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- Tasks: Manage a £180 million procurement portfolio and negotiate contracts for maximum value.
- Company: Join Howdens, the UK's top trade kitchen supplier with a strong growth plan.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, annual bonus, excellent pension, free meals, and 25 days holiday.
- Why this job: Shape strategic supplier relationships and drive impactful procurement projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in indirect procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for career development and recognition.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Due to continued growth, Howdens are looking for an experienced procurement professional to manage a significant portfolio of spend, worth approximately £180 million annually. This role focuses on delivering value for money, cost savings, and strategic supply solutions that support the business's operational needs and growth plans. You will lead and support sourcing activities, negotiate contracts, manage supplier relationships, and work closely with stakeholders across the business to develop and implement effective procurement strategies.
Why Join Howdens as a Procurement Specialist
- The opportunity to work on high-value, high-impact procurement projects
- Exposure to a wide range of categories and senior stakeholders
- A role that combines strategic thinking with hands-on delivery
- The chance to shape long-term supplier relationships and deliver measurable business benefits
What will I be doing as a Procurement Specialist?
- Strategic Procurement – Support the development of the Indirect Procurement strategy. Manage tenders, RFQs, and benchmarking exercises; evaluate supplier proposals; and make commercially sound recommendations aligned with the business needs
- Category Management – Manage sourcing, and ongoing management of indirect categories, ensuring spend is optimised and suppliers deliver maximum value
- Negotiation & Contracting – Negotiate commercial terms, working with legal and procurement colleagues to ensure robust contracts are in place
- Supplier Relationship Management – Build strong relationships with key suppliers, monitoring performance, identifying improvements, and ensuring service levels meet business needs
- Stakeholder Engagement – Collaborate with internal teams to understand requirements, challenge current supply strategies, and develop innovative sourcing solutions
- Continuous Improvement – Drive year-on-year improvements in cost, service, and quality
What We Are Looking For
- Indirect procurement experience
- Strong negotiation skills with proven commercial acumen
- Solid understanding of contract law and commercial contracts
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret and present data clearly
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) is desirable
What We Can Offer You
- Competitive salary + annual bonus
- Excellent pension scheme (matched company contribution of up to 12%)
- Free daily meal at on-site canteen
- 25 days holiday + bank holidays per year & opportunity to buy extra holidays
- Share save scheme
- Exceptional reward and recognition events
About Us
Howdens Joinery is the UK's number one trade kitchen supplier providing thousands of products across kitchens, joinery, and hardware. We have over 900 depots throughout the UK and Europe – making us the first choice for more than 460,000 loyal trade professionals. With an ambitious and credible growth plan, we continue to build on our £2.3 billion sales made last year. There is a strong entrepreneurial ethos and the opportunity to develop within a fast-paced and commercial environment. That, along with a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exciting rewards, is among the reasons why our people enjoy working for Howdens and why we have been named one of the 10 Best Big Companies to Work For.
How To Apply
Howdens is founded on the principle of being Worthwhile for ALL concerned. We're working hard to ensure we provide an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome. We will do everything we can to support you during your application. If you need us to make any adjustments to our recruitment process, please email recruitmentteam@howdens.com with the job title and location, and we will be happy to help you.
Procurement Specialist employer: Howdens
Contact Detail:
Howdens Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨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 role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Howdens or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Howdens and their procurement strategies. Show us you understand their business and can contribute to their growth plans. Tailor your examples to highlight your negotiation skills and stakeholder management experience.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your indirect procurement experience aligns with the role. We want to hear about your successes in managing supplier relationships and driving cost savings.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows us you’re genuinely interested in joining the Howdens team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Specialist role. Highlight your indirect procurement experience and negotiation skills, as these are key for us at Howdens. Use specific examples that showcase your achievements in managing supplier relationships and delivering cost savings.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how your skills align with our needs. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of contract law and how you’ve successfully engaged stakeholders in previous roles.
Showcase Your Analytical Skills: We love data-driven decision-making! In your application, include examples of how you've used analytical skills to interpret data and make informed recommendations. This will demonstrate your ability to drive continuous improvement in cost, service, and quality.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Howdens!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howdens
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Procurement Specialist, you'll be dealing with significant spend. Brush up on key figures related to procurement, such as cost savings achieved in previous roles or the value of contracts you've managed. Being able to discuss these numbers confidently will show your commercial acumen.
✨Master the Art of Negotiation
Prepare for potential negotiation scenarios during the interview. Think about past experiences where you successfully negotiated terms or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your skills and strategies.
✨Understand Stakeholder Needs
Research Howdens' business model and think about how procurement can support their operational needs. Be prepared to discuss how you would engage with various stakeholders to understand their requirements and develop innovative sourcing solutions.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Since strong analytical skills are crucial for this role, come prepared with examples of how you've used data to drive decisions in procurement. Whether it's interpreting supplier proposals or benchmarking exercises, demonstrating your ability to present data clearly will set you apart.
