At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and optimise systems for a growing retirement community developer.
- Company: Join RVG, a leading UK developer of vibrant retirement communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus, private healthcare, and pension.
- Other info: Opportunity to work autonomously and influence senior stakeholders.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement management and strong systems capability.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
RVG is one of the UK’s leading developers and operators of retirement communities, creating vibrant places where people can live well, stay connected and enjoy later life. With a growing portfolio of villages across the UK and long-term institutional investment behind us, we are continuing to evolve and expand our business. We are now looking for a hands-on Procurement Manager to take ownership of procurement across RVG. This is a standalone, hybrid (2-3 days in the office - London Victoria) role with one direct report, suited to someone who is comfortable working independently, enjoys building structure and wants the opportunity to shape and develop a function within a growing business.
You’ll have real ownership from day one, with the opportunity to strengthen procurement processes, drive value across the business and help build a best-practice approach as RVG continues to grow. We can also move quickly for the right person and would be able to accommodate someone who is available to start immediately.
What will you be doing?
- Procurement Systems & Coupa Ownership
- Act as the super-user and technical owner of Coupa across requisitioning, approvals, supplier onboarding, catalogues, reporting and AP integration points
- Drive optimisation of workflows, controls, supplier records and reporting
- Lead implementation of the Coupa SIM module from design through to go-live and adoption
- Create and maintain system documentation, procedures and user guides
- Deliver user training and ongoing support across villages and central teams
- Own the systems roadmap, working with Finance and IT on enhancements
- Produce clear MI and dashboards on spend, commitments and compliance
- Controls & Governance
- Maintain robust PO, approval and audit trail standards
- Reduce off-process spend and invoice activity
- Support audit readiness and segregation of duties controls
- Build practical procurement frameworks and policies that can scale with RVG’s growth
- Supplier & Contract Management
- Manage supplier onboarding, due diligence and contract visibility
- Lead renewals, re-tenders and sourcing activity across indirect spend categories
- Maintain a proactive contract renewal pipeline
- Support key commercial decisions across capital projects, FF&E and operational spend
- Build strong supplier relationships and drive improved performance and value
- Business Partnering
- Work closely with Property, FM, Operations, Marketing and Finance teams across the business
- Deliver measurable value through savings, cost avoidance and improved supplier performance
- Raise the profile of procurement as a commercial business partner
- Provide practical advice and support to stakeholders, helping teams make better purchasing decisions
About you
We’re looking for someone who enjoys getting stuck in and taking ownership. You’ll be comfortable operating autonomously, but equally confident working with senior stakeholders and teams across the business. You’ll ideally have:
- Proven Procurement Manager experience within a multi-site or operationally complex business
- Strong systems capability, with experience owning or improving P2P platforms
- Experience driving change from manual or legacy processes to more automated ways of working
- A strong understanding of procurement controls, governance and compliance
- The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and work effectively across functions
- The ability to work autonomously, prioritise effectively and build structure without a large team around you
- Strong reporting and data skills, with the ability to turn information into useful insight
- Experience across indirect categories such as Property, FM or similar
It would be great if you also have:
- Coupa experience
- CIPS qualification or are currently studying towards it
- Experience in property, hospitality, healthcare, retirement living or another multi-site environment
- Experience leading procurement systems implementations
Why join RVG?
This is a great time to join RVG. We’re a growing business with ambitious plans, backed by long-term institutional investors, and we’re continuing to invest in our villages, our people and the way we operate. For the right person, this isn’t simply a role managing an existing procurement function. You’ll have the opportunity to shape how procurement works across RVG, put your own stamp on the function and make a visible commercial impact. You’ll receive a competitive salary, discretionary annual bonus and comprehensive benefits package, including pension, private healthcare, life assurance and additional company benefits. If you’re looking for a role where you can take ownership, make things happen and help build something for the future, we’d love to hear from you!
Procurement Manager employer: Retirement Villages
At Retirement Villages Group, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises the well-being of our employees. As an Estates Supervisor at our new Paramount Place in Tunbridge Wells, you will not only lead a dedicated team but also have access to ongoing professional development opportunities, ensuring your growth within the company. With a focus on creating safe and welcoming environments for our residents, you'll find meaningful and rewarding work in a vibrant community setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨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 Retirement Villages.
✨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
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 Retirement Villages:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Retirement Villages. 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 Retirement Villages.
How to prepare for a job interview at Retirement Villages
✨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 Retirement Villages!
✨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 Retirement Villages. 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 Retirement Villages's culture.
