At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and support IT functions to deliver strategic goals.
- Company: Join the UK's largest independent co-operative Society with a strong community focus.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holidays, discounts, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern with opportunities for mentoring apprentices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while driving efficiencies and sustainability in procurement.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in Category Management and experience with data and procurement systems.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Procurement Team as a Procurement Manager, with a primary focus on supporting our IT function. As part of this role, you'll be supporting stakeholders across our society to help deliver our five year strategic roadmap. There will also be a wider remit to lead on some Independent Co-op Consortium Procurements.
You will be managing procurement projects, procuring goods and services (GNFR) to achieve best value, whilst building both long-term relationships and meeting wider sustainability objectives, all aligned to our procurement policy. The role requires the successful candidate to be a self-starter, great at project management and managing stakeholder relationships. You will need to have an innovative approach, focusing on simplification, as we drive efficiencies and increase productivity working with our suppliers.
The role will be key in supporting our Senior Procurement Manager in delivering our strategy across our society and you will work with our outsourced legal provider in drafting contracts, so experience of working with contracts would be of a distinct advantage.
Please note the working pattern for this week will be 24 hours over 3 days per week (1 day per week in the office and the remaining 2 days will be hybrid working).
We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and driven individual to join us in this role. We are looking for an individual who is curious by nature and will challenge the status quo. Ideally, you'll bring 5+ years demonstrable experience of working in a Category Management procurement role, with experience of working with data and procurement systems. Experience of working across various areas of IT would be advantageous, and working with large suppliers such as Microsoft. Experience of working in other GNFR categories would be beneficial, as from time to time, you will be asked to support projects from other categories.
Whilst this role has no direct reports, you will be asked to support and mentor apprentices in the team from time to time. A strong team player- you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, as well as showing curiosity and a confidence to challenge where appropriate.
Everyone is welcome here. We're happy to make reasonable adjustments so that all our candidates can show us how they'll perform their role. There is a section in the application form where you can provide any additional information. Please use this section to include any reasonable adjustments you need, and we'll do our best to support you through our recruitment process.
OurCoop is the UK's largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values. The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities.
Why join us? The enthusiasm and commitment of our colleagues is what keeps our customers coming back, and every role plays an important part in making a real difference each day. As a co-operative built on the values of equity, solidarity and community, we believe our colleagues should be recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make. That's why we offer a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement that increases with service, and a wide range of colleague benefits. From colleague discounts, recognition programmes and personalised learning and development opportunities to paid volunteering time and enhanced family friendly policies, we're committed to helping our colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive. Wellbeing is a priority for us, and we provide a range of benefits and support designed to help colleagues look after their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Whatever stage of life you're at, we're here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.
Procurement Manager (IT) employer: Central England Coop
At OurCoop, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture at our Coffin Factory in Nottinghamshire. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide personalised learning and development opportunities, alongside competitive salaries and a range of benefits including discounts, health checks, and paid volunteering days. Join our dedicated team where your contributions are recognised and valued, and be part of a community-driven organisation that truly cares about its colleagues and their wellbeing.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager (IT)
✨Dive into the Procurement Community
Join online forums and local groups focused on procurement. Websites like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply) have great communities and resources. Connecting with professionals through these channels can lead to part-time opportunities with companies like Central England Coop.
✨Networking with a Twist
Don’t just stick to the usual networking events; look for niche procurement workshops or seminars in your area. These are goldmines for part-time roles as they often attract companies looking for talent like us to fill in gaps on short or flexible contracts.
✨Showcase Your Skills
Build a mini portfolio of your procurement projects or experiences. Even if it's part-time, demonstrating your understanding of cost analysis, supplier negotiations, or inventory management can really set you apart when going for a role at Central England Coop.
✨Check Out Part-Time Job Boards
Keep an eye on job boards that focus specifically on part-time positions in procurement. Websites like Indeed or local classifieds often have hidden gems, so make it a habit to check them out daily for roles that intrigue you, including at Central England Coop.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager (IT)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills:In procurement, your negotiation skills are key! Make sure to highlight any relevant experience in your CV that shows you’ve successfully worked with suppliers or managed vendor relationships. This might be through previous roles or even projects during your studies—don't hold back!
Understand the Importance of Detail:Being part-time in procurement means you'll need to hit the ground running. Emphasise your detail-oriented approach in your application. Mention any experience with data analysis or reporting as procurement often involves managing contracts and evaluating suppliers based on various KPIs.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Procurement:Your cover letter should illustrate your interest in the procurement field and your ability to learn. Discuss why you're excited about the part-time role at Central England Coop and how it fits with your career goals. This is your chance to connect your past experiences with what you hope to achieve in procurement!
Highlight Your Availability:Since this is a part-time position, be clear about your availability in your application. Make it easy for Central England Coop to see when you can work and how you can support their purchasing needs. This will show that you’re not only enthusiastic but also organised and ready to jump in!
How to prepare for a job interview at Central England Coop
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on key procurement concepts and techniques. Understand things like supplier negotiation, cost-benefit analyses, and the importance of maintaining good relationships with vendors. This foundational knowledge will demonstrate your enthusiasm and readiness for the role at Central England Coop.
✨Be Ready for Analytical Questions
Procurement roles often involve analysing data to make informed purchasing decisions. Prepare to face some technical questions or case studies that assess your analytical skills. Think through a few scenarios where you've had to use data effectively—this will show off your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Flexibility and Commitment
As it's a part-time role, be prepared to discuss your availability and how you can manage your time efficiently. Highlight any experiences that demonstrate your ability to balance multiple responsibilities or adjust to shifting priorities, which is super valuable in fast-paced environments like Central England Coop.
✨Pitch Relevant Experiences
Tailor your previous experiences to the procurement field. Have examples ready that showcase your skills in negotiation, vendor management, or even budgeting if applicable. This isn’t just about what you've done but how those experiences make you a great fit for the part-time role at Central England Coop.
