At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships for sustainable sourcing.
- Company: Join Nicholsons, a passionate team focused on environmental excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Full-time role with a collaborative culture and commitment to sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while shaping strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Join the Nicholsons’ Green Team as a Procurement Manager
As Nicholsons grows, we're looking for an experienced procurement professional to take ownership of purchasing across the business.
This is a hands-on role responsible for sourcing products, plants and trees, managing supplier relationships and ensuring the business has reliable access to the materials it needs.
Working closely with operational teams, you'll lead day-to-day buying activity while helping to strengthen supplier performance, improve processes and support the ongoing development of our procurement approach.
This role is responsible for developing procurement strategy, strengthening supplier partnerships and ensuring we continue to source high-quality products, plants and trees that support our clients and projects.
Key responsibilities
- Develop and deliver Nicholsons' procurement strategy.
- Build strong relationships with UK and international suppliers, growers and nurseries.
- Lead commercial negotiations and supplier performance management.
- Identify new products, suppliers and sourcing opportunities that deliver value and innovation.
- Ensure quality, consistency, sustainability and availability across the supply chain.
- Oversee plant purchasing and biosecurity processes, ensuring compliance and best practice.
- Mitigate supply chain risk and strengthen resilience.
- Champion procurement best practice across the business.
- Lead, develop and support colleagues involved in purchasing activities.
The ideal candidate will have
- Proven experience in procurement, sourcing or supply chain leadership.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience developing procurement strategy and delivering commercial value.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
- A collaborative leadership style and commitment to developing others.
- A passion for quality, sustainability and continuous improvement.
Desirable
- Experience in horticulture, landscaping, agriculture or a related sector would be advantageous, but we're equally interested in speaking with talented procurement professionals from comparable industries.
- A Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) qualification.
Why Nicholsons?
You'll have the opportunity to make a real impact, shape strategic decisions and contribute to our continued success whilst working within a passionate team, committed to environmental excellence.
Click here to view our full benefits package.
This position is a full-time role, Monday to Friday (40 hours per week) 7:30am – 4:30pm.
A full, clean UK drivers licence will be required due to the office's remote location.
If you are interested in the role, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and help shape the future of procurement at Nicholsons.
Procurement Manager in Bicester employer: Nicholson's
Nicholsons offers a vibrant work culture where creativity and passion for horticulture thrive. As an employer, we provide comprehensive training opportunities, including apprenticeships, to help you grow your skills in a supportive environment. Located in the picturesque Oxfordshire, our team enjoys the beauty of nature while contributing to the creation of stunning gardens, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Bicester
✨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 Nicholson's.
✨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 Bicester
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 Nicholson's:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Nicholson's. 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 Nicholson's.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nicholson's
✨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 Nicholson's!
✨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 Nicholson's. 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 Nicholson's's culture.
