At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and tender activities for high-value procurement in Corporate Services.
- Company: Major UK infrastructure organisation with a focus on governance and compliance.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make an immediate impact.
- Other info: 6-month contract with opportunities for professional growth and leadership.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape procurement strategies in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Strong public sector procurement experience and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Duration: 6-Month Contract
Location: Milton Keynes / Hybrid 60% in office
Client: Major Rail Client
We're looking for an experienced Strategic Sourcing Manager to join a major UK infrastructure organisation on a 6-month contract, supporting complex, high-value procurement programmes in a highly regulated environment. This is a strategic, governance-led role for someone who can take ownership, lead a team and hit the ground running in a fast-moving environment.
The Role
- Leading end-to-end sourcing and tender activity for complex, high-value procurements
- Developing and delivering sourcing and category strategies
- Managing and mentoring a team of sourcing professionals
- Overseeing tender events, timelines and procurement processes
- Providing assurance across procurement documentation and governance
- Advising on procurement policy, procedure and regulatory requirements
- Working closely with senior stakeholders, assurance, governance and supplier management teams
- Challenging demand and identifying opportunities to maximise value
- Supporting reporting and providing clear updates to senior management
- Responding effectively to changing priorities in a highly reactive environment
Requirements
- Strong public sector procurement experience
- Experience working within complex governance, assurance and compliance frameworks
- Strong understanding of regulated procurement
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt quickly
- Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and negotiation skills
- Strategic sourcing/category management experience
- PA23 training or experience required
This is not a supplier-facing sourcing role; the emphasis is on strategic procurement, category oversight, governance, assurance and leading the team. If you're a public sector procurement professional with strong leadership, governance and regulatory experience, and you're ready to make an immediate impact, we'd like to hear from you.
Interim Sourcing Manager, Corporate Services - £600pd in Milton Keynes employer: 1st Executive Ltd
As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that values your contributions and fosters professional growth. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have access to training and mentorship opportunities that will enhance your career in the construction consultancy sector. Join us and be part of a collaborative culture that prioritises innovation and excellence in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Interim Sourcing Manager, Corporate Services - £600pd in Milton Keynes
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Interim Sourcing Manager, Corporate Services - £600pd in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show 1st Executive Ltd that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, 1st Executive Ltd can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows 1st Executive Ltd that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let 1st Executive Ltd know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
