At a Glance
- Tasks: Design and implement a procurement framework while leading negotiations with key suppliers.
- Company: Join a fast-growing unicorn startup on a mission to simplify migration.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive bonuses, and personal development budgets.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a dynamic environment with real impact.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
We’re on a mission to make migration easy. We started building Marshmallow in 2017. Since then, we’ve grown from 3 to 700+ people, gained unicorn status, raised ~£140M over three funding rounds, turned profitable, insured millions of drivers and lent millions in car loans. But we’re only just getting started. Our goal is to become one of the largest financial services providers in the world. Over the next 10 years we’ll grow exponentially, not only by scaling our existing products, but also by building new ones.
To achieve our goals we need incredibly ambitious, commercially driven people who never settle for ‘good enough’. Marshmallowers are hungry for autonomy and ownership, and would rather improve than coast. Everyone raises standards and has an impact, with a focus on collective success over self-interest. We’ve created an environment where curious, tenacious people win and grow together. If that sounds motivating, this could be the place for you.
This is a rare opportunity for a commercially sharp procurement professional to build something from the ground up. We're an insurance and Car Finance business that has grown quickly, and our procurement function hasn't kept pace — spend is fragmented, supplier relationships are informal, and there are few consistent processes or controls in place.
We're looking for someone who thrives in ambiguity, has the confidence to challenge the status quo, and gets genuine satisfaction from creating order out of chaos. You'll be the first dedicated procurement hire, which means you'll have real autonomy — and real accountability — to shape how we buy across the business.
Whilst procurement is the primary focus of the role, the Senior Procurement Manager will also support the management of key partnerships (alongside the Partnerships Manager).
What you’ll be doing:
- Build the foundation: Design and implement a procurement framework that's fit for purpose — covering policy, approval controls, supplier onboarding, purchase-to-pay processes, procurement tool operationalization and spend visibility.
- Own commercial negotiations: Lead negotiations with key suppliers across categories including e.g. professional services, technology, facilities, logistics.
- Drive cross-business engagement: Work closely with department heads and budget holders to understand their needs, challenge unapproved and unnecessary spend.
- Establish governance and controls: Introduce appropriate approval workflows, delegation of authority set up, contract management disciplines, and supplier performance monitoring.
- Create visibility of spend: Develop reporting and analytics that give leadership a clear picture of where money is going.
- Build for scale: As the function matures, you may build out a small team.
- Third Party Risk Management: Build and embed a third party risk management framework from the ground up.
Who you are:
We're looking for someone who moves fast without cutting corners, challenges the status quo with a solutions mindset, and takes genuine ownership of outcomes. You'll be a commercially minded self-starter who is equally comfortable rolling up their sleeves and presenting to the SLT.
You have:
- A bias for action.
- A track record of delivering tangible cost savings and better commercial outcomes through negotiation.
- The ability to design and implement processes.
- Strong stakeholder management skills.
- Analytical ability to interrogate spend data and identify opportunities.
- A pragmatic mindset.
- Experience managing contracts and supplier relationships across multiple categories.
- Demonstrated experience designing and implementing third-party risk management programmes.
Perks of the job:
- Flexible working - Spend 2 days per week with your team in our new collaborative London office.
- Competitive bonus scheme - designed to reward and recognize high performance.
- Flexible benefits budget - £50 per month to spend on a Ben Mastercard.
- Sabbatical Leave - Get a 4-week fully paid sabbatical after being with us for 4 years.
- Work From Anywhere - 4 weeks work from anywhere to use.
- Mental wellbeing support – Access therapy and mental health sessions.
- Learning and development – Personal budgets for books and training courses.
- Private health care - Enjoy all the benefits Vitality has to offer.
- Medical cash plan - To help you with the costs of dental, optical and physio.
- Tech scheme - Get the latest tech for less.
- Plus all the rest - 25 days holiday.
Senior Procurement Manager employer: Marshmallow
At Marshmallow, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a culture of autonomy, collaboration, and continuous improvement. As a Senior Procurement Manager, you'll have the unique opportunity to shape our procurement function from the ground up in a fast-paced, innovative environment, while enjoying flexible working arrangements, competitive bonuses, and comprehensive personal development support. Join us in our mission to revolutionise financial services and experience a workplace where your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills in interviews! When you land that interview, come prepared with examples of how you've tackled procurement challenges in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and really highlight your impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like Marshmallow, and express your interest in potential opportunities. Tailor your message to show how you can add value to their procurement function.
✨Tip Number 4
Keep learning and adapting! The procurement landscape is always changing, so stay updated on the latest trends and tools. Consider taking online courses or attending workshops to sharpen your skills. This not only boosts your CV but also shows employers you're committed to growth.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Procurement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience and skills that align with our mission at Marshmallow. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered tangible cost savings or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing numbers and results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who’s low ego but high impact, so don’t be afraid to show us who you are and what drives you. Authenticity goes a long way!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Marshmallow
✨Know Your Procurement Framework
Before the interview, make sure you understand what a solid procurement framework looks like. Be ready to discuss how you would design and implement one that’s practical and user-friendly, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant cost savings or improved contract terms. Highlight your approach and the impact it had on the business, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead commercial negotiations effectively.
✨Build Credibility Quickly
Think about how you can establish rapport with department heads and budget holders. Be prepared to discuss strategies for engaging stakeholders and influencing decisions without formal authority, as this will be key in driving cross-business engagement.
✨Emphasise Your Analytical Mindset
Be ready to talk about how you analyse spend data to identify opportunities for savings and risk management. Discuss any tools or methods you’ve used in the past to create visibility of spend, as this aligns perfectly with the expectations for the role.