At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead technology procurement strategies and drive supplier performance for impactful change.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a transformative role while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in technology procurement and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 77600 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Milton Keynes (Hybrid)
Salary: £77,600 - £100,000 per annum + excellent benefits
We are on an exciting transformation journey, evolving into a more technology-driven organisation where innovation, collaboration and customer focus are at the heart of everything we do. This is more than a strategic shift. It is an opportunity for ambitious professionals to develop their careers, drive meaningful change and make a lasting impact.
As our reliance on third-party technology partners continues to grow, we are investing in the future of procurement through a multi-year transformation programme. Our goal is to create a best-in-class operating model that maximises the value of our supplier ecosystem, connects us with the right external expertise, delivers commercial value, and ensures compliance with regulatory and risk requirements.
The Opportunity
We are looking for a Category & Sourcing Lead – Technology to join our Procurement team in Milton Keynes. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in driving procurement excellence across the technology category. You will lead the development and execution of category strategies, bringing together market intelligence, commercial expertise and stakeholder engagement to deliver value beyond traditional cost savings. You will manage a high-performing procurement team, partnering with senior business stakeholders to enable strategic objectives, optimise supplier performance and support organisational transformation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development, approval and delivery of technology category strategies aligned to business priorities and global technology objectives.
- Provide market insight, commercial expertise and industry intelligence to support strategic decision-making.
- Deliver benchmarking, commercial analysis and sourcing insights that identify value creation opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders and act as a trusted procurement advisor.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing procurement team.
- Serve as the subject matter expert across technology procurement and sourcing activities.
- Drive supplier performance, contract optimisation and value realisation.
- Support ongoing procurement transformation initiatives and continuous improvement programmes.
Professional Experience
Required
- Proven track record in category management and strategic sourcing within technology procurement.
- Experience managing complex commercial agreements and supplier contracts.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Strong experience engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making.
Preferred
- Procurement transformation or operating model change experience.
- Experience within a large, complex and regulated organisation.
Why Join Us?
We recognise that our people are our greatest asset. In return for your expertise and contribution, we offer a comprehensive reward and benefits package designed to support your career, wellbeing and personal life.
Reward & Benefits
- Competitive salary of £77,600 - £100,000 per annum (depending on experience).
- £6,000 annual car allowance.
- 30 days' annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with service.
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days' holiday each year.
- Company-funded private medical insurance.
- Life assurance and income protection cover.
- Additional voluntary benefits, including critical illness and enhanced protection options.
- Share incentive and investment opportunities.
- Access to a wide range of employee discounts and benefits.
- Comprehensive wellbeing support covering physical, mental, social and financial wellbeing.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies and support through all life stages.
- Volunteering opportunities to support local communities.
- Learning, development and career progression opportunities within a dynamic and evolving organisation.
Senior Procurement Manager - Technology in Northampton employer: Lorien
Join a forward-thinking company in Manchester that values technical expertise and offers a dynamic work culture. With a focus on hybrid working, flexible hours, and a strong emphasis on employee growth, this role provides the opportunity to lead impactful projects while maintaining a hands-on engineering position. Enjoy a competitive salary, annual bonus, and the chance to shape the future of corporate infrastructure services in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager - Technology in Northampton
✨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 Lorien.
✨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 - Technology in Northampton
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 Lorien:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Lorien. 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 Lorien.
How to prepare for a job interview at Lorien
✨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 Lorien!
✨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 Lorien. 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 Lorien's culture.