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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage supplier relationships and drive cost-saving initiatives in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a leader in online fashion with a diverse portfolio of brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a dynamic workplace with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a bold team shaping the future of retail and making an impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, excellent negotiation skills, and strong analytical abilities required.
- Other info: This is a 3-month FTC role based in Manchester, onsite 5 days a week.
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!
We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.
THE ROLE
We are looking for an Interim Procurement Manager on a 3-month FTC. If you are an experienced Procurement Manager and you are immediately available, we\’d love to hear from you!
As Procurement Manager for the group, you will support the business in effective sourcing of key external supply partners across all categories of indirect goods and services for Debenhams Group. Ensuring costs are managed in line with financial budgets and savings targets, best value for money is achieved, innovation and continuous improvement is maximised and risk is minimised across all categories. Primarily Manchester-based; however, depending on the project, occasional travel to other sites may be required.
This role is onsite 5 days per week, and we\’re ideally looking for someone with generalist procurement experience.
WHAT YOU\’LL BE DOING
- Relationship management of key suppliers to ensure consistently high service levels are achieved and to drive continuous improvement and minimise risk – ensuring relationships are not purely transactional. I.E QBR’s, in person meetings where relevant.
- Form excellent relationships with internal budget-holders and stake-holders. Ensuring that projects are well defined, and business cases are fully approved prior to sourcing activity being undertaken, in particular prior to C suite sign off.
- Work with the Head of Procurement & Internal Stakeholders to formulate and successfully implement category strategy plans to support cost reviews across multiple areas in the business.
- Managing the commercial relationships with both new and incumbent suppliers, to ensure contracts and commercial arrangements are competitively priced and robust from a risk and governance perspective, legally robust and that service levels are established, monitored and exceeded by our suppliers;
- Supporting the Head of Procurement & Internal stakeholders in formal sourcing and contract review processes as well as in-contract commercial and contract negotiations across the category(s);
- Regularly research alternative suppliers and the wider markets to ensure ongoing best practice is driven into our services;
- Preparation of monthly reports and updates for the Head of Procurement for presentation to the Board & Internal Directors.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- A proven record of achieving cost savings through negotiation/operational change
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Excel skills and ability to analyse spend information/invoices and produce cost models/comparisons
- Target-focussed with the ability to work quickly when required
- Decision making and problem solving skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent forward planning and organisation skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Communication, networking and interpersonal relationship skills
- Can use initiative when necessary and work well in a team
- Rapid Problem-solving
- Commercial and financial acumen and awareness of the market
- Driven with the ability to stay calm under pressure and multitask
Desired (But not essential)
- Procurement qualification (CIPS/Degree level)
- Project management skills
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with a member of our Talent Team
- If successful, you’ll then meet with the Line Manager to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team
- Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership and/or present a task/project
WHY JOIN US
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.
Let’s lead the change together.
#LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-procurement
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Procurement Manager - 3 Month FTC employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - 3 Month FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams Group's core brands and their market positioning. Understanding the nuances of each brand will help you tailor your approach during interviews and demonstrate how your procurement strategies can align with their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare to discuss your experience in relationship management with suppliers. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and minimised risk in previous roles, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills by preparing a few key success stories where you achieved significant cost savings or improved service levels. This will highlight your ability to deliver results under pressure, which is crucial for the fast-paced environment at Debenhams Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Research current trends in procurement and supply chain management, particularly in the fashion retail sector. Being knowledgeable about industry best practices will not only impress during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to driving innovation and efficiency within the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - 3 Month FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience and skills that align with the job description. Focus on achievements in cost savings, negotiation, and stakeholder management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the role and the company. Mention specific examples of how you've driven innovation and continuous improvement in previous roles.
Highlight Key Skills: Emphasise your negotiation skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Use concrete examples to demonstrate these skills in action.
Prepare for Interviews: If invited for an interview, be ready to discuss your procurement strategies and how you manage supplier relationships. Prepare questions that show your interest in the company's future and your potential contributions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
As a Procurement Manager, negotiation is key. Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams Group's brands and their market positioning. Demonstrating knowledge about their operations and challenges will show your genuine interest and help you align your strategies with their goals.
✨Emphasise Relationship Management
Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Discuss how you’ve driven continuous improvement and managed risks in previous roles, as this aligns with the company's focus on collaboration.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and decision-making skills. Prepare to discuss specific scenarios where you had to make quick decisions under pressure, showcasing your ability to multitask effectively.
