At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic sourcing and category management for non-pay expenditure.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in a public sector organisation focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work model, and corporate benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost savings and improving service delivery.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualified or working towards it, with strong procurement experience.
The predicted salary is between 38700 - 51932 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing and category management activity across a significant portfolio of non-pay expenditure. Reporting to the Deputy Head of Sourcing, you will be responsible for delivering procurement strategies that achieve sustainable cost savings, improve commercial outcomes, ensure compliance with public sector procurement legislation, and support operational service delivery. You will also provide leadership to a high-performing procurement team while building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation. This role requires a commercially minded procurement professional with strong category management expertise, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and extensive experience operating within a regulated public sector environment.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement category sourcing and contract management strategies that deliver measurable year-on-year savings and efficiencies.
- Lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy development through to contract award and ongoing supplier management.
- Develop procurement approaches, specifications, evaluation methodologies, and performance measures to ensure robust and compliant procurement outcomes.
- Identify opportunities to standardise and rationalise products and services to maximise purchasing power, improve resilience, and reduce waste.
- Monitor market developments, supplier innovation, and regulatory changes, advising stakeholders on opportunities and risks.
- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve value for money while maintaining quality standards and supporting organisational objectives.
- Build collaborative relationships with external organisations and procurement networks to share best practice and deliver greater value.
Governance & Compliance
- Act as a subject matter expert on public procurement regulations, policies, and governance requirements.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, procurement frameworks, internal governance procedures, and public sector policy requirements.
- Lead initiatives relating to sustainability, social value, ethical sourcing, and supply chain risk management.
- Produce robust procurement recommendations and business cases to support commercial decision-making.
- Monitor supplier and contract performance, ensuring contractual obligations and performance standards are achieved.
- Ensure procurement systems and records are maintained accurately and remain audit compliant.
- Support responses to information requests and procurement-related enquiries as required.
Stakeholder Management
- Develop strong relationships with senior stakeholders, budget holders, operational leaders, and corporate functions.
- Work closely with stakeholders to understand service requirements, operational challenges, and future business needs.
- Provide expert procurement advice and guidance to support strategic and operational decision-making.
- Present procurement strategies, recommendations, and performance updates to senior audiences.
Financial Management
- Manage significant non-pay expenditure categories and drive value-for-money outcomes.
- Ensure procurement savings and benefits are accurately measured, tracked, and validated.
- Maintain accurate product catalogues and procurement data to support effective purchasing and reporting.
Leadership & Team Development
- Lead, motivate, and develop a team of procurement professionals.
- Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, appraisals, and absence management processes.
- Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
- Support team capability development through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.
Requirements
- MCIPS qualified or working towards full MCIPS accreditation.
- Degree educated in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related discipline.
- Significant senior-level procurement and category management experience.
- Strong understanding and practical application of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
- Proven experience leading complex procurement exercises and contract negotiations.
- Demonstrable supplier relationship and contract management experience.
- Excellent commercial acumen, including tender development, negotiation, and contract strategy.
- Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Experience leading and developing procurement teams.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support strategic decision-making.
- Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- Strong report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and e-procurement systems.
- Ability to travel between sites as required.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Full MCIPS accreditation.
- PRINCE2 or equivalent project management qualification.
- Procurement experience within healthcare, NHS, local government, or wider public sector organisations.
- Experience working across large, multi-site organisations.
- Involvement in national procurement forums, collaborations, or professional networks.
- Knowledge of supply chain resilience and contingency planning.
- Experience using procurement and finance systems such as Atamis, Oracle Financials, Unit4, or similar platforms.
Personal Attributes
- Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
- Values-led leader who promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Resilient, adaptable, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
- High levels of emotional intelligence and professionalism.
- Strong team player with the ability to work independently when required.
Wiltshire in Salisbury employer: Procurement Heads
At Procurement Heads, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, particularly in the dynamic fields of Technology, Real Estate, and Professional Services, we offer a competitive benefits package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for talented procurement professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Wiltshire in Salisbury
✨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 Procurement Heads.
✨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 Wiltshire in Salisbury
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 Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨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 Procurement Heads!
✨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 Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads's culture.
