Procurement Manager in Milton Keynes

A fantastic opportunity has been created for a Procurement Manager to join a market leading and award winning media development and entertainment business based in Cambridgeshire. The role will operate on a hybrid basis with a strict 3 days in the office with a comprehensive relocation support package as part of any offer, should you need to relocate.

As the Procurement Manager you will be responsible for the Procurement function, working closely with the team to ensure smooth running of the day-to-day operations, and optimise spending across the business. Due to the nature of the company, the Procurement function primarily focuses on Indirect spend, such as IT Hardware and Software, Licences, Publishing activity and Facilities related services; however, assistance is often required with some Direct spend.

The Procurement Manager will play a key part in ensuring the right goods and services are in place to operate effectively, while delivering value, managing risk, and continuously improving how Procurement supports the organisation. You will lead and develop the Procurement team, work closely with senior stakeholders across the business, and take ownership of high-quality sourcing, contracting and supplier management activity across a broad range of indirect spend categories.

• Leading, coaching and developing the Procurement team to deliver a trusted, high-performing procurement service.
• Driving measurable value across indirect spend through savings, cost avoidance and service improvements, while maintaining quality and managing risk.
• Setting procurement priorities and coordinating activity across the organisation in partnership with senior stakeholders, continuously improving the Procurement function.
• Leading supplier selection and onboarding, ensuring appropriate due diligence, approvals and documentation, and appropriate, competitive suppliers are engaged and set up effectively.
• Managing competitive sourcing activities (RFx), from requirements definition through to evaluation and award recommendation to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
• Owning procurement governance and controls, ensuring compliant, efficient end-to-end processes with a clear audit trail.
• Partnering with budget holders and stakeholders to shape requirements early and provide commercial guidance throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Leading and overseeing high-value contract renewals and negotiations, including commercial terms, key risk clauses and SLAs, working closely with Legal where required.
• Supporting complex licensing renewals and high-value publishing-related activity.
• Producing clear, insightful procurement reporting for senior leadership.

• Proven experience in a similar role leading successful procurement function, including managing a team.
• Broad procurement experience with a strong background with indirect procurement across a range of spend categories.
• CIPS qualifications.
• Excellent negotiation skills, with the confidence to challenge costs and assumptions when required.
• A positive, solution-focused approach and the ability to balance stakeholder needs with commercial rigour.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills with both internal stakeholders and external suppliers.

The Procurement Manager position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, which includes a success-based annual bonus, share option schemes, life assurance, private family healthcare, flexitime working hours, enhanced maternity/paternity leave, in-house subsidised catering, support with relocation, a Cycle to Work scheme, free bike servicing, and social activities and events.

This role would suit someone with experience as a Senior Buyer, Lead Buyer, Category Manager, Purchasing Manager, Procurement Manager or Supply Chain Manager.