At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement operations transformation and improve processes for a best-in-class model.
- Company: Join Gigaclear, a growing Fibre Broadband company empowering communities across the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous pension, health plans, and unlimited training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid role with career progression and support for CIPS qualifications.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising procurement and supporting team growth in a collaborative culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement operations and people management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Own Procurement Operations, come in, review how we do things now and identify where the improvements need to happen, address them and execute the plan. This may involve ripping up how we do things now, but to get where we want to be, this may be necessary. You may have tackled a procurement operations transformation before or maybe you just know how procurement and finance are linked, understand the complexities and what the processes need to be from a procurement operations, finance operations, or cost control perspective.
Note: this is a hybrid role with circa 2 days per week based out of our Head Office in Abingdon, Oxon. Please consider this before applying. There is a team of two to help this transformation therefore you will bring previous people management experience. Someone who will relish supporting and developing their team’s career aspirations, along with their own, is important.
The short-term focus is very much achieving a best-in-class procurement operation however if longer term aspirations are CIPS qualifications and a move into Category Management, then we can support study and training.
As well as being our Head of Procurement’s right hand person and deputising for them when required, responsibilities will include:
- Procurement Operations: Own and continuously improve the end-to-end procurement operations model, defining the standards, controls, and ways of working for the wider team. Act as the senior escalation point for complex procurement queries from internal stakeholders and suppliers, resolving issues that fall outside standard process including contracting, budget management processes. Own the design and integrity of procurement systems, trackers, and databases (e.g. Sage, Excel), ensuring they scale with the business.
- Cost Control & Assurance: Monitor and analyse supplier costs and contractual terms. Own the cost assurance framework and audit cadence across the supplier base.
- Data, Reporting & Insights: Produce regular cost and performance reports to support decision-making. Analyse trends, variances, and cost drivers to generate actionable insights. Excel, Power BI, develop and maintain reporting tools, dashboards, and KPIs.
- Business Partnering & Governance: Own compliance with procurement policies and processes across the business, collaborating closely with internal teams to embed them. Act as the senior liaison between Procurement, Finance, and operational teams, representing procurement operations in cross-functional forums. Come in, define our operational model, embed best practice, create controls, and embed compliance and governance. Build those great relationships with finance and the wider business, then look back with pride at the positive difference you made.
Gigaclear is a growing Fibre Broadband (FTTP / FTTH) company, developing our fibre-to-the-premises broadband infrastructure to some of the most difficult to reach areas of the UK, empowering those communities with broadband to rival any city.
Staff rewards, benefits and opportunities: We foster a collaborative, engaging culture that empowers staff to grow and maximise their skills. We want to challenge our people in a fair environment where hard work is rewarded and a path for progression is open to all.
- Generous employer pension; up to 8% matched contribution
- Income protection & life assurance
- 25 days holiday (plus bank holidays), holiday purchase scheme and Yay Days!
- Health cash plan, 24/7 remote GP access and Employee Assistance Programme including counselling & legal advice
- Unlimited access to online training and development content via our Learning Management System
- Long service benefits and monthly employee recognition
- Enhanced maternity and paternity provisions
- Flexible working environment
- Health & Wellbeing initiatives and company funded social events
Our approach is to work guided by our mission, vision and values.
Our Mission: Empowering communities with brilliant broadband
Our Vision: Connected Communities
Our Values: Own it, Find the Right Way, Work Together, Win Together
Procurement Operations Lead in Abingdon employer: Gigaclear plc
At Gigaclear plc, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Located in the picturesque town of Abingdon, our team enjoys generous benefits such as pension contributions, health plans, and flexible working options, all while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance connectivity for small and medium businesses across rural England. We are committed to employee growth, providing ample opportunities for professional development and leadership within a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Operations Lead in Abingdon
✨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 Gigaclear plc.
✨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 Operations Lead in Abingdon
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 Gigaclear plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Gigaclear plc. 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 Gigaclear plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Gigaclear plc
✨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 Gigaclear plc!
✨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 Gigaclear plc. 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 Gigaclear plc's culture.
