At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement governance and drive commercial value across the organisation.
- Company: Fast-paced PE backed organisation in Coventry with a focus on growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, performance bonus, and generous holiday.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence business performance and work autonomously.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact and shape procurement strategy at a senior level.
- Qualifications: Strong procurement experience and excellent stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
We are working with a fast-paced PE backed organisation, based in Coventry, who are going through a period of growth and operational consolidation. We are looking for a commercially driven Senior Procurement Manager to establish and lead procurement governance across the business. An experienced procurement professional who thrives on driving commercial value, strengthening governance, and influencing senior stakeholders. Currently operating within a decentralised model, where procurement activity is mainly delivered by Business Managers, this role will act as the central authority, providing oversight, challenge, and expert guidance to ensure all procurement activity is delivered to the highest commercial and governance standards. Reporting into the CFO, this high profile role has significant exposure to senior stakeholders across the business including the CTO and CIO.
The Opportunity
- Establishing and embedding procurement policies, controls, and standards
- Providing commercial challenge and strategic guidance to Business Managers
- Leading complex, high-value sourcing and tender exercises across Operations and IT
- Driving cost optimisation and value improvement initiatives
- Ensuring procurement compliance and consistency across the organisation
- Developing supplier strategies and supporting key commercial negotiations
- Promoting procurement best practice and continuous improvement
Experience You'll bring:
- Strong procurement and commercial experience, ideally gained within the industrial, engineering, logistics or construction sector.
- Proven experience running complex tenders and negotiations
- Confident operating in a governance / oversight role (not purely transactional procurement)
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence and challenge at all levels
- Highly commercial, analytical, and detail-oriented
- Ability to work autonomously with an appetite for full ownership of the Procurement function.
- Experience operating within a governance, oversight, or centre-of-excellence procurement function
- Professional certification such as CIPS, CPSM or equivalent
What's on Offer
- Basic salary between £65,000 - £70,000 depending on experience.
- Car allowance
- Performance-related bonus up to 15%
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Company pension with matched contributions (6%)
- Private medical and dental cover
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Employee discounts, rewards and wellbeing benefits
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded procurement leader looking to make a tangible impact, shape procurement strategy, and influence business performance at a senior level.
Senior Procurement Manager employer: Kate John Associates
Join a dynamic and rapidly growing PE-backed organisation in Coventry, where your expertise as a Senior Procurement Manager will be valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee development, a collaborative work culture, and competitive benefits including a performance-related bonus and comprehensive health coverage, this company offers a rewarding environment for professionals eager to drive commercial value and governance excellence. Embrace the opportunity to influence senior stakeholders and shape procurement strategy in a role that promises both challenge and growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨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 Kate John Associates.
✨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 Manager
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 Kate John Associates:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kate John Associates. 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 Kate John Associates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kate John Associates
✨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 Kate John Associates!
✨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 Kate John Associates. 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 Kate John Associates's culture.
