At a Glance
- Tasks: Run competitive tenders and negotiate contracts in the energy sector.
- Company: Join a leading tech-enabled provider of energy solutions in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy training, a pension, life insurance, and a 4pm finish on Fridays.
- Other info: Home-based role with opportunities for travel and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the transition to net zero carbon.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Inspired is a market leading, technology-enabled provider of energy and sustainability solutions in the UK - supporting businesses to transition to net zero carbon and manage their response to climate change.
Established in 2000, we became the first publicly quoted advisor following a successful AIM debut in 2011.
We are now the UK's number one destination for businesses seeking expert insight and advisory services to help them manage their energy costs, reduce their carbon emissions and prove their net zero carbon and ESG strategies to their investors and customers
We are looking for a Procurement Specialist to join our successful Procurement team. This role is home based with travel to our office (Kirkham, Lancashire) at least twice a month.
Role and Responsibilities
The Procurement Specialist runs competitive tender processes for energy supply and related contracts, negotiates directly with suppliers to secure favourable pricing and terms, and prepares clear, well-evidenced recommendations to support contract award decisions.
Places contracts with suppliers once approved, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely execution throughout the procurement cycle.
The successful candidate will be required to
- Run end-to-end tender processes (RFI/RFP/RFQ) for energy supply and related contracts, from specification through to award.
- Gather and analyse pricing and supplier data to inform tender strategy.
- Negotiate directly with suppliers on price, terms, and contract conditions to secure the best available outcome.
- Prepare clear, well-evidenced recommendations for contract award, setting out pricing comparisons, risk considerations, and rationale for decision-makers.
- Place contracts with suppliers following approval, ensuring accuracy of terms, pricing, and start dates.
- Maintain accurate records of tenders, negotiations, and contract documentation.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to confirm requirements and ensure contracts meet customer needs.
- Identify opportunities to improve tendering and contracting processes, reducing turnaround time and administrative effort.
- Read and comply with the company Health & Safety Policy; taking reasonable care for the Health & Safety of themselves and others; co-operate with managers and other employees in fulfilling our objectives and statutory duties.
Qualifications and Experience Requirements
Essential
- Experience in a procurement, tendering, or category management role, ideally within energy or utilities
- Demonstrable experience negotiating directly with suppliers on price and contract terms
- Experience writing clear, structured recommendations to support commercial decision-making
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy when preparing and placing contracts
Desirable
- Experience of energy markets (electricity/gas) and pricing mechanisms
- Experience using procurement or contract management systems
- Confident, professional communicator able to negotiate effectively with suppliers
- Strong written skills for producing clear commercial recommendations and reports
- Good working knowledge of Excel/procurement systems for tracking tenders and contracts
- Organised and able to manage multiple tenders/contracts to deadline
What we offer
- Training and development opportunities
- Company pension
- Life insurance
- Enhanced maternity and paternity
- Benefits portal, with a wide range of benefits
- 4pm finish on Friday
If you are interested in the role and would like to be considered, please apply now and a member of our In House Recruitment Team will be in touch. Good Luck!
If you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Procurement Specialist in Manchester employer: Inspired
As a Children's Support Worker, you will join a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of children with learning disabilities. Our supportive work culture fosters empathy and collaboration, providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Located in a vibrant community, we offer competitive salaries and a fulfilling environment where your contributions truly make a difference.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist 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 Inspired.
✨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 Specialist 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 Inspired:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Inspired. 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 Inspired.
How to prepare for a job interview at Inspired
✨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 Inspired!
✨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 Inspired. 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 Inspired's culture.
