Tooling Procurement Specialist

Main purpose of the job

The Tooling Procurement Specialist plays a vital role in supporting successful product launches through the effective sourcing, procurement, and management of tooling and related equipment.

The role is responsible for ensuring tooling requirements are delivered on time, to specification, and at the most competitive total cost, while maintaining the highest standards of quality and supplier performance.

This is a highly visible role with significant influence on tooling spend, supplier selection, new product introduction (NPI) activities and will significantly influence overall business performance. The successful candidate will work closely with internal stakeholders and external supplier partners to deliver value, innovation, and operational excellence.

Main missions and results

• Source and procure tooling, fixtures, jigs, gauges, and associated equipment in line with business requirements.

• Lead supplier selection, quotation, negotiation, and contract activities for tooling requirements.
• Deliver cost savings and value improvement initiatives while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Support budget management and spend analysis for tooling categories.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies and procedures.

Supplier Relationship Management

• Develop and maintain effective relationships with tooling suppliers and strategic partners.
• Monitor supplier performance against quality, cost, delivery, and service KPIs.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives with suppliers.
• Manage supplier risks and implement mitigation plans where required

New Product Introduction (NPI)

• Collaborate with Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, and Programme teams to support new product launches.
• Ensure tooling requirements are identified, sourced, and delivered to project timelines.
• Participate in cross-functional project meetings and provide procurement expertise.
• Support the successful industrialisation of new products through timely tooling availability.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders across commercial, engineering, manufacturing, quality, and project teams.
• Understand business needs and translate these into sourcing and supplier strategies.
• Provide regular updates on project progress, risks, and opportunities.
• Challenge and influence stakeholders to optimise procurement outcomes

Continuous Improvement

• Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier performance, and tooling lifecycle management.
• Support digitalisation and process improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to procurement strategy development.
• Share market intelligence and industry best practices.

Preferred skills and experience

Essential

• Experience working in a commercial environment on complex tooling requirements.
• Strong negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Experience managing supplier relationships and performance.
• Ability to work effectively in a cross-functional manufacturing environment.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capability.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word and Powerpoint.

Desirable

• Understanding of manufacturing processes and product development cycles.
• Experience supporting New Product Introduction (NPI) projects.
• Knowledge of strategic sourcing and category management methodologies.
• Awareness of (TcPCM) Teamcentre Product Cost Management for costing tooling and equipment.

Personal Attributes

• Highly organised with strong attention to detail.
• Proactive and self-motivated.
• Strong relationship builder with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Results-oriented with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Commercially minded with a continuous improvement focus.

Note: this is not an exhaustive list. All employees are expected to show flexibility and continued self-development to meet the ever-changing needs of the business. All job descriptions / vacancy notices will be subject to continual development.

Internal closing date: 1st September 2026

Please note if you apply after this date that you may still be progressed, but depending on the volume of applications we are unable to guarantee the ability to accommodate.

Artifex Interior Systems Limited is an equal opportunities employer committed to eliminating discrimination and fostering an inclusive culture for all. Our aim is that our employees will be truly representative of all sections of society, that they feel respected and able to perform at their best. We are committed to creating an environment in which individual differences and the contributions of all our colleagues is recognised.

Interested?

If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now'

If this job isn't quite what you are looking for but you are looking for a new position within Automotive, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.