At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing team to transform procurement and enhance governance.
- Company: Join Newcastle Building Society, a community-focused and inclusive employer.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, flexible working, and generous leave.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real impact in your community.
- Qualifications: Experienced procurement leader with strong governance and risk management skills.
The predicted salary is between 81000 - 99000 £ per year.
As Procurement Centre of Excellence Manager, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping the future of Procurement across the Society. Leading a high-performing Centre of Excellence team, you'll drive procurement transformation, strengthen governance and third-party risk management frameworks, and ensure the tools, processes and controls are in place to deliver strategic value and operational excellence. Working closely with senior stakeholders across Procurement, Risk, Finance, Legal and Technology, you'll champion continuous improvement, enhance regulatory readiness, and help build a best-in-class procurement function that supports our long-term strategic ambitions.
We're looking for an experienced procurement leader with deep expertise in procurement governance, third-party risk management and regulatory compliance. You'll have a proven track record of leading teams, driving transformation programmes and implementing robust frameworks that improve performance, reduce risk and support business objectives. A confident communicator and influencer, you'll be comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders, translating complex concepts into practical solutions, and fostering a culture of excellence, innovation and continuous improvement. Experience within a regulated environment, particularly Financial Services, and exposure to procurement technology platforms such as Workday would be advantageous.
The Newcastle Building Society Group comprises of Newcastle Building Society, Manchester Building Society, Newcastle Financial Advisers and Newcastle Strategic Solutions. Our purpose, connecting our communities with a better financial future inspires and directs our activities.
As an inclusive employer and member owned mutual, we aim to reflect the diverse communities we serve and encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We believe everyone should feel valued, respected, and celebrated for who they are, we want colleagues to feel this is a place they belong. A place to be you.
What do you get in return? As well as receiving a competitive annual salary based on above-market pay scales, our reward package includes:
- Corporate bonus scheme (on target 10%, up to a maximum 15%)
- Pension scheme (up to 9% employer contribution)
- Annual performance related pay reviews
- Colleague mortgage scheme
- Electric car salary sacrifice scheme
- Life assurance (4x salary) and income protection
- Access to our financial advisers
- Access to a range of high street and online discounts
Work/Life Balance:
- A 35-hour weekly contract - We are happy to talk flexible working and welcome discussions
- 30 days’ annual leave + bank holidays
- The option to buy and sell up to 5 days’ holiday
- Hybrid working (typically 3 days’ home based)
- Above statutory family leave entitlement - 3 months full pay, 3 months half pay, regardless of gender or route to parenthood
Health and Wellbeing:
- Private medical insurance
- Access to a health cash plan through a Medicash scheme
- Access to an employee assistance programme
- Free onsite gym at our Cobalt head office and access to discounted gyms
- Two paid volunteering days each year
- Cycle to work scheme
Recognising there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to recruitment, we’re committed to ensuring every candidate has the opportunity to showcase their full potential throughout the recruitment process. We strive to make our processes as accessible as possible, if there are any ways in which we can provide support or make adjustments, we would love to discuss this with you, you can contact your Recruiter for this vacancy at kate.wilkinson@newcastle.co.uk.
Procurement Centre of Excellence Manager employer: Newcastle Building Society
Newcastle Building Society is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee engagement and development. With a competitive salary package, including a corporate bonus and pension scheme, alongside a hybrid working model, employees are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally in a supportive environment that values creativity and strategic thinking.
Contact Details:
Newcastle Building Society Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Centre of Excellence Manager
✨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 Newcastle Building Society.
✨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 Centre of Excellence Manager
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 Newcastle Building Society:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Newcastle Building Society. 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 Newcastle Building Society.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle Building Society
✨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 Newcastle Building Society!
✨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 Newcastle Building Society. 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 Newcastle Building Society's culture.
