At a Glance
- Tasks: Transform complex data into actionable insights for smarter procurement decisions.
- Company: Join Pearson, a leader in responsible sourcing and sustainability.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, supportive team, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with exposure to large-scale data and innovative projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement while developing your analytical skills.
- Qualifications: Experience with data analysis and a passion for sustainability.
The predicted salary is between 29700 - 36300 £ per year.
Help shape smarter procurement decisions by turning complex spend and supplier data into clear insight, while supporting Pearson’s environmental, social value and responsible sourcing priorities.
About the Role
Pearson is looking for an Advanced Specialist, Procurement Operations & Intelligence to join an evolving global procurement function. This is an early-career opportunity for someone who enjoys working with data, asking good questions and turning complex information into practical insight. You will support spend reporting, supplier intelligence, sourcing activity and responsible procurement work. A key part of the role is helping the team respond to stakeholder and bid questions about the supply chain, environmental sustainability and social value. You do not need to be a traditional procurement specialist. We are open to candidates from procurement, data analytics, ESG, sustainability or social value backgrounds who are proactive, comfortable learning and keen to contribute across varied projects.
What You’ll Do
- Maintain and improve the quality of procurement data across supplier, spend and contract records.
- Build and interpret spend reports and dashboards for procurement leaders and stakeholders.
- Support sourcing activity with baseline analysis, bid evaluation models and supplier insight.
- Produce supplier segmentation, scorecards and performance reporting.
- Collect and report supplier sustainability information, including environmental and social value data.
- Support government and other bids by answering supply-chain and responsible-procurement questions.
- Provide category and market intelligence to support negotiations and sourcing decisions.
- Identify opportunities to improve and automate source-to-pay processes.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong Excel capability and confidence working with large, complex datasets.
- Ability to interpret data, identify useful insight and communicate findings clearly.
- Understanding of environmental sustainability, ESG or social value topics.
- Around one to three years of experience in a corporate environment, or equivalent relevant experience.
- A proactive and adaptable approach, with the confidence to learn new tools and take on varied work.
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder-management skills.
- Experience in procurement operations, analytics, supplier management or a transferable analytical role.
- Familiarity with Power BI or Tableau is useful; Tableau can be learned in role.
- CIPS study or qualification, sourcing-event support, supplier due diligence or ESG reporting exposure is helpful but not essential.
- An interest in AI-enabled working and process improvement.
Location & Working Pattern
Hybrid. The role may be based in London, UK or Bangalore, IN. There are no fixed office days, but candidates should be within practical travelling distance of the relevant office for occasional team collaboration.
Why Join Pearson?
You will join a supportive procurement team at a point of organisational change, with exposure to large-scale data, responsible procurement, bids and transformation activity. The role offers breadth, development and the chance to build practical experience across analytics, sustainability and supplier insight.
Advanced Associate, Procurement in London employer: Pearson
Pearson Edexcel is an excellent employer that values the expertise of its staff, offering a flexible ad-hoc role that allows for a balanced work-life dynamic. With a strong commitment to professional development, employees have access to resources and training that enhance their skills while contributing to the educational success of students in the North East. The supportive work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, making it a rewarding environment for those passionate about education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Advanced Associate, Procurement 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 Pearson.
✨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 Advanced Associate, Procurement 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 Pearson:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Pearson. 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 Pearson.
How to prepare for a job interview at Pearson
✨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 Pearson!
✨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 Pearson. 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 Pearson's culture.
