At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement a procurement framework while leading negotiations with key suppliers.
- Company: Join Marshmallow, a rapidly growing unicorn in the financial services sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive bonuses, and personal development budgets.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team focused on collective success and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape procurement from the ground up and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We’re on a mission to make migration easy. We started building Marshmallow in 2017. Since then, we’ve grown from 3 to 700+ people, gained unicorn status, raised ~£140M over three funding rounds, turned profitable, insured millions of drivers and lent millions in car loans. But we’re only just getting started. Our goal is to become one of the largest financial services providers in the world. Over the next 10 years we’ll grow exponentially, not only by scaling our existing products, but also by building new ones. To achieve our goals we need incredibly ambitious, commercially driven people who never settle for ‘good enough’. Marshmallowers are hungry for autonomy and ownership, and would rather improve than coast. Everyone raises standards and has an impact, with a focus on collective success over self-interest. We’ve created an environment where curious, tenacious people win and grow together. If that sounds motivating, this could be the place for you.
This is a rare opportunity for a commercially sharp procurement professional to build something from the ground up. We're an insurance and Car Finance business that has grown quickly, and our procurement function hasn't kept pace — spend is fragmented, supplier relationships are informal, and there are few consistent processes or controls in place. We're looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, has the confidence to challenge the status quo, and gets genuine satisfaction from creating order out of chaos. You'll be the first dedicated procurement hire, which means you'll have real autonomy — and real accountability — to shape how we buy across the business. Whilst procurement is the primary focus of the role, the Senior Procurement Manager will also support the management of key partnerships (alongside the Partnerships Manager).
What you’ll be doing:
- Build the foundation: Design and implement a procurement framework that's fit for purpose — covering policy, approval controls, supplier onboarding, purchase-to-pay processes, procurement tool operationalization and spend visibility.
- Own commercial negotiations: Lead negotiations with key suppliers across categories including professional services, technology, facilities, logistics.
- Drive cross-business engagement: Work closely with department heads and budget holders to understand their needs, challenge unapproved and unnecessary spend, and bring structured thinking to how we procure that sits within budget guardrails.
- Establish governance and controls: Introduce appropriate approval workflows, delegation of authority set up, contract management disciplines, and supplier performance monitoring.
- Create visibility of spend: Develop reporting and analytics that give leadership a clear picture of where money is going, which suppliers carry risk and where savings opportunities exist.
- Build for scale: As the function matures, you may build out a small team. You'll define roles, ways of working, and the tools needed to support a growing business.
- Third Party Risk Management: Build and embed a third party risk management framework from the ground up, defining how we identify, assess, and continuously monitor supplier and vendor risk across the procurement lifecycle.
Who you are:
We're looking for someone who moves fast without cutting corners, challenges the status quo with a solutions mindset, and takes genuine ownership of outcomes. You'll be a commercially minded self-starter who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves and presenting to the SLT.
You have:
- A bias for action.
- A track record of delivering tangible cost savings and better commercial outcomes through negotiation.
- The ability to design and implement processes — not just follow them.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to push back constructively.
- Analytical ability to interrogate spend data and identify opportunities.
- A pragmatic mindset — you'll know when to enforce process and when to be flexible.
- Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships across multiple categories.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing third-party risk management programmes, including supplier due diligence, risk tiering, contractual controls, and ongoing monitoring processes.
Perks of the job:
- Flexible working - Spend 2 days per week with your team in our new collaborative London office.
- Competitive bonus scheme - designed to reward and recognize high performance.
- Flexible benefits budget - £50 per month to spend on a Ben Mastercard meaning you get your own benefits budget to spend on things you want.
- Sabbatical Leave - Get a 4-week fully paid sabbatical after being with us for 4 years.
- Work From Anywhere - 4 weeks work from anywhere to use, with no need to come to the office.
- Mental wellbeing support – Access therapy and mental health sessions through Oliva.
- Learning and development – Personal budgets for books and training courses to help you grow in your role. Plus 2 days a year - on us! - to further your skillset.
- Private health care - Enjoy all the benefits Vitality has to offer, including reduced gym memberships and discounts on smartwatches.
- Medical cash plan - To help you with the costs of dental, optical and physio (plus more!).
- Tech scheme - Get the latest tech for less.
- Plus all the rest; 25 days (plus bank holidays), pension, cycle to work scheme, monthly team socials and company-wide socials every month!
Background checks: As part of our commitment to maintaining a safe and trustworthy environment, we’ll carry out standard background checks, including a DBS and a Cifas check. These help ensure there are no ongoing criminal proceedings and support the prevention of fraud and other forms of serious misconduct.
Diversity of thought: We know the best ideas come from having different perspectives in the room - and we're committed to hiring fairly, regardless of background, identity or experience. If you see yourself in this role, we'd encourage you to apply.
Procurement Lead: Build Foundations & Scale employer: Dangote Industries Limited
At Marshmallow, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Our flexible working arrangements, competitive benefits, and commitment to employee growth create an environment where ambitious individuals can thrive and make a meaningful impact. With the opportunity to shape our procurement function from the ground up, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming the financial services landscape in London and beyond.
Contact Details:
Dangote Industries Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead: Build Foundations & Scale
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their mission and values, and think about how you can contribute to their goals. Show them you're not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role. Highlight your skills and experiences that align with what they're looking for, especially in procurement and commercial negotiations.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in being part of our team at Marshmallow.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Lead: Build Foundations & Scale
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight how your experience aligns with the role. We want to see how you can bring your unique skills to help us build a solid procurement foundation.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered cost savings or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s not afraid to challenge the status quo, so don’t hesitate to express your thoughts on how you’d approach the role.
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 this exciting opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Dangote Industries Limited
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, dive deep into the company’s mission and values. Understand their growth journey and how procurement fits into their ambitious plans. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their journey.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've turned chaos into order. Highlight specific instances where you’ve implemented processes or frameworks that improved efficiency. This aligns perfectly with what they’re looking for in a Procurement Lead.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would approach building relationships with department heads and budget holders. Be ready to discuss strategies for influencing without authority and how you would challenge unnecessary spend while maintaining credibility.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Be prepared to discuss your negotiation successes and how you’ve delivered tangible cost savings in previous roles. They want someone who can drive meaningful outcomes, so come armed with data and examples that showcase your ability to make confident decisions.