At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement initiatives and collaborate with various departments to optimise supplier management.
- Company: Fast-growing telecoms and technology provider with a dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth in a supportive, trust-based environment.
- Why this job: Gain autonomy and influence in a key role with direct access to senior leadership.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience in procurement or related fields.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Inbound Talent is partnering with an established and fast-scaling telecoms and technology provider to find a Senior Procurement Manager to act as a right hand to the Head of Procurement. This is a deputy-level role at the heart of a procurement function that touches almost every part of the business, with genuine scope to shape how the function operates as the company grows.
About the company
The business is a well-established telecoms and technology provider that is growing and scaling rapidly across mainland UK. Procurement here is not siloed. The team supports IT, marketing, HR, finance, legal, and operational categories including fleet, stores, and site leases for mobile infrastructure. The department manages around 1,000 suppliers and roughly £50 million in annual spend, and the business is actively investing in strategic growth initiatives, including projects targeting significant additional revenue over the coming years.
About the role
This role sits just below the Head of Procurement, acting as a trusted deputy and covering both day-to-day BAU activity and higher-value strategic work. No two days will look the same. Depending on the week, this person might be running an RFP, onboarding a new vendor, negotiating a renewal, resolving a commercial dispute, or supporting a capital business case.
Key areas of focus include:
- Commercial modelling, analytics, and data-driven decision making
- Contract renewals, with a strong emphasis on getting ahead of auto-renewal and CPI-linked increases before notice periods expire
- Supplier negotiation, with autonomy to manage deals up to an agreed value threshold, working collaboratively with the Head of Procurement on larger contracts
- Supplier risk, compliance assertions, and cyber risk awareness across the vendor base
- Data protection and GDPR related activity
- Supporting supplier optimisation and driving better buying power as the business scales
There is currently no dedicated procurement platform in place beyond Sage, SharePoint, and Salesforce, so prior experience with these specific tools is not required, just a willingness to get up to speed quickly.
About you
This role suits someone with strong commercial acumen and solid procurement or commercial experience who wants variety over routine. The client is explicit that temperament matters as much as technical skill. Ideal traits include being self-sufficient, agile, and comfortable picking up new categories rather than specialising narrowly in one area.
A technology background is genuinely useful given that technology is the largest spend category by a significant margin, though direct telecoms experience is not essential. A background purely in facilities management would not be a fit.
Other useful attributes:
- Confident negotiator with experience across contracts and tenders
- Comfortable working with limited process definition and figuring things out
- Some exposure to AI tools and their application to procurement or supplier management is a plus
- MCIPS is a nice to have rather than a requirement. Capability and attitude matter more than the qualification itself
This role will typically require at least two days a week in the Manchester office, with flexibility for more. Occasional travel will also be required.
What's in it for you
This is a genuine opportunity to step into a second-in-command style position with real autonomy, direct exposure to senior leadership, and a clear path to grow into a broader remit as the business scales. The management style here is trust based rather than micromanaged, with support available when needed. Highly competitive salary and benefits package on offer.
Disclaimers
Unfortunately, this role does not offer VISA sponsorship, so only applicants with valid Right to Work in the UK will be considered.
Senior Procurement Manager in Manchester employer: Inbound Talent
Inbound Talent is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Livingston, Scotland, where innovation thrives. Employees benefit from a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a strong team culture that fosters collaboration and growth. With opportunities for professional development and involvement in cutting-edge projects like Starlink connectivity, this role promises meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager 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 Inbound Talent.
✨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 Procurement Manager 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 Inbound Talent:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Inbound Talent. 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 Inbound Talent.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inbound Talent
✨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 Inbound Talent!
✨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 Inbound Talent. 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 Inbound Talent's culture.
