At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and manage procurement processes for a groundbreaking national recycling initiative.
- Company: Join Exchange for Change, a purpose-driven organisation tackling waste and litter across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, hybrid working, and comprehensive health benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a mission to create lasting positive change for people and the planet.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the environment while developing your career in a dynamic start-up.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About us
At Exchange for Change, we are building something the UK has never had before. Working across England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, we are designing and delivering a Deposit Return Scheme from the ground up, creating a system that helps reduce litter and waste by encouraging people to return their empty drinks bottles and cans for recycling. We are industry led, and driven by purpose. A national movement with a clear mission. No bottle unreturned. No can left behind. This is not just another job. This is a rare opportunity to do meaningful work, shape a landmark national programme, and help deliver lasting positive impact for people, businesses and the planet alike.
Your role
Reporting to the Head of Commercial, this newly created Procurement Manager position offers a unique opportunity to shape, establish and manage the organisation’s procurement function, ensuring that all procurement activities align with the organisation’s mission, values, and regulatory obligations. This role is pivotal in building internal robust procurement processes from the ground up, driving cost efficiency while ensuring transparency, fairness, and ethical sourcing. The role involves developing procurement policies, systems, and governance frameworks that comply with relevant funding requirements and regulatory standards. The Procurement Manager will lead supplier sourcing, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management, ensuring value for money and risk mitigation across all expenditure. Working closely with finance, operations, marketing, IT and programme teams, the role ensures that procurement supports service delivery effectively, balancing cost control with quality and social impact. The Procurement Manager plays a key role in embedding sustainable and socially responsible procurement practices, reflecting the organisation’s non-profit purpose. Additionally, the role is responsible for building internal capability by guiding stakeholders on procurement best practices, ensuring compliance, and fostering a culture of accountability. In a start-up environment, the Procurement Manager must be adaptable and proactive, contributing to organisational growth while maintaining strong governance and control over spending.
Key Responsibilities & Priorities
- Support with the build and creation of a Procurement Function
- Support with the design and implementation of procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks from scratch.
- Ensure alignment with regulations and organisational standards.
- Enhance and create further procurement templates and approval processes.
- Strategic Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers aligned with value-for-money and social impact principles.
- Lead and support sourcing exercises, tendering, and contract negotiations.
- Build and manage supplier relationships to ensure performance, reliability, and compliance.
- Cost Management & Value Delivery
- Drive cost efficiency while maintaining quality and service delivery standards.
- Ensure optimal use of budgets.
- Identify opportunities for savings and operational efficiencies.
- Governance, Compliance & Risk Management
- Ensure procurement activities comply with legal, regulatory, and funding requirements.
- Establish robust audit trails and documentation.
- Identify and mitigate commercial and supply risks.
- Contract Management
- Develop and manage contracts, ensuring clear terms, performance measures, and accountability.
- Monitor supplier performance and manage renewals, variations, and disputes.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Partner with internal teams to understand a pipeline of requirements.
- Provide procurement guidance and support across the organisation.
- Act as a trusted advisor on purchasing decisions.
About you
- Proven track record of establishing and developing procurement functions within new or evolving organisations.
- Strong expertise in building procurement frameworks, processes, and governance from the ground up.
- Ability to develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with organisational objectives and best practice.
- Experience operating in dynamic, fast-paced environments, ideally within start-ups or newly established organisations.
- Adaptable, resilient, and proactive, with the ability to navigate ambiguity and introduce structure and efficiency as procurement processes mature.
- CIPS Level 5 or 6 (or MCIPS) – desirable but not essential.
- Degree in Business, Procurement/Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- MBA – advantageous but not essential.
- Experience developing multi-year category strategies.
- Ownership of the end-to-end sourcing lifecycle.
- Experience in make-versus-buy analysis, should-cost modelling, and value engineering.
- Proven contract negotiation skills, including complex, multi-year agreements.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including pivot tables and financial modelling.
The opportunity
Work that makes a difference - and a place where you can too. This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to help establish a scheme of national importance, working with purpose-driven colleagues and partners to deliver visible, real-world impact. You’ll contribute directly to meaningful environmental and social change and in return, we support and reward our team through a range of benefits and initiatives, including:
- Competitive base salary
- Bonus scheme
- 34 days holiday inclusive of bank holidays, additional holidays for length of service
- Flexibility with holidays. You may work on a local public holiday and take an alternative day off, giving you the freedom to celebrate the days that matter most to you.
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Life Insurance: Cover of 4 times base salary
- Private Medical Insurance: Includes GP access and an Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) for wellbeing support
- Income protection
- Family Leave: Maternity, adoption, parental, and paternity leave policies will be developed to be progressive and inclusive.
- Hybrid Working: 60% office or field-based and 40% home-based, with some flexibility according to business and personal needs.
Procurement Manager employer: Exchange for Change
Exchange for Change is an exceptional employer that offers a dynamic and impactful work environment in Milton Keynes, where you can play a pivotal role in driving environmental change through the UK's Deposit Return Scheme. With flexible work arrangements, competitive benefits, and a strong focus on employee growth and collaboration, you'll find meaningful opportunities to develop your skills while making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨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 Exchange for Change.
✨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 Procurement Manager
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 Exchange for Change:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Exchange for Change. 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 Exchange for Change.
How to prepare for a job interview at Exchange for Change
✨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 Exchange for Change!
✨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 Exchange for Change. 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 Exchange for Change's culture.
