At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for major construction projects and develop strategic contractor relationships.
- Company: Leading international data centre developer with a focus on innovative procurement.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence procurement processes and work on significant European projects.
- Other info: Adaptable and collaborative environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of construction procurement across Europe.
- Qualifications: 8-12+ years in procurement, strong construction knowledge, and excellent negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
We are supporting a leading international data centre developer and operator in the appointment of a Senior Procurement Manager to join its European team. This is a key hire into a growing procurement function and requires someone with a deep understanding of construction procurement, contracting and major capital projects. The business is continuing to expand across Europe and is evolving the way it engages with its construction supply chain. Rather than relying solely on traditional project-by-project RFI/RFP processes, the team is looking to develop long-term strategic partnerships with a select group of General Contractors across its key European markets. The successful individual will play an important role in making that happen.
The role involves working closely with Procurement, Construction, Design, Legal, Finance and senior leadership, taking ownership of complex procurement activity supporting major data centre developments across Europe. Responsibilities will include:
- Leading procurement strategy for major construction projects and associated services
- Developing strategic relationships with General Contractors and key supply-chain partners
- Helping establish longer-term GC partnerships across individual countries and regions
- Leading contractor engagement, commercial evaluation, negotiation and contract award
- Working with construction and design teams to establish appropriate procurement and contracting strategies
- Providing commercial input throughout the project lifecycle
- Understanding and applying European construction procurement processes, including RIBA stages and German VOB frameworks
- Working with construction contracts including FIDIC Yellow Book and comparable design-and-build arrangements
- Negotiating commercial terms and appropriate allocation of contractual and delivery risk
- Supporting contractor and consultant selection and challenging qualifications, exclusions and assumptions
- Resolving commercial and contractual issues during project delivery
- Managing supplier performance and developing relationships beyond individual transactions
- Supporting the development of procurement processes, policies, templates and governance as the function continues to mature
- Identifying opportunities to improve procurement efficiency, consistency and commercial outcomes across Europe
The formal brief also gives the position exposure beyond pure construction, including professional services, IT contracts and managed services, so there is scope to broaden your remit over time.
The key requirement is strong construction knowledge. We're looking for someone who understands the construction lifecycle and can operate credibly with Project Directors, Construction Directors, General Contractors, consultants and commercial teams without requiring extensive technical hand-holding. Ideally, you'll bring:
- 8–12+ years of procurement, commercial or strategic sourcing experience
- Significant experience within construction procurement and major capital projects
- Strong understanding of construction contracting and commercial risk
- Experience engaging and negotiating directly with major General Contractors
- Knowledge of RIBA project stages
- Knowledge or experience of German VOB procurement/contracting
- Working knowledge of FIDIC Yellow Book
- Experience developing strategic supplier or contractor relationships
- Strong commercial negotiation and contract management skills
- Experience working across multiple European markets would be advantageous
- Data centre, mission-critical or major infrastructure experience would be beneficial but is not essential
- CIPS or equivalent professional qualification would be beneficial
Just as importantly, we're looking for someone who is adaptable, collaborative and comfortable working in an evolving environment. The procurement function is developing rapidly, so this isn't an opportunity for somebody looking to simply inherit an established playbook. You'll need to listen, understand the business, challenge where appropriate and help develop practical solutions rather than assuming the way things have always been done is the way they should continue to be done.
Why join? The business is at an interesting point in the development of its European procurement strategy. There is an opportunity to influence how the company engages with major contractors, help build strategic GC relationships across Europe and contribute to the development of procurement processes that will support a growing development pipeline. You'll be joining a highly active team with significant projects underway across multiple European markets and genuine scope to influence how the procurement function evolves.
Location: UK based, ideally able to work from the London office approximately three days per week. Travel: European travel required.
To discuss the opportunity confidentially, click apply or contact Ben Palmer at DataX Connect.
Senior Procurement Manager in City of London employer: DataX Connect
Join a leading international contractor renowned for its commitment to excellence in the construction industry, particularly in delivering high-profile projects like the £250m hyperscale data centre in East London. With a collaborative work culture that fosters innovation and continuous improvement, employees are encouraged to grow their skills and advance their careers while contributing to significant infrastructure developments. This role offers a unique opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, working alongside experienced professionals in a fast-paced environment that values both individual contributions and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in City of London
✨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 DataX Connect.
✨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 in City of London
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 DataX Connect:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DataX Connect. 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 DataX Connect.
How to prepare for a job interview at DataX Connect
✨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 DataX Connect!
✨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 DataX Connect. 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 DataX Connect's culture.
