At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement savings and support supplier negotiations to enhance commercial value.
- Company: Join Checkmate Fire Solutions, a leader in fire protection and compliance services.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, birthday off, and access to continuous learning opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on continuous improvement and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing team while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or supply chain and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
About Us
Checkmate Fire Solutions is a leading UK provider of passive fire protection and compliance services, supporting clients across the built environment with safety, integrity, and technical expertise.
With a strong reputation for quality, reliability, and regulatory excellence, the company partners with organisations to deliver robust fire safety solutions that protect lives and assets.
The Role
As our business continues to expand, we are looking for an Assistant Procurement Manager to join our Purchasing team in Elland.
Working closely with our Senior Supply Chain Manager, you’ll oversee the day-to-day operation of the Procurement Department, supporting the team to deliver an excellent service to the wider business while driving commercial value, supplier performance and continuous improvement.
- What You’ll Be Doing
- Driving procurement savings and identifying opportunities to improve commercial value.
- Supporting supplier negotiations and developing strategic supplier relationships.
- Overseeing purchasing activity and ensuring operational requirements are met.
- Managing supplier performance, issues and improvement plans.
- Ensuring procurement processes, records and supplier arrangements meet governance requirements.
- Monitoring KPIs, savings, service levels and supplier performance.
- Using procurement data to identify trends, risks and opportunities.
- Leading continuous improvement initiatives across the Procurement function.
- Supporting the implementation of new systems, technology and best practice.
- Acting as a key procurement partner to Operations, Commercial, Finance and other internal teams.
- What We’re Looking For
- Previous experience in procurement, purchasing or supply chain.
- Experience of leading, supervising or developing a team.
- Strong commercial awareness with a track record of identifying value and cost-saving opportunities.
- Confident negotiator with strong supplier relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical, planning and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience of improving processes and ways of working.
- Confident using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Experience with ERP systems; Dynamics 365 desirable.
- A collaborative leader who leads by example.
- A strong continuous improvement mindset.
- Why Join Us
- A competitive remuneration package tailored to your role
- 25 Days Holidays + Bank Holidays + Christmas Shutdown
- Birthday off (after successful 6-month probationary period)
- Access to continuous learning opportunities & development through our Award-winning Training Academy
- Recognition programs to celebrate contributions and milestones
If this sounds like a good fit, please apply today—we will be reviewing applications as they come in and may close the role early once we find the right person.
Recruitment Agencies
Checkmate Fire Solutions does not accept unsolicited CVs or candidate details from any source other than directly from the candidate.
We do not accept unsolicited communications or submissions from external recruitment agencies.
Any recruitment agency wishing to submit candidates must have a current, duly executed agreement in place with Checkmate Fire Solutions and must be expressly instructed in writing to supply candidates for a specific vacancy.
In the absence of such agreement and written instruction, Checkmate Fire Solutions reserves the right to consider any CV or candidate submission as unsolicited and shall have no obligation to pay any fees, commissions, or other charges in respect of such submission.
Assistant Procurement Manager in Leeds employer: Checkmate Fire Solutions
Checkmate Fire Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Harlow where innovation and collaboration thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the passive fire protection sector. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it a rewarding place to build a meaningful career while contributing to the safety of communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Procurement Manager in Leeds
✨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 Checkmate Fire Solutions.
✨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 Leeds
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 Checkmate Fire Solutions:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Checkmate Fire Solutions. 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 Checkmate Fire Solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Checkmate Fire Solutions
✨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 Checkmate Fire Solutions!
✨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 Checkmate Fire Solutions. 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 Checkmate Fire Solutions's culture.
