses across the South of England.

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