At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and drive innovation across organisational spend.
- Company: Dynamic organisation in Hove, UK, focused on sustainable outcomes.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a high-performing team and represent the organisation at industry forums.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by delivering high-value procurement strategies and influencing change.
- Qualifications: Degree qualified with significant experience in strategic procurement and category management.
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement Manager to lead the development and delivery of strategic procurement and category management activities across major areas of organisational spend. The role is responsible for delivering high-value procurement projects, leading complex tendering and commercial initiatives, and ensuring procurement strategies deliver value for money, compliance, and sustainable commercial outcomes. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will drive innovation, influence service design, and support the achievement of wider organisational objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver strategic procurement and category plans across designated spend areas, ensuring procurement activity aligns with organisational priorities and delivers measurable value.
- Lead complex end-to-end procurement exercises, tendering activities, and commercial projects, ensuring effective project governance, resource planning, risk management, and successful delivery.
- Identify emerging procurement trends, market developments, risks, and opportunities, providing strategic recommendations to support informed decision-making.
- Develop procurement policies, strategies, and best practice guidance, contributing to continuous improvement and organisational objectives.
- Evaluate existing procurement and service delivery models, recommending innovative solutions to improve quality, efficiency, and long-term value.
- Provide expert commercial advice to senior stakeholders on procurement strategies, route-to-market options, contract management, and supplier engagement.
- Ensure all procurement activities comply with Public Procurement Regulations (PCR 2015 and Procurement Act 2023), Council policies, and legislative requirements, including Social Value, Environmental Sustainability, and Modern Slavery obligations.
- Support the development and implementation of operational procurement plans while contributing to longer-term strategic planning.
- Lead major procurement projects, service reviews, and cross-functional initiatives, representing the procurement function both internally and externally.
- Manage procurement budgets and allocated resources effectively, ensuring financial accountability and delivery within agreed targets.
- Collaborate with managers, service leads, and external partners to identify opportunities for cost savings, process improvements, and enhanced commercial outcomes.
- Lead, coach, and develop procurement professionals, fostering a high-performing team focused on delivering strategic objectives and continuous improvement.
- Represent the organisation at local, regional, and industry procurement forums, building strong professional networks and promoting procurement excellence.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Degree qualified or equivalent professional qualification, ideally CIPS Level 5 (or working towards), or equivalent procurement experience.
- Significant experience in strategic procurement, category management, and commercial leadership within the public or private sector.
- Strong knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations (PCR 2015), the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23), and public sector procurement best practice.
- Proven experience leading complex procurement projects, strategic sourcing initiatives, and high-value tendering exercises.
- Strong understanding of category management methodologies and their practical application.
- Commercially astute with experience in contract negotiation, cost analysis, supplier management, and delivering value-for-money outcomes.
- Knowledge of change management, project management, and continuous improvement methodologies.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence senior leaders, elected members, and external partners.
- Experience developing procurement strategies, policies, and governance frameworks.
- Strong analytical, negotiation, communication, and leadership skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in a complex environment.
- Understanding of the political and regulatory environment in which local government procurement operates.
Senior Strategic Procurement Manager in Hove employer: Guidant Global
Guidant Global is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and inclusive work culture, perfect for those looking to thrive in high-volume recruitment. With a strong emphasis on employee development and collaboration, team members benefit from ongoing training opportunities and the chance to build meaningful relationships with clients across the Midlands area. The hybrid working model not only promotes work-life balance but also allows for flexibility and autonomy in managing your workload.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Procurement Manager in Hove
✨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 Guidant Global.
✨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 Senior Strategic Procurement Manager in Hove
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 Guidant Global:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Guidant Global. 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 Guidant Global.
How to prepare for a job interview at Guidant Global
✨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 Guidant Global!
✨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 Guidant Global. 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 Guidant Global's culture.
