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- Tasks: Lead a dynamic procurement team and drive strategic category management.
- Company: Join a growing national infrastructure business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, generous leave, and health benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strong leadership abilities required.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
The predicted salary is between 47000 - 57000 £ per year.
Central Procurement Manager will lead the strategic procurement function, driving category strategy, supplier governance, and operational alignment across multiple business units. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and is based near Manchester with hybrid working. It requires leadership of a central team delivering procurement governance, category management, and supplier performance improvement.
Key Responsibilities- Leadership
- Lead and develop a high-performing central procurement team
- Oversee performance management, resource allocation, and training plans
- Act as escalation point for procurement issues and decision‐making
- Foster a results‐driven and compliant team culture
- Oversee supplier onboarding and compliance audits
- Ensure adherence to internal and client governance frameworks
- Manage supplier performance and drive measurable improvement
- Lead strategic supplier reviews and approve final evaluations
- Category and Framework Management
- Develop and implement category strategies that drive value and innovation
- Execute procurement programmes across frameworks to deliver cost efficiency
- Analyse market trends and risks to inform category planning
- Lead end‐to‐end tendering processes, negotiations, and contract awards
- Manage supplier segmentation and category performance reporting
- Governance and Process Improvement
- Enforce compliance with procurement policies, contracts, and legislation
- Drive standardisation and process optimisation across procurement operations
- Promote sustainable and ethical sourcing in line with ESG commitments
- Oversee integrity of procurement systems and data accuracy
- Performance and Reporting
- Produce board‐level reports on procurement performance and supplier stability
- Track KPIs across category and team performance metrics
- Represent the procurement function with internal and external stakeholders
- Senior‐level procurement experience with proven category management capability
- Strong commercial acumen and understanding of contract law and supply chains
- Demonstrated success in cost reduction, process improvement, and risk control
- Leadership experience managing multi‐disciplinary procurement teams
- Proficient in P2P systems, Excel, Power BI, and reporting tools
- Skilled communicator and negotiator, able to engage at executive level
- Organised, decisive, and delivery‐focused
- MCIPS qualification or active progression toward certification
- Experience in regulated or complex project environments (utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, or engineering)
- Knowledge of ISO frameworks, ESG governance, and ethical procurement standards
- Starting salary of £55,000 to £65,000
- £5,000 car/travel allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with purchase option
- Contributory pension, life assurance, and private medical cover
- Health insurance, cycle‐to‐work scheme, and employee savings platform
- Structured leadership development and progression within a national delivery business
If you’re an experienced Central Procurement Manager keen on joining an established and growing business, get in touch with Matt Clegg at Gold Group today for a confidential chat.
Central Procurement Manager in Manchester employer: Gold Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Gold Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Central Procurement Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a Central Procurement Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around cost efficiency and supplier performance improvement. Show them you’re not just another candidate!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that dream job! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to employers looking for top talent like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Central Procurement Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Central Procurement Manager role. Highlight your leadership experience, category management skills, and any relevant achievements that align with the job description. We want to see how you can drive value and innovation!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in procurement and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Let us know what makes you tick!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in P2P systems, Excel, and reporting tools. If you have experience with ISO frameworks or ESG governance, make sure to mention that too! We love seeing candidates who are organised, decisive, and delivery-focused.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you in front of the right people. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gold Group Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around category management and supplier governance. Be ready to discuss specific strategies you've implemented in the past that led to cost reductions or process improvements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Central Procurement Manager, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've developed high-performing teams, managed performance issues, and fostered a results-driven culture. Highlight your experience in training and resource allocation.
✨Be Data-Driven
Familiarise yourself with key performance indicators (KPIs) relevant to procurement. Be prepared to discuss how you've used data analysis to inform category planning and improve supplier performance. Mention any tools like Excel or Power BI that you've used to track and report on these metrics.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
Demonstrate your understanding of the broader context of procurement within the infrastructure sector. Discuss market trends, risks, and how they impact procurement strategies. Showing awareness of ESG commitments and ethical sourcing will also set you apart.
