At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and build strong supplier relationships to enhance business performance.
- Company: Acorn, a dynamic company focused on strategic procurement and supplier management.
- Benefits: Life assurance, wellbeing app, gym discounts, paid parental leave, and more.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for career growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on business performance and shape procurement strategy.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and excellent communication abilities.
Acorn is looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to lead and develop our procurement function, ensuring the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing of materials, equipment, and subcontracted services that keep our business moving. Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll play a key role in supporting operational service delivery, building strategic supplier relationships, negotiating commercial agreements, and identifying opportunities to enhance value across the supply chain. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional who enjoys influencing stakeholders, driving efficiencies, and delivering tangible business improvements.
Location: Slough
Salary: on Experience
Hours: 40 hours a week
Company Benefits:
- Life Assurance
- 360 Wellbeing App - 24/7 access to GP appointments
- Death in Service Insurance
- Scottish widow pension
- Fertility Treatment Support Leave
- Paid Maternity Leave
- Paid Paternity Leave
- Gym & fitness discounts and other lifestyle discounts
- Employee Recognition Scheme
What You'll Be Doing:
- Leading procurement activities across the business to support operational delivery
- Managing supplier and subcontractor relationships to ensure quality, reliability, and value
- Negotiating commercial agreements and securing the best outcomes for the business
- Identifying cost-saving opportunities and supply chain improvements
- Supporting supplier onboarding and performance management activities
- Resolving supplier issues and managing procurement escalations
- Working closely with operational and commercial teams to ensure procurement supports service excellence
- Acting as the key liaison with the wider Group Procurement Team
- Ensuring all procurement activity aligns with company governance and procurement policies
What We're Looking For:
We're seeking a procurement professional with a proven track record of supplier management, commercial negotiation, and delivering value through effective procurement practices. You'll ideally have:
- Experience in procurement or supply chain management within a relevant industry
- Strong supplier and subcontractor management experience
- Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills
- Experience managing supplier performance and contracts
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making capabilities
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Strong Excel and systems proficiency
- Experience within Building Services, Facilities Management, Engineering or Construction
- Exposure to structured procurement environments and governance frameworks
- CIPS qualification (or working towards)
- Relevant business, commercial or supply chain qualifications
Why Join Acorn?
At Acorn, you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact on business performance through strategic procurement and supplier management. You'll work closely with senior leadership, have visibility across the organisation, and play a pivotal role in helping the business deliver exceptional service to its customers. If you're looking for a role where you can influence decisions, build strong supplier partnerships, and help shape procurement strategy, we'd love to hear from you.
We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, colour, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability.
Procurement Manager in Slough employer: Acorn
At Acorn, we prioritise our people, offering a supportive work culture that fosters teamwork and professionalism. With over 40 years of industry experience, we provide excellent career growth opportunities, including progression into senior roles and exposure to diverse engineering challenges across prestigious Central London locations. Our commitment to employee wellbeing is reflected in our generous benefits package, including 25 days holiday, travel allowances, and a focus on skill development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Slough
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Acorn.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Acorn:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Acorn. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Acorn.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acorn
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Acorn!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Acorn. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Acorn's culture.
