At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform the procurement function in a dynamic public-sector organisation.
- Company: Reputable public-sector organisation located in Manchester City Centre.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, flexible working, and subsidised gym membership.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with 2 days in the office and excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy while leading a motivated team and engaging with senior stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Extensive public-sector procurement experience and MCIPS qualification required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 78000 £ per year.
A reputable public-sector organisation in the heart of Manchester City Centre is seeking an experienced and commercially minded procurement leader to join their growing team and lead the function.
The Head of Commercial Procurement will play a pivotal role in transforming the procurement function and leading them into becoming a more proactive, commercially driven business unit who genuinely partners with other areas of the business. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys autonomy and the ability to shape the direction of the procurement function whilst leading a small team. You will be working with senior level stakeholders across the organisation and providing procurement guidance and support to them.
You will be responsible for setting the overall strategy and procurement policies across the organisation and striving to deliver optimal value for money whilst adhering to procurement legislation. In this role, you will lead and motivate a small team, whilst personally leading on some higher value and more complex tender processes. The role offers a great mix of both strategic and operational procurement.
This role is based in the Manchester City Centre office 2 days per week, with 3 days working from home, though occasionally you may be required to be flexible depending on business needs.
What you'll need to succeed:
- Extensive background in UK public-sector procurement with a strong understanding of PA23 and PCR2015
- Proven experience and knowledge of public-sector frameworks
- MCIPS qualified or working towards
- Experience of leading and managing a team
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management skills, with ability to influence decisions and gain stakeholder buy-in
- Contract management and supplier relationship management experience
- Experience of planning and implementing procurement policies
What you'll get in return:
- Competitive starting salary between £70,000-78,000 depending on relevant experience
- Competitive public sector pension scheme
- 32.5 days annual leave + bank holidays
- Subsidised gym membership
- Flexible working processes
- Hybrid working with just 2 days per week required in the office
- Retail discount scheme
- Paid professional memberships
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion on your career.
Desired Skills and Experience:
To be considered for this role, you must have a proven background in UK Public Sector procurement with experience of leading teams at a senior level. You will be MCIPS qualified and will bring strong stakeholder engagement and stakeholder management skills. You must have a detailed knowledge of PA23 and PCR2015.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Procurement in Manchester
✨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.
✨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 Head of Commercial Procurement in Manchester
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:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Hays. 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.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨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!
✨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. 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's culture.
