At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement strategies and enhance supplier relationships for impactful growth.
- Company: Join Ipsum, a supportive company focused on career development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days leave, pension plans, mental health support, and discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for professional qualifications and community volunteering.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team driving meaningful change in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement processes and strong analytical skills required.
Location: Warrington (Sale in the interim) and maybe a day a week thereafter
Employment type: Full Time
Working Hours: Monday to Friday
What’s in it for you…
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays with the option to buy more
- Group Personal Pension Plan
- Career development & progression with the opportunity to earn professional qualifications
- 24/7 access to a virtual GP and Mental health support & counselling services
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Discount club - supermarkets, phone bills, gyms & more
- Life assurance cover
- Long service recognition
- Enhanced Maternity Pay
- Active local social committees
- Regular social events
- Paid volunteering opportunities in your community
About the role…
As a Procurement Specialist, you will play a key role in delivering Ipsum’s procurement strategy and supporting the Company’s growth. This hands-on role offers exposure to a broad range of activities, including developing savings registers, improving procurement systems, creating guidance documents, strengthening supplier and stakeholder relationships, and identifying opportunities for improvement. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you’ll help shape the procurement function and ensure all initiatives align with Ipsum’s strategic goals. This is a great opportunity for someone who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys driving meaningful change.
As a Procurement Specialist you will…
Your role will focus on strengthening processes, improving data visibility, and building effective supplier relationships. Key responsibilities include:
- Analysing spend through clear benchmarking and reporting to highlight opportunities for savings and supplier alignment.
- Managing day-to-day procurement activities for your business area, ensuring consistent routes to market and optimised rebate structures.
- Developing meaningful dashboards, leakage reports and category insights that strengthen controls and support strategic decision-making.
- Maintaining accurate procurement records, including a structured savings register and supporting documentation in SharePoint.
- Building strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and stakeholders to ensure efficient, cost-effective purchasing.
- Creating practical guides and process documentation to support business-wide procurement understanding and improve system adoption.
- Staying informed on utilities markets, regulatory updates and policy changes to provide relevant advice and guidance.
- Take the lead on negotiations and work closely with the Estimating team both Cost of Sales side and then converting into Purchase Orders post winning the work to maximise margins for the ICP business.
About you…
You’re committed to delivering excellent service and value, with the confidence to challenge and influence stakeholders at all levels. You bring a solid understanding of procurement processes, regulations and systems, and you’re comfortable offering clear, practical guidance on best practice and compliance. Analytical and detail-driven, you’re skilled at interpreting data, identifying risks, assessing supplier performance and spotting opportunities to streamline and improve. You thrive in fast-paced environments and approach challenges with resilience, flexibility and a collaborative mindset.
In addition to your technical strengths, you’re confident negotiating with suppliers, defending commercial positions and driving continuous improvement across procurement activity. With hands-on experience in process improvement, reporting and documentation, you maintain accurate audit trails, create helpful guidance materials and support strong stakeholder relationships. Proficient in Microsoft Office and experienced in end-to-end procurement reporting, you are committed to high standards and meaningful results. A relevant degree is desirable, along with experience in a similar procurement-focused role.
Our commitment to Equal Opportunities...
We’re proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences, and we’re committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce.
Next steps...
If you’re interested in this opportunity, please apply or reach out to the Talent Team for more info.
Procurement Specialist (Power) in Sale employer: Ipsum
Ipsum is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being and development of its employees, offering a supportive work culture in Haydock/Warrington. With generous benefits such as 25 days annual leave, career progression opportunities, and access to mental health support, you will find a fulfilling environment that encourages personal and professional growth while making a meaningful impact in the Water and Infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist (Power) in Sale
✨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 Ipsum.
✨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 (Power) in Sale
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 Ipsum:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ipsum. 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 Ipsum.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsum
✨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 Ipsum!
✨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 Ipsum. 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 Ipsum's culture.
