At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement operations and drive excellence across multiple sites.
- Company: A leading construction organisation with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, significant exposure to senior stakeholders, and impactful business improvement opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and enhance your career in procurement management.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement and make a real difference in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Experience in operational procurement and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 47250 - 57750 £ per year.
A leading construction organisation is seeking an experienced Operational Procurement Manager to drive procurement excellence across a complex, multi-site environment. This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in transforming procurement operations, implementing a centralised buying model, and delivering measurable value across a growing business. This role is available on a hybrid basis for an interim period of 3-6 months.
Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will lead the day-to-day operational procurement function, ensuring purchasing activity is controlled, compliant, and delivers best value. You will oversee a centralised Buying Desk, driving consistency across multiple regions while improving supplier performance, purchasing compliance, and operational efficiency.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and developing a Buying Desk team, ensuring SLA and KPI performance is achieved
- Delivering cost avoidance initiatives and improving procurement value across the business
- Driving compliance with preferred supplier agreements and procurement policies
- Improving catalogue utilisation and reducing non-compliant purchasing activity
- Managing supplier performance, issue resolution, and supply chain rationalisation
- Producing procurement reports, data analysis, and performance insights
- Supporting the reduction of invoices on hold through proactive problem-solving
- Overseeing supplier onboarding and master data governance activities
- Managing P-card controls and procurement governance processes
- Supporting mobilisation, bid, and operational delivery activities as required
- Developing and embedding standard operating procedures and best practice processes
What You'll Need to Succeed
To be successful in this role, you will have:
- Proven experience within operational procurement, purchasing, or procurement operations management
- Experience leading procurement, buying, or purchasing teams within a multi-site environment
- Strong knowledge of P2P, procurement governance, and supplier compliance processes
- Demonstrable success delivering cost avoidance, value improvement, or procurement savings
- Experience managing supplier performance and driving purchasing compliance
- Strong analytical and reporting skills, particularly using Excel and procurement systems
- Experience improving procurement processes, controls, and operational efficiency
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
- Experience working with ERP or procurement systems such as Oracle, SAP, Coupa, Ariba, or similar
What You'll Get in Return
Opportunity to lead and shape a developing procurement function. Significant exposure to senior operational and procurement stakeholders. Chance to deliver meaningful business improvement and supply chain transformation.
If you are an experienced procurement professional with a passion for operational excellence, supplier performance, and process improvement, we would love to hear from you. Apply today to find out more about this exciting Operational Procurement Manager opportunity.
Procurement Operations Manager employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
Hays Education is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment for SEN SLD/PMLD teachers in the Hounslow/Hillingdon area. With access to exclusive vacancies, ongoing professional development, and a dedicated consultant to guide your career, you will find ample opportunities for growth while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pupils with special educational needs. Join us to be part of a community that values inclusivity and fosters both personal and professional development.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Operations 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.
✨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 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers. 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers!
✨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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers. 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 Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Careers's culture.