Innovation Manager (Contract)

<p><p> Escape Recruitment is working with an innovative Scottish engineering business entering an exciting phase of growth and production expansion. </p><p> We are looking for a highly capable, hands-on Senior Commodity Buyer to support sourcing, supplier management, and procurement execution across technically advanced components including powertrain, electrification and complex engineered assemblies. </p><p> The environment is fast-moving, evolving, and engineering-led. The successful candidate will need to be comfortable operating with ambiguity, building processes as they go, and working closely with engineering and operations teams to solve problems quickly and effectively. </p><p> This role would suit someone who enjoys being close to the detail, influencing technical sourcing decisions, and taking ownership within a growing manufacturing environment. </p><p><b> Key Responsibilities </b></p><ul><li> Lead sourcing activity across advanced engineering commodities </li><li> Manage RFQs, supplier selection, negotiations, and purchasing activity </li><li> Develop supplier relationships across UK and international markets </li><li> Work closely with engineering teams to support production readiness and engineering changes </li><li> Support supplier industrialisation and launch activities </li><li> Identify opportunities for cost reduction and supply chain improvement </li><li> Monitor supplier performance relating to delivery, quality, and cost </li><li> Help build procurement structure, processes, and supplier management capability </li><li> Support issue resolution and supply continuity within a fast-paced production environment </li></ul><p><b> Candidate Requirements </b></p><ul><li> Experience within strategic buying, commodity management, or technical procurement </li><li> Background within automotive, EV, aerospace, engineering, power generation, or advanced manufacturing </li><li> Strong technical and commercial understanding of engineered components </li><li> Comfortable operating within a growing or less structured environment </li><li> Strong negotiation and supplier management capability </li><li> Hands-on approach with excellent problem-solving skills </li><li> Ability to work collaboratively with engineers and operations teams </li><li> This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing Scottish manufacturing business at a genuinely exciting stage of development where you can play a key role in shaping procurement capability and supplier strategy. </li></ul><p> This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing Scottish manufacturing business at a genuinely exciting stage of development where you can play a key role in shaping procurement capability and supplier strategy. </p>