At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships in a dynamic financial services environment.
- Company: Join Perch Group, a leader in ethical debt resolution using innovative technology.
- Benefits: Earn £90,000 plus bonuses, enjoy hybrid working, and access professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible hours, social events, and a fun workspace with free coffee and beer on tap.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while enjoying a vibrant workplace culture.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within regulated financial services and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 108000 £ per year.
Procurement pros: this is your chance to make every penny count as Perch Group are recruiting for a Head of Procurement. At Perch Group, our vision is clear: to lead the UK debt purchase and collection industry by harnessing cutting-edge technology to drive ethical, efficient, and data-driven debt resolution. Our annual mission is to empower hundreds of thousands of customers to positively engage with and resolve their outstanding debts. We do this through an empathetic and customer-centric approach that is at the heart of our success.
What are we looking for?
We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Procurement to lead and mature the Group’s procurement and supplier management function within a highly regulated financial services environment (FCA & SRA). The role will own the end-to-end procurement lifecycle across key categories including technology, professional services, legal services, facilities, and outsourced operations. The successful candidate will ensure that all third-party arrangements are commercially optimised, legally sound, and fully compliant with regulatory and internal governance frameworks. This is a critical role for a hands-on procurement leader with strong stakeholder management, commercial negotiation, and regulatory experience, able to operate across a complex, fast-paced Group environment.
So, what will your day-to-day look like?
- Develop, implement, and maintain a Group wide procurement and supplier management strategy aligned to business, legal, and regulatory objectives.
- Lead strategic sourcing activity, including RFPs, supplier due diligence, commercial negotiation, and contract finalisation.
- Be the key stakeholder in all legal and commercial contracting, collaborating closely with Group Legal and Risk functions.
- Ensure compliance with FCA and SRA regulatory obligations, Consumer Duty principles, and internal procurement and outsourcing policies.
- Establish and maintain a comprehensive procurement manual and supplier governance framework, including due diligence and performance monitoring.
- Partner with key internal stakeholders (Finance, Legal, Risk, Operations, and IT) to ensure procurement supports business priorities.
- Deliver cost efficiency, value-for-money, and innovation across the supply chain while ensuring ethical and sustainable sourcing.
- Lead supplier reviews, ensuring service quality, risk mitigation, and contractual performance are maintained.
- Build capability and awareness across the business to embed procurement discipline and commercial best practice.
Does this sound like you?
- Significant experience in procurement or commercial management within the UK financial services sector, including experience in FCA and SRA regulated organisations.
- Proven ability to lead procurement within a complex, multi-entity business structure.
- Strong legal and commercial contracting experience, including negotiation of MSAs, NDAs, SoWs, and outsourcing agreements.
- In-depth understanding of FCA SYSC 8 (Outsourcing), Operational Resilience, SMCR, and SRA governance requirements.
- Demonstrated track record of achieving measurable cost savings, supplier consolidation, and contract optimisation.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and influencing skills with senior leadership and executive teams.
- CIPS-qualified (MCIPS or FCIPS).
- Experience with M&A integration, forward-flow arrangements, or securitisation-linked supplier contracts.
The Application Timeline
- A first stage phone call with the internal talent acquisition team (15-minute call)
- An introductory call with the hiring manager over Teams (30 minutes)
- A formal face-to-face or Teams interview with the CFO (60 minutes)
- Typically, the average successful applicant will be within this timeline for 2-3 weeks.
Please note we will close this role once we have enough applications for the next stages therefore you should submit your application ASAP to avoid any disappointment. If you do not receive a response after 3 weeks of applying, please assume you have been unsuccessful as we may experience a high volume of applications.
Why you should be EXCITED to apply...
- £90,000 + up to 20% of your annual salary, paid as a bonus.
- This role is hybrid and can be based at our Blackpool or Manchester office – the latter a premium workspace located in the heart of Manchester’s commercial hub with regular social events planned.
- 37.5 hours per week. We offer flexible and hybrid working between our core hours of 8am- 6pm, Monday to Friday.
- The opportunity to complete formal qualifications and learn on the job in a successful, growing organisation.
- And many more benefits to support your wellbeing and professional development.
Apply now! This job has your name all over it. We are an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to age, ethnicity, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, national origin, veteran, neurodiversity or disability status. If you have any questions or suggestions of how we can assist you in your application due to disability or personal reasons, please email.
PLEASE NOTE - All new employees must undergo a full DBS and Credit Check upon acceptance of a job offer with Perch Group.
Head of Procurement in Manchester employer: Perch Group
At Perch Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises empathy and innovation in the debt resolution industry. Our Blackpool and Manchester offices provide a supportive environment where employees can thrive, with flexible working arrangements, opportunities for professional development, and a commitment to employee wellbeing. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to grow while making a meaningful impact in the lives of our customers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement 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 Perch Group.
✨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 Head of Procurement 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 Perch Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Perch Group. 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 Perch Group.
How to prepare for a job interview at Perch Group
✨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 Perch Group!
✨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 Perch Group. 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 Perch Group's culture.
