At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and drive efficiencies across a dynamic club environment.
- Company: Join Newcastle United, a club with bold ambitions and deep community roots.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive culture focused on teamwork, continuous improvement, and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role while contributing to a high-performance culture.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification or active study, extensive procurement experience, and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Be part of something bigger. Driving value, efficiency and impact across the Club. We are the heartbeat of the city, a club with bold ambitions on a global stage and deep roots in our community. If you're driven to raise the bar, make an impact and contribute to a high-performance culture, you'll find the platform, the people and the pride to do your best work here. We work as One Club, with excellence, integrity, accountability and relentless ambition shaping how we work together. This is a great opportunity to develop, learn and make a real contribution in a fast-paced and exciting environment. You'll be encouraged to bring curiosity, take ownership, share ideas and keep improving, helping us move Newcastle United forward, together.
About the role
We are looking for an experienced and commercially minded Procurement Senior Buyer to support the continued development of our newly established Procurement function. Working closely with the Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in delivering strategic and operational procurement activity across the Club, ensuring value for money, driving efficiencies and supporting procurement best practice throughout the organisation. This is an exciting opportunity for a procurement professional who enjoys leading complex procurement exercises, building strong stakeholder relationships and identifying opportunities to improve processes, reduce costs and deliver long-term value.
What you'll do
- Lead procurement activity across a wide range of goods and services, this will include both Opex and Capex spend categories, supporting stakeholders to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
- Manage formal procurement exercises, including supplier selection, due diligence, tender processes and contract negotiations.
- Drive supplier performance, supplier rationalisation and value-for-money initiatives across the business.
- Support the development of procurement systems, processes and reporting to improve efficiency and compliance.
- Build effective relationships with budget holders, suppliers and key stakeholders across the Club.
- Deliver measurable cost savings, cost avoidance and value-added benefits while maintaining quality and service standards.
- Monitor market trends and identify opportunities for innovation, sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Support procurement training and engagement activities to embed procurement best practice throughout the organisation.
What we're looking for
- MCIPS qualification or active study towards MCIPS.
- Extensive procurement experience, ideally across indirect spend categories.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, including experience negotiating pricing and contractual terms.
- Proven experience managing projects within a complex and fast-paced environment.
- Excellent stakeholder and relationship management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving capability with the ability to make sound commercial decisions.
- Strong budget management experience.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- A strategic mindset with a focus on delivering results and driving continuous improvement.
- A highly organised and collaborative approach, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
- Formal negotiation training.
The team
You'll be part of a friendly, supportive and dedicated team who will help you settle in and succeed. We value curiosity, teamwork and a positive approach, and we're committed to creating an environment where people feel trusted, included and empowered to do their best work. We work with high standards and a continuous improvement mindset, supporting each other as One Club and taking pride in doing the right thing.
United As One
We're committed to building an inclusive, high-performance culture where everyone feels safe, respected and able to thrive. Equality, diversity and inclusion are central to who we are, and we believe the diversity of our people is one of our greatest strengths. We work as One Club, reflecting the communities we serve, acting with integrity, and creating an environment where everyone can be their authentic self and achieve their full potential.
Safeguarding
We're committed to creating an environment where everyone is safe, heard, valued and able to thrive. Safeguarding and welfare are central to the way we work, and we expect everyone to play their part in doing the right thing and upholding the highest standards of care.
How to apply
To access the full job description for this role please click here. For further information on this role and about the club please visit our careers page. Please apply as soon as possible as this vacancy may close early should we receive a high volume of suitable candidates. This position is UK based and requires proof of the right to live and work in the UK. All job offers are conditional upon background checks, including reference history, DBS checks, and verification of your eligibility to work. Please note, we do not sponsor applicants without the right to work in the UK.
Recruitment Agencies please note that we do not accept unsolicited candidate details. Any candidates submitted without request will be considered direct applicants.
Procurement Senior Buyer - Newcastle upon Tyne in Southwick employer: Newcastle United Football Club
Newcastle United is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises inclusion and accessibility. As an Accessibility Coordinator, you will be part of a dedicated team committed to making a meaningful impact on the supporter experience, with ample opportunities for personal and professional growth in a dynamic environment at St. James' Park. The club's strong values of teamwork, integrity, and continuous improvement ensure that every employee feels valued and empowered to contribute to our ambitious goals.
Contact Details:
Newcastle United Football Club Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Senior Buyer - Newcastle upon Tyne in Southwick
✨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 United Football Club.
✨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 Senior Buyer - Newcastle upon Tyne in Southwick
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 United Football Club:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Newcastle United Football Club. 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 United Football Club.
How to prepare for a job interview at Newcastle United Football Club
✨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 United Football Club!
✨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 United Football Club. 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 United Football Club's culture.