At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value global contracts and drive sustainable procurement practices.
- Company: Globally recognised entertainment organisation with a strong sustainability mission.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and occasional international travel.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape procurement processes and influence key business decisions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic role focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: Strong background in indirects procurement and tech category knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Our client is a globally recognised entertainment organisation, operating across major cities worldwide and built around a strong sustainability mission – it holds Net Zero certification and puts ESG at the centre of how it does business. As it scales, the finance function is leading a new cost-control drive and this role sits right at the heart of it.
The role involves taking ownership of a portfolio of high-value global contracts – think £20-30m multi-year agreements covering categories like technology, logistics and operations – managing them from tender through to live supplier relationship management. This is a senior, hands-on procurement role reporting into the Procurement Director, with one direct report and real scope to challenge legacy ways of working rather than just administer existing contracts.
Key responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end tenders across multiple international locations, from scoping through to negotiating best and final offers.
- Manage contracts through their full lifecycle – drafting, variations, disputes, final accounts etc.
- Build out supplier relationship management frameworks and run regular performance reviews once contracts are signed.
- Partner closely with legal, finance and business stakeholders to keep procurement policy embedded across the organisation.
- Drive sustainable procurement practice using an internal supplier verification framework.
- Champion digital procurement tools and maintain a live global tracker of activity and risk.
What we’re looking for:
- A strong background in indirects procurement – tech category knowledge is a must – and ideally other services experience.
- A genuine generalist mindset, comfortable flexing into non-tech categories when the business needs it.
- Prior people management experience – dotted line management is acceptable.
- Confidence and assertiveness to push back on entrenched habits and legacy supplier relationships – this isn’t a role for a safe pair of hands, they want someone who’ll challenge.
Why apply:
- Own a portfolio of genuinely high-value, high-visibility contracts (£20-30m) rather than a fragmented spend category.
- Join at the exact moment procurement is being elevated as a strategic priority under a new cost-control mandate – real influence, not just execution.
- Work for an organisation where sustainability isn’t a side initiative but core to its identity and licence to operate.
- A senior role with a direct report and a clear reporting line into the Procurement Director – genuine scope to shape how the function runs, not just fit into it.
- Occasional international travel to some of the world’s most high-profile events, without a relentless travel schedule.
Senior Procurement Manager- Indirects employer: Cedar
Cedar is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration in the field of major rail infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for career progression alongside competitive benefits such as private medical insurance. Join us in a vibrant location where your expertise in M&E construction will be valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager- Indirects
✨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 Cedar.
✨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 Senior Procurement Manager- Indirects
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 Cedar:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cedar. 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 Cedar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨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 Cedar!
✨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 Cedar. 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 Cedar's culture.
