At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage tendering processes for high-quality services.
- Company: Join ISHA, a community-focused housing association with a strong social purpose.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a supportive culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equity and community values.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the community while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 59632 - 59632 £ per year.
This role is based at our Head Office in Finsbury Park with some flexibility to work from home for one day per week after a successful probation period. Come and join us as our Procurement Manager and play a pivotal role in helping us deliver safe, high-quality homes and services for our residents. This is an exciting opportunity for a commercially minded procurement professional to lead a strategic function, shape organisational best practice, and secure real value through compliant, effective and forward-thinking procurement.
Reporting to the Head of Partnerships, Procurement and Energy, you will lead the organisation’s procurement activity across goods, works and services. You will work closely with colleagues across the business to manage tendering, strengthen governance, oversee supplier performance and drive value for money, while ensuring full compliance with relevant legislation and internal standards.
About the role:
- Lead and deliver the organisation’s procurement strategy, ensuring it supports corporate priorities, asset management plans and building safety requirements.
- Manage compliant, transparent and value-driven procurement processes from market engagement through to tendering, negotiation and contract award.
- Strengthen procurement governance by maintaining robust documentation, evaluation frameworks, risk controls and audit-ready processes.
- Work with operational teams to embed effective contract and supplier management, including performance monitoring, KPIs and review activity.
- Drive commercial value by identifying cost savings, supporting budget holders, analysing spend and leading negotiations to secure favourable terms.
- Provide insight, guidance and continuous improvement across the organisation by using data, reporting to senior stakeholders and promoting procurement best practice.
About you:
Confident and collaborative procurement professional with substantial experience across the full procurement lifecycle and a strong track record of delivering complex tenders and high-value contracts. You will bring excellent commercial judgement, analytical ability and negotiation skills, alongside a strong understanding of procurement in a regulated environment and the legislation that underpins it. Just as importantly, you will be someone who can build strong relationships across teams, influence stakeholders at all levels and communicate complex information clearly.
The successful candidate will share ISHA’s commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion, work in a safe and compliant way, and be flexible and responsive in supporting the wider needs of the organisation.
About ISHA
At ISHA, community and neighbourhood mean everything to us, and our roots run deep in the areas of North London that we serve. Founded over 90 years ago, we provide around 2,500 homes for over 5,000 people across Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest. We are proud to remain a community-based housing association with a strong social purpose and an ambitious future. Our values are at the heart of who we are and everything we do, inspiring our thinking and guiding our actions. We strive to build a more diverse organisation, where everyone feels empowered to bring, and be, their best self to work. We are ambitious about the future while remaining grounded in our communities and values.
Why join ISHA?
- A genuinely community-based and values-led organisation.
- Strong social purpose and commitment to affordable housing.
- New corporate strategy and clear organisational ambition with a commitment to growth in our heartlands.
- Flexible and supportive working culture.
- Competitive pension and benefits package.
We can’t be a brilliant landlord if we don’t partner with brilliant colleagues. Could you be one of them? If this sounds exciting, we want you on our team. Please do complete an application.
Inclusion and Diversity
We want ISHA to be a great place to work and to ensure that our communities are represented across our workforce. A vital part of this is ensuring we are a truly inclusive organisation that encourages diversity in all respects, including diversity of thinking. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and those of Other Ethnicities, LGBTQ+, disabled and neurodiverse communities to make a real difference to our residents.
Application Process
When you submit your final application with your CV and a covering letter tell us: (a) Why you feel you’re a strong fit for this role, with reference to the job description and person specification. (b) One work-related challenge you’ve managed, what you did, and what you learned. (c) Your biggest success in terms of procurement. (d) What motivates you most about working in procurement. (e) Anything else you feel is relevant to share with us. Maximum of 250 words per answer, please.
Please note: We can only be able to accept applications from candidates with eligibility to currently work in the UK. We do not offer a visa sponsorship programme. Applications sent without a covering letter will not be accepted.
Asking for adjustments ISHA is committed to making our recruitment practices barrier-free and as accessible as possible for everyone. This includes making adjustments or changes for disabled people, neurodiverse people or people with long-term health conditions. If you would like us to do anything differently during the application, interview, or assessment process, including providing information in an alternative format, you will be able to contact us.
Purchasing Manager (Fmcg) employer: Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA)
ISHA is an exceptional employer that prioritises community and social purpose, offering a supportive and flexible working culture in the heart of North London. With a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, employees are empowered to thrive while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance the lives of residents. The organisation provides competitive benefits and clear opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for procurement professionals looking to make a real impact.
Contact Details:
Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Purchasing Manager (Fmcg)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching ISHA and its values. Understand their commitment to community and diversity, and think about how your experience aligns with their mission. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves leading negotiations, brush up on your techniques. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to simulate real-life scenarios. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, make sure to tailor your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in procurement and your passion for making a difference in the community.
We think you need these skills to ace Purchasing Manager (Fmcg)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the job description. Highlight your relevant experience and how it aligns with ISHA's values and the role of Procurement Manager. We want to see your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Achievements:When discussing your biggest success in procurement, be specific! Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve driven value and made a difference in previous roles. This helps us see the impact you can bring to ISHA.
Be Concise and Clear:Remember, you have a maximum of 250 words for each answer. Keep your responses focused and to the point. We appreciate clarity and brevity, so make every word count!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us. Plus, it gives you a chance to explore more about ISHA and what we stand for before you hit that submit button.
How to prepare for a job interview at Islington & Shoreditch Housing Association (ISHA)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the FMCG sector. Understand the full procurement lifecycle and be ready to discuss your experience with complex tenders and high-value contracts. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but can also handle the intricacies of the role.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your commercial judgement and analytical skills. Think about times when you've identified cost savings or negotiated favourable terms. Being able to articulate these experiences will demonstrate your ability to drive value for money, which is crucial for this position.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working closely with various teams, think about how you can showcase your relationship-building skills. Prepare anecdotes that illustrate how you've influenced stakeholders and communicated complex information clearly. This will help convey that you’re a collaborative team player.
✨Align with ISHA’s Values
Familiarise yourself with ISHA’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. Be prepared to discuss how your values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their community-focused mission. This will show that you’re not just looking for a job, but are genuinely interested in being part of their vision.
