At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement for a multi-million-pound portfolio in the performing arts.
- Company: Join the National Theatre, a leader in delivering exceptional theatre experiences.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, creative environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative atmosphere with a passion for the performing arts.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a vibrant cultural institution.
- Qualifications: Degree-level education or MCIPS qualified, with strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Senior Procurement Manager to join the National Theatre Procurement Team. You will play a key role in developing the industry-leading commercial function that the NT needs to continue delivering great theatre into the future. You will help us to meet our ambitious savings targets, mitigate supply chain risk and embed the policies, processes and procedures that are needed to ensure the new function is successful. You will provide commercial leadership across a multi-million-pound third-party spend portfolio spanning IT, digital production, technical theatre systems, production services and related infrastructure across not just the NT’s Southbank campus but its NT Live cinema and NT at Home streaming offerings. This role will be the second most senior procurement position within the organisation and offers significant opportunity to shape the future direction of the function. You will deputise for the Head of Procurement where required, representing the function at Executive level meetings and taking ownership of strategic initiatives across the wider procurement programme. You will build robust, collaborative relationships with business areas, suppliers and industry peers as well as developing an understanding of the unique roles our technical and creative teams play in delivering the work the NT produces on its stages.
Responsibilities:
- Provide strategic commercial leadership across a multi-million-pound third-party spend portfolio, spanning IT, digital production, technical theatre systems, production services and related infrastructure.
- Lead the development and embedding of policies, processes and procedures to ensure the procurement function delivers value, mitigates risk and supports the organisation’s objectives.
- Represent the procurement function at executive level, deputising for the Head of Procurement as required and driving strategic initiatives across the wider procurement programme.
- Build robust, collaborative relationships with business areas, suppliers and industry peers to understand needs and enable effective outcomes.
Qualifications:
- Relevant degree-level education and/or MCIPS qualified or equivalent.
- Demonstrates enthusiasm for the performing arts and the role procurement can play in supporting creative excellence.
- Excellent stakeholder management experience. Works collaboratively with business areas, finance, legal and other related departments to find pragmatic solutions to business problems.
- A proven negotiator who delivers savings efficiently and balances competing objectives to achieve the best possible outcome.
- Outstanding organisational abilities.
Senior Procurement Manager in London employer: National Theatre
The National Theatre in Greater London is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values creativity and collaboration. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while contributing to the arts. With a commitment to excellence in customer service and a supportive team environment, working here means being part of a prestigious institution dedicated to delivering outstanding experiences for audiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in London
✨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 Theatre.
✨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 in London
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 Theatre:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to National Theatre. 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 Theatre.
How to prepare for a job interview at National Theatre
✨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 Theatre!
✨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 Theatre. 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 Theatre's culture.
