At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and learn to manage sub-contractor packages and supply chains.
- Company: Leading Principal Contractor with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional mentorship, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive culture with strong values and excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in diverse sectors.
- Qualifications: Interest in procurement and a desire to learn about M&E packages.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: North of England (Office / Hybrid with regional site travel)
Reporting To: Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement
Sector: Multi-sector (Commercial, Residential, Education, Healthcare, Industrial)
Company Type: Principal Contractor with internal Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) capability
About Us: We are a leading, rapidly growing Principal Contractor operating across the North of England. Delivering high-quality projects across all major sectors, we pride ourselves on our unique capability to self-deliver integrated Mechanical and Electrical (M&E) solutions alongside traditional main contracting. Our business is built on a foundation of strong values: Integrity, Collaboration, Innovation, and Delivery Excellence. As we continue to scale our operations, we are seeking an ambitious Assistant Procurement Manager who shares these principles and wants to develop their career in a dynamic, forward-thinking environment.
The Role: As an Assistant Procurement Manager, you will support the procurement manager who will help you to learn and work towards playing an important role in commercial delivery, ensuring that sub-contractor packages and material supply chains are procured efficiently, ethically, and aligned with project budgets. Given our unique internal M&E capability, you will gain exposure to a fascinating mix of complex technical M&E packages as well as standard building fabric and civil engineering procurement. This role offers a direct pathway to full management, with mentorship from seasoned industry professionals.
Key Responsibilities & Development Pathway
- Sub-Contractor & Supplier Procurement: Assist in compiling tender enquiry packages, analysing returns, conducting commercial interviews, and placing robust orders across both general construction and specialist M&E packages.
- Supply Chain Management: Maintain, evaluate, and expand our regional supply chain database, ensuring all partners meet our stringent health, safety, quality, and sustainability standards.
- Value Engineering: Work closely with the Pre-Construction, Estimating, and Site Delivery teams to identify cost-saving opportunities and innovative alternatives without compromising quality or safety.
- Value-Driven Negotiation: Negotiate commercially sound terms with supply chain partners that reflect our commitment to fair, collaborative, and long-term relationships.
- Market Analysis: Monitor market trends, material shortages, and price fluctuations across the North of England to proactively mitigate commercial risks.
- Sustainability & Social Value: Support the implementation of sustainable procurement initiatives, sourcing locally where possible to drive social value within the communities we build in.
About You (Requirements)
We are looking for someone who is keen to learn, interested, commercially sharp, technically curious, and fundamentally aligned with our collaborative way of working.
Experience & Qualifications (albeit not essential)
- Industry Experience: Preferred procurement, buying, or commercial experience within a main contracting, civil engineering, or major M&E sub-contracting environment.
- M&E Exposure: While you don't need to be an expert, an understanding of, or a strong desire to learn, Mechanical & Electrical procurement packages is highly advantageous.
- Regional Knowledge: Familiarity with the supply chain and sub-contractor market across the North of England (North West, Yorkshire, North East).
- Education: Degree-qualified in a relevant field (e.g., Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Supply Chain) or actively working towards RICS accreditation (support will be provided).
Key Skills & Attributes (albeit not essential)
- Strong negotiation and communication skills; you build bridges, not walls.
- Excellent analytical skills with a sharp eye for detail in tender comparisons and contract terms.
- Proficiency in modern procurement/ERP software and Excel.
- A full UK driving license (regular travel to regional offices and sites will be required).
What We Offer
- Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
- Full funding and professional mentorship for professional qualifications (CIPS / RICS).
- A clear, documented career progression pathway within a rapidly expanding business.
- A supportive, inclusive culture where your voice is heard and your values matter.
Assistant Procurement Manager in Manchester employer: All The Top Bananas
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StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Procurement Manager in Manchester
✨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 All The Top Bananas.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Procurement Manager in Manchester
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 All The Top Bananas:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas.
How to prepare for a job interview at All The Top Bananas
✨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 All The Top Bananas!
✨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 All The Top Bananas. 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 All The Top Bananas's culture.
