At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and develop strategies for a housing association client.
- Company: Join Inprova, a certified B Corp focused on positive impact and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy income protection, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to innovation and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in end-to-end procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Home-based (UK only), with occasional travel to client sites and Inprova offices as required.
At Inprova, we're passionate about helping organisations achieve better commercial outcomes through expert procurement, consultancy and supply chain services. As a certified B Corp and values-led organisation, we're committed to creating positive impact for our clients, communities and colleagues.
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to join our Consultancy team and provide outsourced procurement support to one of our housing sector clients.
The Role
As Procurement Manager, you will lead and manage operational procurement activity on behalf of a housing association client, ensuring compliant, efficient and value-driven procurement outcomes. Working closely with client stakeholders, suppliers and the wider Inprova team, you'll manage end-to-end procurement exercises and support the delivery of strategic procurement objectives. This is a hands-on role where you will be responsible for translating business requirements into effective sourcing strategies while ensuring compliance with relevant public procurement legislation and best practice.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement projects from initial scoping through to contract award and mobilisation.
- Develop procurement and sourcing strategies aligned to client requirements.
- Support stakeholders in defining requirements and selecting appropriate procurement routes.
- Ensure compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Public Contracts Regulations and organisational policies.
- Maintain robust procurement records, documentation and audit trails.
- Manage and coordinate procurement pipelines and priorities.
- Monitor, analyse and report on procurement activity, savings and performance.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation and process improvement.
- Support supplier relationship management and contract performance activities.
- Provide guidance and support to junior procurement colleagues, helping to build capability and share best practice.
About You
We're looking for a confident procurement professional who combines strong technical knowledge with excellent stakeholder management skills. You will have:
- Experience managing end-to-end procurement exercises.
- Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and regulations.
- Experience preparing tender documentation, specifications and evaluation criteria.
- Excellent relationship-building and influencing skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical capability.
- Experience managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communication and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with wider teams.
Desirable Experience
- CIPS qualification or working towards professional accreditation.
- Experience within housing associations, local authorities or wider public sector environments.
- Knowledge of housing-related categories including maintenance, construction, professional services, IT or facilities management.
- Experience using eTendering and procurement management systems.
- Understanding of social value and sustainable procurement.
Why Join Inprova?
At Inprova, you'll be part of a collaborative and inclusive culture that values innovation, professional development and making a real difference. We champion diversity, promote flexible ways of working and are committed to helping our people succeed and grow.
In return we offer a fantastic benefits package including:
- Income Protection – 75% of salary covered if unable to work due to illness (post-probation).
- Life Assurance – 4x basic salary paid as a tax-free lump sum (post-probation).
- Private Medical Insurance (PMI) – Fully funded cover with family extension options (post-probation).
- Health Cash Plan – Reimbursement for medical expenses & discounted gym membership (post-probation).
- Pension Scheme – 5% employer match with salary exchange option.
- Holiday Trading – Buy or sell up to 5 days annually (available in December).
- Cycle to Work Scheme – Salary sacrifice bike purchases up to £1,000 (post-probation).
- Electric Vehicle Scheme – Lease an EV via salary sacrifice (eligible after 12 months).
- Employee Support Services – Access to legal, financial, bereavement, and medical advice (immediate eligibility).
- Exclusive Mobile Deals – Discounted EE contracts for employees & up to 5 friends/family.
- Childcare Voucher Scheme – Support for working parents.
Join our team and be part of a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to making a meaningful difference for our planet and society.
Procurement Manager in Manchester employer: Inprova
Join our dynamic team as a Junior Product Owner, where you'll be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and customer-centricity. We offer robust growth opportunities, mentorship from experienced professionals, and a supportive environment that encourages your development in the product management field. Located in a vibrant area, our company provides unique advantages such as flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on work-life balance, making it an excellent place to kickstart your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Inprova.
✨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 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 Inprova:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Inprova. 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 Inprova.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inprova
✨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 Inprova!
✨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 Inprova. 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 Inprova's culture.