UKI BMC Procurement Lead Associate Director in London

UKI BMC Procurement Lead Associate Director in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
EY

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for Brand, Marketing & Communications, driving sourcing and contracting activities.
  • Company: Join EY, a global leader in building a better working world.
  • Benefits: Flexible work environment, professional development, and a diverse culture.
  • Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for growth in a collaborative team.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact on global projects.
  • Qualifications: 7-10 years in Procurement with strong negotiation and commercial skills.

At EY, we’re all in to shape your future with confidence.

We’ll help you succeed in a globally connected powerhouse of diverse teams and take your career wherever you want it to go.

Join EY and help to build a better working world.

This role will be based in our EY office in either Birmingham or Manchester. Suitable candidates must be eligible and willing to work from one of these locations.

The opportunity

The purpose of the global EY organization is to build a better working world. The insights and services we provide help drive long-term value for clients, people, and society, and build trust in the capital markets. An essential function under EY Core Business Services (CBS), Supply Chain Services (SCS) is a global team of over 600 professionals in more than 35 countries, supporting the EY organization worldwide. This structure enables knowledge-sharing across categories and regions, streamlining efforts to seek innovative suppliers that can provide exceptional client service and maximize SCS’s value for the EY organization and the global supply chain.

A key component of SCS is Global Procurement, whose purpose is to drive significant synergies and value creation from sourcing to contract lifecycle management, deliver exceptional client experiences, and foster collaboration in managing Technology, BMC, and Brand, Marketing, and Communications (BMC) spend categories. We forge meaningful supplier relationships and strengthen supplier resilience to help EY maximize long-term value for its people, clients, and communities.

Job Summary

The Brand, Marketing & Communications (BMC) UK&I Leader role sits within EY Global Procurement and supports UK&I Brand, Marketing & Communications sourcing and contracting activity.

The role focuses on the effective execution of sourcing, RFPs, and contracting, ensuring activity is delivered in line with Global Procurement policies, processes, and governance. The role works closely with UK&I stakeholders and Global Procurement teams to support business demand, manage risk, and deliver measurable commercial outcomes

Your key responsibilities

  • Act as Counselor for the BMC Sourcing Manager, supporting development, capability uplift, and alignment to Global Procurement standards.
  • Lead delivery of UK&I BMC RFPs, including scope development, evaluation approach, commercial input, approvals, and award documentation.
  • Lead delivery of UK&I BMC contracting activity, including drafting, review, negotiation, and execution of MSAs, SOWs, amendments, extensions, and terminations.
  • Ensure contracts are completed accurately, approved in line with governance, and aligned to EY commercial, legal, and risk standards.
  • Act as the procurement point of contact for UK&I Brand, Marketing & Communications stakeholders, supporting sourcing and contracting requests and managing expectations on timelines and process.
  • Execute UK&I activity in line with global BMC category strategies, focusing on implementation and delivery.
  • Work with Legal (GCO), Risk Management, and SRM to manage contractual risk and resolve issues during sourcing and contracting.
  • Responsible for delivery of UK&I BMC procurement performance targets, including Quantitative Value, Spend under Management, and Speed to Market.
  • Maintain visibility of the UK&I BMC sourcing and contracting pipeline, ensuring prioritisation, progress tracking, and escalation where required.
  • Support adoption of Global Procurement policies and processes, addressing non‑compliance and driving consistent ways of working.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of sourcing and contracting processes and cycle times within the UK&I BMC portfolio.
  • Own prioritisation, sequencing and delivery outcomes across the UK&I BMC sourcing and contracting pipeline, while continuing to personally deliver high‑volume transactional activity.
  • Act as the point of escalation for delivery, prioritisation and contractual risk across UK&I BMC activity, making judgement calls where trade‑offs between pace, risk and governance are required.

Skills and attributes for success

  • Global mindset, able to work as collaboratively as part of a team at regional and global level.
  • A strong team player and individual contributor, comfortable working collaboratively, virtually and independently.
  • Business acumen and commercial skills to drive procurement and demand management strategies across a broad array of portfolios for the BMC functions.
  • Strong negotiator and influencer capable of supporting leadership in driving alignment with key senior stakeholders and leaders.
  • Knowledge and interest in the BMCs landscape with an understanding of regional / country offerings
  • The ability to drive changes by building strong, trusting relationships with senior stakeholders and business partners
  • Sound judgment and decision-making abilities
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to independently manage and prioritize workload
  • Demonstrate a positive attitude and have an appetite for change and learning

To qualify for the role, you must have

  • 7-10 years of experience in Procurement
  • A Bachelor’s and follow-on degree in Business or similar discipline is recommended.
  • Experience in a category leadership role in Procurement within a collaborative, high-performance environment and deep experience of BMC categories.
  • Strong procurement expertise and commercial acumen to drive sourcing and demand management strategies across a broad array of category services.
  • Ability to align efforts with key stakeholders and influence these leaders, as necessary, and possess a global mindset.
  • Experience with Source-to-Pay (“S2P”) processes and execution of online Rfx and e-Auctions.
  • Advanced English and able to lead conversations autonomously.
  • Experience working collaboratively, virtually and independently

Ideally, you’ll also have.

  • CPM (US), CIPS (UK) or similar Procurement certification is welcomed but not essential
  • Experience with a global, culturally diverse organization

What we look for

We are looking for a high energy individual who embraces change to ensure we can continue to strategically deliver world-class quantitative value (savings) for the EY organization in an ever-changing business environment.

What we offer you

At EY, we’ll develop you with future-focused skills and equip you with world-class experiences. We’ll empower you in a flexible environment, and fuel you and your extraordinary talents in a diverse and inclusive culture of globally connected teams. Learn more.

Are you ready to shape your future with confidence? Apply today.

To help create an equitable and inclusive experience during the recruitment process, please inform us as soon as possible about any disability-related adjustments or accommodations you may need.

EY | Building a better working world

EY is building a better working world by creating new value for clients, people, society and the planet, while building trust in capital markets.

Enabled by data, AI and advanced technology, EY teams help clients shape the future with confidence and develop answers for the most pressing issues of today and tomorrow.

EY teams work across a full spectrum of services in assurance, consulting, tax, strategy and transactions. Fueled by sector insights, a globally connected, multi-disciplinary network and diverse ecosystem partners, EY teams can provide services in more than 150 countries and territories.

UKI BMC Procurement Lead Associate Director in London employer: EY

EY is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in Manchester, where you can thrive as an Industry Strategy & Growth Lead. With comprehensive benefits including medical coverage and flexible vacation policies, alongside a strong commitment to professional development, EY empowers its employees to grow and excel in their careers while making a meaningful impact in the consumer and health sectors.

EY

Contact Details:

EY Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land UKI BMC Procurement Lead Associate Director in 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 EY.

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 UKI BMC Procurement Lead Associate Director in London

Procurement Expertise
Category Leadership
Sourcing and Contracting
RFP Management
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Commercial Acumen

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 EY:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to EY. 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 EY.

How to prepare for a job interview at EY

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 EY!

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 EY. 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 EY's culture.