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- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive value through effective procurement strategies.
- Company: Join The Very Group, a company dedicated to helping families thrive with flexible payment options.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, £1,000 flexible benefits, 30 days holiday, and more!
- Why this job: Be part of an ambitious team focused on ethical procurement and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: University degree in relevant fields and at least 1 year of procurement experience required.
- Other info: Inclusive employer with a straightforward interview process and commitment to diversity.
The predicted salary is between 28800 - 42000 £ per year.
About us. We are The Very Group and we’re here to help families get more out of life. We know that our customers work hard for their families and have a lot to balance in their busy lives. That’s why we combine amazing brands and products with flexible payment options on Very.co.uk to help them say yes to the things they love. We’re just as passionate about helping our people get more out of life too; building careers with real growth, a sense of purpose, belonging and wellbeing.
About the team. This is a great opportunity for an ambitious individual to work closely with all areas of the business to drive value out of our partnerships, through end-to-end supplier management. You will play an important role in building best-in-class partnerships underpinned by best-in-cost commercials, through our best practices, processes, and guidelines which continually evolve and improve with business and market needs and assure ethical procurement. We are an ambitious team who are passionate about what we do and relish working together to serve our customers better and meet business strategy and demands.
About the role. The successful candidate will be responsible for end-to-end supplier management, from sourcing, through procurement and contracting and into operation, across all areas of the business. Your aim is to create best-in-class partnerships and best-in-cost commercials, which drive growth and provide value for the whole of the business and our customers.
Key Responsibilities:- Execute effective medium to low-value sourcing and procurement by:
- Working with budget holders and other colleagues to agree specifications for goods and services.
- Developing innovative but sustainable ways in which to procure these at total lowest costs, protecting cash and offering best value to the organisation on an ongoing basis.
- Leading the supplier sourcing and procurement process at all levels, including defining the timescales and plan from initiation through to contract approval.
- Building business cases where third party costs and benefits are integral.
- Negotiating costs, payments, terms and conditions, rate cards, service catalogues, service level agreements and service credits in line with targets.
- Challenging demand for requirements where spend does not add value to the business, recommending alternative sources or existing internal resource which can be utilised.
About you. University Degree - preferably Procurement, Business, Economics, Finance or Technology related. Minimum 1-year experience within a professional procurement and supplier management function. Procurement business experience. Ability to work in an agile, cross-functional environment. Experience in strategic negotiation competencies. Some cost and cash control competencies. Commercially astute. Stakeholder management and influencing with good interpersonal, communication and presentation skills.
Some of our benefits:- Flexible, hybrid working model
- Inclusive culture and environment
- £1,000 flexible benefits allowance to suit your needs
- 30 days holiday + bank holidays
- Udemy learning access
- Bonus potential (performance and business-related)
- Up to 25% discount on Very.co.uk
- Matched pension up to 6%
- More benefits can be found on our career site
How to apply. Please note that the talent acquisition team are managing this vacancy directly, and if successful in securing this role, you will be required to undertake a credit, CIFAS, Right to Work checks and if a specific requirement of your role a DBS (criminal records) check. Should your application progress we require you to let the team know if there is anything you need to disclose in relation to any of these checks prior to them being undertaken, including any unspent criminal convictions.
What happens next? Our talent acquisition team will be in touch if you’re successful so keep an eye on your emails! We’ll arrange a short call to learn more about you, as well as answer any questions you have. If it feels like we’re a good match, we’ll share your CV with the hiring manager to review. Our interview process is tailored to each role and can be in-person or held remotely. You can expect a one-stage interview process for this position:
- 1st stage- An informal 30-45 minute video call with the hiring team to discuss your skills and relevant experience. This is a great opportunity to find out more about the role and to ask any questions you may have.
- 2nd stage - A one-hour formal competency interview. This will be held in-person at our Speke, Liverpool office.
As an inclusive employer please do let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments.
Equal opportunities. We’re an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate based on race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.
Associate Procurement Manager employer: The Very Group
Contact Detail:
The Very Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Associate Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with The Very Group's values and mission. Understanding how they aim to help families get more out of life will allow you to align your answers during the interview with their goals, showcasing your enthusiasm for their purpose.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare examples of your previous procurement experiences that demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively and manage supplier relationships. Highlighting specific instances where you've driven value or improved processes will make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 3
Research current trends in procurement and supplier management, especially those relevant to the retail sector. Being able to discuss these trends during your interview will show that you're proactive and knowledgeable about the industry.
✨Tip Number 4
Practice your communication and presentation skills, as these are crucial for stakeholder management. Consider conducting mock interviews with friends or using online platforms to refine your ability to convey your ideas clearly and confidently.
We think you need these skills to ace Associate Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and supplier management. Use keywords from the job description, such as 'end-to-end supplier management' and 'strategic negotiation', to demonstrate your fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for procurement and your understanding of The Very Group's mission. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully managed supplier relationships or negotiated contracts in the past.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, emphasise skills that align with the job requirements, such as stakeholder management, commercial acumen, and communication skills. Provide concrete examples of how you've applied these skills in previous roles.
Prepare for Interviews: Research common interview questions for procurement roles and prepare your answers. Be ready to discuss your experience with sourcing, negotiating, and managing suppliers, as well as how you can contribute to The Very Group's goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Very Group
✨Understand the Role
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the responsibilities of the Associate Procurement Manager. Familiarise yourself with supplier management processes and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, prepare examples from your past experiences where you successfully negotiated costs or terms. Highlight your strategic thinking and how it benefited your previous employers.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management
Be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Use specific examples to illustrate your interpersonal skills and ability to influence others.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
During the informal video call, take the opportunity to ask questions that show your interest in the company and the role. Inquire about their procurement strategies or how they measure success in supplier partnerships.
