At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for infrastructure, managing global agreements and supplier relationships.
- Company: Rapidly scaling telecommunications business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work closely with senior stakeholders and drive significant cost savings.
- Why this job: Shape a best-in-class procurement function in a dynamic, investment-heavy environment.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and experience in multinational settings.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager - Directs to join a rapidly scaling telecommunications business operating across Europe. This is a high-impact, fast-paced role where you will take full ownership of infrastructure procurement, including global agreements and installation/design services, supporting significant CAPEX investment across the region. Working cross-functionally with senior stakeholders, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage complex negotiations, and help shape a best-in-class procurement function within a business that is investing heavily in its supply chain capability.
What You'll Be Doing
- Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
- Lead and deliver strategic infrastructure procurement activities to support value-driven CAPEX investment.
- Develop and execute cost-effective sourcing strategies using preferred suppliers, framework agreements, and targeted sourcing initiatives.
- Build and maintain an Approved Vendor List and establish global supplier agreements.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in collaboration with Group stakeholders.
- Supplier & Contract Management
- Own end-to-end RFP and tender processes from market engagement through to contract award.
- Evaluate suppliers against cost, quality, delivery, commercial risk, and sustainability criteria.
- Lead commercial and contractual negotiations, achieving favourable terms and measurable savings.
- Support the drafting and management of contracts and call-off agreements, working closely with Legal.
- Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and disputes where required.
- Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Embed procurement within the existing Project Governance Framework.
- Ensure compliance with Group specifications, policies, and sustainability commitments.
- Maintain accurate supplier directories, contracts registers, and procurement records.
- Analyse spend, pricing, and supplier performance, producing financial reports and cost analysis.
- Raise and manage purchase orders and review supplier invoices for accuracy and compliance.
- Stakeholder & Business Partnering
- Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Delivery teams across the UKI / EMEA region.
- Educate the business on procurement best practice and contract management.
- Balance competing stakeholder needs while maintaining commercial and governance integrity.
Key Focus Over the Next 12-24 Months
- Develop sourcing strategies for critical infrastructure categories.
- Establish robust global agreements and preferred supplier frameworks.
- Improve commercial terms with existing suppliers.
- Enhance procurement governance, compliance, and visibility.
- Drive measurable cost savings and service quality improvements.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivery of sustainable cost savings.
- Strong commercial and contractual outcomes.
- Improved quality, reliability, and timeliness of goods and services.
- High-quality procurement records, reporting, and controls.
- Trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders.
What We're Looking For
- Experience & Knowledge
- Minimum 5 years' experience in a Procurement Manager or equivalent role.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver procurement strategies in a multinational environment.
- Experience procuring goods and services, including infrastructure and construction-related categories.
- Exposure to telecoms, mechanical, electrical, or construction procurement is highly desirable.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and forecasting.
- Experience operating across European and/or global markets.
- Skills & Capabilities
- Expert negotiation and contract management skills.
- Advanced spend analysis and data-driven decision-making.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- High level of resilience and adaptability in a fast-moving environment.
- Solid understanding of KPIs, supplier performance management, and sustainability principles.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel (expert level).
- CIPS Qualified.
- Language Skills
- Fluency in English.
- A second European language (French, Spanish, or Finnish) at an advanced level is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape and mature a strategic procurement capability within a growing, investment-heavy telecoms business. You'll have real ownership, visibility at senior levels, and the chance to deliver tangible commercial impact across Europe.
Procurement Manager - Directs employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Join a rapidly scaling telecommunications business that prioritises employee growth and development, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact strategic procurement initiatives across Europe. With a strong focus on sustainability and compliance, you'll enjoy the benefits of working in a collaborative environment that values innovation and excellence, alongside opportunities for professional advancement and meaningful engagement with senior stakeholders.
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Directs
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their challenges and think about how your experience can help them overcome these. Tailor your answers to show you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for their culture.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our brand. So, get that application in and show us what you’ve got!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager - Directs
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and contract management, especially in telecommunications or similar industries. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our team. Be sure to mention any relevant achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver cost savings and improve supplier relationships.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since this role involves complex negotiations, make sure to highlight your negotiation successes in your application. We love seeing examples of how you've achieved favourable terms and measurable savings in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in infrastructure and telecoms. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past and how they led to cost savings or improved supplier relationships.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of complex negotiations you've led. Highlight the outcomes and how you achieved favourable terms. This role is all about strong negotiation skills, so be ready to impress with your past experiences.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Familiarise yourself with the key stakeholders you'll be working with. Think about how you can balance their needs while maintaining governance integrity. Being able to demonstrate your stakeholder management skills will set you apart.
✨Be Data-Driven
Since this role involves a lot of spend analysis and reporting, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions. Show that you can analyse supplier performance and make informed recommendations based on your findings.
