At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement sourcing and negotiate contracts to drive value and sustainability.
- Company: Join the UK's largest employee-owned business, John Lewis Partnership.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, night premium, hybrid working, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and thrive in a supportive culture that values your voice.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and stakeholder management.
As a Senior Procurement Specialist, you will bring your commerciality and negotiation expertise to the forefront, working collaboratively to reduce Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) spend and mitigate third-party risk. You will take the lead on sourcing, category planning, and supplier management, confidently navigating multi-layered stakeholder relationships to deliver measurable commercial benefits. If you are a strong communicator with a continuous improvement mindset and a passion for customer obsession, this is your opportunity to shape our procurement strategy, champion our ethics and sustainability goals, and create the right conditions for everyone to achieve their potential.
You will lead procurement sourcing activities, specifically focusing on: Construction, Engineering and elements of Facilities and Energy categories.
Key responsibilities:
- Partner with stakeholders to influence cost allocation, spend and supplier management, with a focus on reducing overall Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) expenditure and mitigating third-party risk for the Partnership.
- Deliver best value Procurement through leveraging your sourcing and negotiation expertise to maximise value for the Partnership.
- Work alongside Finance, Legal, and the broader Procurement team to deliver value through effective source-to-contract activities.
- Negotiate commercial and contractual terms to deliver optimal benefits.
- Lead or support end-to-end tender activities.
- Facilitate key stakeholder and supplier meetings.
- Analyse data and review with stakeholders to identify and implement improvement opportunities.
- Develop and execute strategic category plans.
Essential skills/experience you’ll need:
- Skilled at sourcing and negotiation with significant commercial experience in a Procurement function or suitable equivalent.
- Good understanding of procurement process and systems.
- Category planning and sourcing strategy experience.
- Supplier management experience.
- Strong stakeholder management skills, with a track record of building relationships internally and externally to drive the Procurement GNFR agenda.
- Ability to analyse data sets such as baseline spend and tender responses.
- Exposure to/experience in reviewing and negotiating contracts.
Desirable skills/experience you may have:
- MCIPS qualified or working towards.
- A deep understanding of Procurement strategy and policy.
- Relevant procurement experience in Property.
We want all of our Partners to have a good work-life balance and we support flexible working. This might mean flexible or compressed hours, job sharing or shorter hour contracts, where possible.
Senior Procurement Specialist employer: John Lewis plc
John Lewis plc is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture at The Odney Hotel in the picturesque setting of Cookham, Berkshire. Employees benefit from competitive pay, flexible part-time hours, and opportunities for growth within a renowned company known for its commitment to customer service excellence. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding career in hospitality.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Specialist
✨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 John Lewis plc.
✨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 Specialist
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 John Lewis plc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to John Lewis plc. 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 John Lewis plc.
How to prepare for a job interview at John Lewis plc
✨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 John Lewis plc!
✨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 John Lewis plc. 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 John Lewis plc's culture.
