At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for key suppliers, ensuring cost efficiency and strong relationships.
- Company: Join Debenhams Group, a dynamic leader in online fashion with bold ambitions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive bonuses, discounts, gym access, and a supportive wellbeing package.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced environment where innovation and creativity thrive.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and excellent negotiation skills are essential.
- Other info: Onsite role in Manchester with opportunities for growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!
We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.
We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.
Be bold. Be creative. Be a community.
THE ROLE
As Procurement Manager for the group, you will support the business in effective sourcing of key external supply partners across all categories of indirect goods and services for Debenhams Group. Ensuring costs are managed in line with financial budgets and savings targets, best value for money is achieved, innovation and continuous improvement is maximised and risk is minimised across all categories. Primarily Manchester based however, depending on the project; occasional travel to other sites may be required.
This role is onsite 5 days per week and we\’re ideally looking for someone with IT procurement experience.
WHAT YOU\’LL BE DOING
- Relationship management of key suppliers to ensure consistently high service levels are achieved and to drive continuous improvement and minimise risk – ensuring relationships are not purely transactional. I.E QBR’s, in person meetings where relevant.
- Form excellent relationships with internal budget-holders and stake-holders. Ensuring that projects are well defined, and business cases are fully approved prior to sourcing activity being undertaken, in particular prior to C suite sign off.
- Work with the Head of Procurement & Internal Stakeholders to formulate and successfully implement category strategy plans to support cost reviews across multiple areas in the business, specifically IT and Ecom.
- Managing the commercial relationships with both new and incumbent suppliers, to ensure contracts and commercial arrangements are competitively priced and robust from a risk and governance perspective, legally robust and that service levels are established, monitored and exceeded by our suppliers;
- Supporting the Head of Procurement & Internal stakeholders in formal sourcing and contract review processes as well as in-contract commercial and contract negotiations across the category(s);
- Regularly research alternative suppliers and the wider markets to ensure ongoing best practice is driven into our services;
- Preparation of monthly reports and updates for the Head of Procurement for presentation to the Board & Internal Directors.
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
- Good knowledge and experience of the IT/Ecom space.
- A proven record of achieving cost savings through negotiation/operational change
- Excellent negotiation skills
- Excel skills and ability to analyse spend information/invoices and produce cost models/comparisons
- Target-focussed with the ability to work quickly when required
- Decision making and problem solving skills
- Accuracy and attention to detail
- Excellent forward planning and organisation skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Communication, networking and interpersonal relationship skills
- Can use initiative when necessary and work well in a team
- Rapid Problem-solving
- Commercial and financial acumen and awareness of the market
- Driven with the ability to stay calm under pressure and multitask
Desired (But not essential)
- Procurement qualification (CIPS/Degree level)
- Project management skills
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- If we believe you could be a great fit for the role, we’ll invite you for an informal conversation via phone or Microsoft Teams with a member of our Talent Team
- If successful, you’ll then meet with the Line Manager to discuss your experience in more detail and explore the value you can bring to the team
- Most of our hiring processes consist of two stages. You may also be asked to meet with Senior Leadership and/or present a task/project
WHY JOIN US
2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.
Let’s lead the change together.
Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)
- Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
- Access to an on-site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
- 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
- A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
- Some of our offices are dog-friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
- On-site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily
- Free season ticket loan
#LI-LF1 #LI-onsite #LI-procurement
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Procurement Manager employer: Debenhams Group
Contact Detail:
Debenhams Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in IT procurement and e-commerce. Understanding the current market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in a fast-paced environment like Debenhams Group.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those with experience in IT and e-commerce. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could provide insights or even referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've achieved cost savings through negotiation or operational changes in your previous roles. Being able to articulate your successes will showcase your value to the team at Debenhams Group.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Debenhams Group's core brands and their unique selling points. Tailoring your conversation to reflect an understanding of their business model and how you can contribute to their goals will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in IT and E-commerce. Use specific examples of cost savings you've achieved and any successful negotiations you've led.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your enthusiasm for the role at Debenhams Group. Mention how your skills align with their mission to innovate and redefine online fashion, and provide examples of how you've thrived in fast-paced environments.
Showcase Relationship Management Skills: Emphasise your ability to build strong relationships with suppliers and internal stakeholders. Provide examples of how you've driven continuous improvement and managed risks in previous roles.
Highlight Analytical Skills: Demonstrate your proficiency in Excel and your ability to analyse spend information. Include any relevant experience in preparing reports or cost models that showcase your analytical capabilities.
How to prepare for a job interview at Debenhams Group
✨Showcase Your IT Procurement Experience
Make sure to highlight your experience in IT procurement during the interview. Discuss specific projects where you successfully managed supplier relationships and achieved cost savings, as this is a key requirement for the role.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed relationships with internal stakeholders and budget-holders. Emphasise your ability to communicate clearly and influence decisions, as this will be crucial in your role at Debenhams Group.
✨Be Ready for Negotiation Scenarios
Expect to discuss your negotiation skills in detail. Prepare to share instances where you negotiated contracts or improved service levels with suppliers, showcasing your ability to drive continuous improvement and minimise risk.
✨Research the Company and Its Brands
Familiarise yourself with Debenhams Group and its core brands. Understanding their market position and recent developments will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and the company.