At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead IT procurement, manage contracts, and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Northern, a forward-thinking company dedicated to smooth train operations.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, generous pension, and exclusive discounts.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on how we source and manage IT services.
- Qualifications: Experience in IT procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Keeping trains running smoothly takes more than tracks and timetables. Behind the scenes, smart procurement decisions help make every journey possible. From sourcing the right technology to building strong supplier relationships, this role sits at the heart of how Northern delivers for customers every day. As part of the Procurement team, you’d be shaping how we buy, manage and improve the IT services that keep the business running. With a focus on Information Technology your work will help teams across Northern do their best work – efficiently, compliantly, and with real value for money.
What You’ll Be Doing
- You’ll take the lead on sourcing and managing IT contracts, making sure everything runs smoothly from first idea through to delivery and ongoing supplier management.
- Owning all procurement activities for central IT spend.
- Challenging specifications to make sure they’re fit for purpose and deliver real value.
- Running end-to-end tender processes, from pre-market engagement through to contract negotiation and award.
- Evaluating bids and leading commercial negotiations with suppliers to secure the best outcomes for the organisation.
- Acting as a trusted procurement partner for teams across the business, developing strong stakeholder relationships.
- Managing suppliers throughout the contract lifecycle, establishing appropriate governance and leveraging it to improve performance, reduce costs and strengthen the supply chain.
About You
- Procurement, negotiation, contract management and relationship-building – that’s your toolkit.
- You know how to balance compliance with commercial thinking, and you’re comfortable working with people at all levels.
- A solid track record in IT (particularly Software & Services) procurement within complex organisations.
- Experience managing multiple procurement workstreams within large-scale programmes and influencing key stakeholders.
- Confidence working autonomously, running competitive tenders, negotiating detailed contracts and proactively managing long-term supplier relationships to drive value and delivery.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to build relationships, influence and collaborate across teams.
- The ability to manage your own workload and prioritise effectively.
- A focus on value – whether that’s cost savings, quality improvements or long-term partnerships.
- Working towards, or already holding, a Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification would be a bonus, but it’s not essential, as with public sector procurement experience.
What’s in it for you?
- Free Travel: Unlimited free travel for you, your partner, and your dependents on Northern services. Plus up to 75% discount on other networks in the UK and Europe.
- Generous Pension Scheme: We top up your contributions by 1.5 times.
- Enhanced Family Benefits: 9 months of full pay for maternity leave and 2 weeks for paternity leave.
- Cycle to Work Scheme: Save up to 42% on a bike and spread the cost.
- Electric Car Scheme: Lease a brand new electric or plugin hybrid car.
- Exclusive Discounts: From shopping to wellbeing, Northern Perks has you covered.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 support for family, lifestyle, and more.
- Training and Career Development: Tailored training, recognised qualifications, and enhanced career pathways.
- Recognition: Northern Lights and Northern Sparks Awards for celebrating brilliance.
A place for everyone
At Northern, we don’t just move people from A to B – we’re building a team where everyone feels they belong. Our talent team can make reasonable adjustments to the process if that’s something you need. We’re also a Level 2 Disability Confident employer, so if you meet the minimum criteria for the role, we’ll always offer an interview. We automate parts of our screening process to remove any unconscious bias and to ensure every application is treated fairly. All successful offers will be subject to a DBS check and a medical assessment.
Procurement Manager - IT in Manchester employer: Northern
At Northern, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that values diversity and inclusion. As a Procurement Manager in IT, you'll enjoy generous benefits such as unlimited free travel for you and your family, a robust pension scheme, and tailored career development opportunities. Our commitment to employee well-being is reflected in our supportive environment, where recognition and personal growth are at the forefront of our mission to deliver outstanding service to our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - IT in Manchester
✨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 Northern.
✨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 - IT in Manchester
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 Northern:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Northern. 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 Northern.
How to prepare for a job interview at Northern
✨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 Northern!
✨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 Northern. 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 Northern's culture.
