Procurement Business Partner

Main Purpose: The Procurement Business Partner is responsible for managing the procurement process, ensuring that the DFS Group obtains goods and services at competitive prices and terms. Supporting across all Goods and Services not for Resale (GNFR) with a total spend of £250m. They will balance value with service expectations to deliver cost efficiency, ensuring the business uses its resources to accelerate its growth. The successful candidate will need to be an expert negotiator, with strong interpersonal, communication and supplier management skills.

Core Activities:

• Managing procurement activities: Manage a variety of procurement activities, such as RFx, contracts, and supplier onboarding. Identify the right Procurement process that aligns to organisational agility whilst retaining robust governance.
• Building relationships: Develop strong and effective internal relationships with all levels of the business. Develop and maintain successful working relationships with suppliers.
• Governance: Determine the relevant governance required within the procurement activities and ensure compliance with relevant procurement policies, procedures, and regulations.
• Procurement Systems: Be the subject matter experts for procurement systems. Providing support and training to key stakeholders in using the various procurement systems.
• Negotiation: Ensure all savings opportunities are exploited to full effect by negotiating commercial, legal and operational requirements, ensuring maximum value and cost down impact on DFS bottom line profit.
• Sourcing: Identify potential suppliers and conduct supplier evaluations to ensure the selection of high-quality vendors.
• Reporting: Assist procurement leadership by reporting on and analysing both ongoing and completed procurement activities.
• Analysis: Support the procurement leadership with analysis of data to support category strategies.
• Support: Support the procurement leadership team on larger projects when required.

About DFS: We’re home to DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company - three distinctive brands with a shared mission to bring great design and comfort into every home, affordably, responsibly, and sustainably. At DFS Group, everyone plays a part. Whether you’re supporting our brands or serving our customers, you’re helping shape the future of furniture retail. Each brand has its own identity and creative direction, but we’re united by a culture that puts people and purpose at the heart of everything we do.

Everyone Welcome: Across our Group, we’re committed to a culture where everyone feels welcome, valued, and can thrive at work. We celebrate diverse voices, champion inclusion, and support each other through our growing colleague networks. We invest in partnerships that drive change, from supporting Doncaster Pride and introducing the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, to partnering with Carers UK and developing leaders with Diversity in Retail. We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer, committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities we serve. So, if your experience doesn’t quite match the specification, we’d still really love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing:

• Manage Procurement Activities - Take the lead on various procurement activities, from RFx processes to contract management, helping us streamline and enhance our operations.
• Build Relationships - Foster strong, positive relationships across all levels of the business and create lasting partnerships with our suppliers.
• Ensure Governance - Help us establish and maintain the necessary governance for our procurement activities, ensuring we stay compliant with policies and procedures.
• Become Our Systems Expert - Share your knowledge of our procurement systems, offering support and training to your colleagues to make their experience smoother.
• Negotiate with Confidence - Use your negotiation skills to find the best deals that drive value and cost savings for DFS Group, all while building trust with our suppliers.
• Source the Best - Identify and evaluate potential suppliers to ensure we’re working with the best in the industry.
• Support Reporting - Assist our procurement leadership with insightful reporting and analysis to keep us informed and ahead of the game.
• Analyse and Collaborate - Work alongside the procurement leadership team to analyse data that helps shape our category strategies.
• Be a Team Player - Collaborate with your team on larger projects, bringing your unique perspective and ideas to the table.

The role is for you if...

• Minimum 3 years of experience specifically within Indirect Procurement, with a proven track record in IT, Property/FM, or Logistics categories.
• Experience in negotiating Master Service Agreements (MSAs) and complex service contracts, rather than just unit-price-based purchase orders.
• Candidates with purely Manufacturing or Direct Material experience must demonstrate transferable skills in managing intangible service categories.
• Previous experience in a head office/corporate environment is desirable but not essential, although a strong understanding of the benefits of effective governance is essential.
• Ability to challenge and influence team members at all levels.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make data-driven decisions.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Proficient in using procurement software and systems.
• A self-starter with the ability to work independently and meet deadlines within a fast-paced environment. Be adaptable and have excellent organisation skills.

DFS Benefits:

• Growth and Training: Learn new skills and develop your career with us.
• Leave: Enjoy a great holiday allowance, with the option to buy 5 extra days. Take advantage of our enhanced leave for Maternity, Paternity, Shared Parental, and Adoption, plus a paid volunteering day each year.
• Discounts: Get 30% off DFS and Sofology products for yourself, plus discounts for friends and family - and savings at big brands like Sainsbury’s, ASOS, and IKEA.
• Wellbeing Perks: Access healthcare services, an Employee Assistance Programme, and discounted gym memberships.
• Pension and Savings: Join our Group Pension and Sharesave schemes.
• Life Assurance & Sick Pay: Peace of mind with Life Assurance and Company Sick Pay.