At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and negotiate the best deals for DFS Group.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at DFS, Sofology, and The Sofa Delivery Company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, discounts, great leave options, and wellness perks.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a role that shapes the future of furniture retail.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Indirect Procurement with strong negotiation and analytical skills.
- Other info: Be part of a culture that values diversity and supports career growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join to apply for the Procurement Business Partner role at 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.
Your new role
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.
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.
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.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance, Accounting/Auditing, and Purchasing
Industries: Manufacturing
Procurement Business Partner in Doncaster employer: DFS
Contact Detail:
DFS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner in Doncaster
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current employees at DFS or in the procurement field on LinkedIn. A friendly chat can give you insider info and maybe even a referral!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching DFS's values and recent projects. Show us how your skills align with our mission to bring great design and comfort into every home.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Think of scenarios where you can demonstrate your expertise in getting the best deals. We love candidates who can negotiate confidently and effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Business Partner in Doncaster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Business Partner role. Highlight your experience in indirect procurement and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about procurement and how your background aligns with our mission at DFS. Keep it engaging and personal, so we get a sense of who you are.
Show Off Your Negotiation Skills: Since negotiation is key for this role, don’t forget to mention specific examples where you've successfully negotiated contracts or agreements. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at DFS!
How to prepare for a job interview at DFS
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around RFx processes and contract management. Be ready to discuss your experience in negotiating Master Service Agreements and how you've navigated complex service contracts.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Start networking with current employees or industry professionals who have insights into DFS Group. This can give you a leg up in understanding their culture and values, which will help you connect during the interview.
✨Show Off Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to discuss specific examples where your analytical skills made a difference in procurement decisions. Highlight how you’ve used data to drive cost savings and improve supplier relationships.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Prowess
Be ready to share stories about successful negotiations you've led. Focus on how you balanced value with service expectations, and be prepared to discuss your approach to building trust with suppliers.