At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and negotiate contracts to drive value across operations.
- Company: Join National Express Bus, a leader in transport with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, a solid pension scheme, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working arrangement with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising spend and enhancing supplier relationships.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement expertise and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Got an eye for a deal and a knack for driving real value across complex operations? National Express Bus is looking for a Procurement Manager to lead end to end category strategies spanning direct fleet spend and essential corporate overheads. In this role, you will be the driving force behind our commercial resilience. From negotiating competitive tenders and standardising contracts to working directly with operational teams and managing supplier performance, you will ensure we get maximum value while keeping commercial risk low. This role is based at Miller Street, Aston with a flexible hybrid working arrangement.
What you will actually be doing
- Own Category Strategies: Develop and deliver procurement strategies across direct fleet needs and indirect areas like IT, Facilities Management, Marketing, Professional Services, and HR.
- Lead Tenders & Sourcing: Run competitive sourcing exercises, lead contract negotiations, and build strong supplier relationships that deliver true value for money.
- Protect the Business: Standardise NDAs, SLAs, and Master Service Agreements to keep us protected legally and commercially while aligning spend with ESG targets and UK regulations.
- Drive Supplier Performance: Track spend versus supplier performance across central functions and garages, holding regular KPI reviews to keep standards high.
- Monitor the Market: Keep your finger on the pulse of market conditions, benchmark pricing, track supply chain risks, and explore new supplier innovations.
What we need from you
- Procurement Expertise: A solid track record managing a hybrid mix of direct (fleet/engineering) and indirect spend categories.
- Negotiation Skills: Proven expertise leading competitive tenders, contract negotiations, market benchmarking, and supplier performance management.
- Influencing Ability: Strong interpersonal skills to build trust with operational teams and influence stakeholders across all levels of the business.
- Analytical Mindset: Excellent problem solving skills, great attention to detail, and a hands on approach to driving commercial savings.
The perks of joining us
- Free Travel: Free bus and coach travel right across the National Express network for you.
- Travel for a Plus One: Complimentary travel pass for your nominated person or partner.
- Peace of Mind: Solid company pension scheme and life assurance.
- Wellbeing Support: Access to our Employee Assistance Programme and a private online GP service.
At National Express, we are really proud of our health and safety record and as a result, we operate a Drugs and Alcohol Policy which is applicable to all employees. As part of your initial assessment, we will complete Drug and Alcohol testing and you may be subject to random tests during your employment.
Procurement Manager in Birmingham employer: National Express Limited
National Express is an excellent employer for Body Technicians in Walsall, offering a supportive and inclusive work environment that champions personal development and career progression. With competitive pay, guaranteed hours, and a range of benefits including free travel on our network and access to health and wellbeing resources, we ensure our employees feel valued and empowered. Join our dedicated engineering team and work with cutting-edge technology while contributing to the safety and reliability of our services for local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Birmingham
✨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 National Express Limited.
✨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 Procurement Manager in Birmingham
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 National Express Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Express Limited. 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 National Express Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Express Limited
✨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 National Express Limited!
✨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 National Express Limited. 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 National Express Limited's culture.
