Associate Procurement Specialist

Department: Finance & Procurement

Employment Type: Permanent

Location: London

Contract type: Permanent

Hours: 37.5 / week

Salary: circa £39,000 depending on experience

Location: Canary Wharf

WFH policy: Employees are required to attend the office 2 days/week

Flexible working: Variety of flexible work patterns subject to line manager discretion e.g. Compressed 9-day fortnight.

Reports to: Procurement & Supply Chain Manager

Deadline Note: We reserve the right to close the advert before the advertised deadline if there are a high volume of applications.

Role Summary: The procurement Team is a close knit and supportive team responsible for all procurement activities across the business. We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented Junior Procurement Specialist to join our dynamic team. The ideal candidate will assist in managing the procurement processes from the tender preparation stage right through to contract award, running selected ITTs, ensuring the efficient sourcing and purchasing of goods and services necessary for the company's operations. This role requires excellent communication skills, strong analytical abilities, a keen eye for detail, and a commitment to maintaining high standards of quality and compliance. Joining the Procurement Team will give the successful candidate a platform to shine from, a supportive & caring environment, and somewhere they can grow and excel.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sourcing and Supplier Management: Identify and evaluate potential suppliers, routes to market and the stages of the procurement cycle in line with the Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations. To undertake noncomplex end to end procurement activities, and to assist in more complex Tenders. Develop strong relationships to ensure the delivery of high-quality goods and services.
• Procurement Process Management: Assist in the development, implementation and monitoring of procurement statuses, strategies, policies, and procedures to streamline purchasing activities and improve efficiency.
• Compliance and Risk Management: Ensure adherence to company policies, legal regulations, and Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations, minimising risks associated with procurement activities.
• Data Analysis and Reporting: Analyse procurement data, generate reports, and provide insights to support decision-making and drive continuous improvement.
• Cost Optimisation: Identify opportunities for cost savings, and help implement strategies to reduce procurement expenses.
• Collaboration: Work closely with cross-functional teams, including finance, Legal, and Data Protection, to align procurement activities with overall business objectives.

Skills Knowledge and Expertise:

• Certified in Procurement Act 2023 and associated regulations, and have a clear understanding of how it should be implemented.
• Educational Background: CIPS qualified to level 3 or equivalent experience.
• Experience: Minimum of 1-2 years of experience in procurement, tendering, or supply chain management.
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in procurement e-Tendering software and tools, as well as Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively within a team and collaborate with colleagues from different departments.
• Analytical Skills: Strong ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication Skills: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to negotiate and build relationships with suppliers.

Employee Benefits: As if contributing to and supporting work that makes life better for millions wasn’t rewarding enough, we offer a full range of benefits too. Key benefits that may be available depending on the role include:

• Annual performance based bonus, up to 10%
• 25 days annual leave, plus eight bank holidays
• Up to 8% pension contribution
• Financial support and time off for study relevant to your role, plus a professional membership subscription
• Employee referral scheme (up to £1500), and colleague recognition scheme
• Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity leave and shared parental leave
• Free, confidential employee assistance, including financial management, family care, mental health, and on-call GP service
• Three paid volunteering days a year
• Season ticket loan and cycle to work schemes
• Family savings on days out and English Heritage, gym discounts, cash back and discounts at selected retailers
• Employee resource groups