At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and negotiate with suppliers for better commercial terms.
- Company: Join RS, a global leader in engineering solutions with a commitment to innovation.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, professional development, and a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to solving engineering challenges worldwide.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving sustainable value and enhancing negotiation strategies.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Hybrid working
- Corby, London or Manchester (With regular travel to Corby, and some international travel)
The Role
Our Category Management teams within Product & Supplier Management (P&SM) look after hundreds of engineering product vendors, and millions of SKUs, as we continue to deliver brilliantly to customers across the globe.
The Procurement Manager will lead the development and deployment of strategic procurement initiatives that drive sustainable commercial value across P&SM and the business.
Acting as the recognised expert in supplier negotiations and value creation, the role will support and enable Category Teams to secure stronger commercial terms, unlocking incremental value across branded, private label and market-led supplier portfolios.
A key focus of the role will be the expansion and embedding of the Direct Procurement (Fact-Based Negotiation) methodology beyond P&SM, creating a consistent approach to supplier engagement, negotiation planning, capability development and value delivery across all markets and categories.
The role will be responsible for influencing senior stakeholders, shaping negotiation strategies, developing procurement capabilities, and driving commercial outcomes that contribute to both short‑term profitability and long‑term competitive advantage.
- What you will be responsible for
- Own and drive the expansion of the Direct Procurement FBN programme across markets, private label and branded supplier portfolios
- Embed a scalable framework that enables teams to adopt a fact‑based, data‑driven approach to supplier negotiations, establishing best practices, tools and governance processes that embed FBN principles into procurement and commercial planning cycles.
- Lead the development of robust negotiation strategies for key supplier and procurement initiatives.
- Identify, prioritise and unlock new opportunities relating to commercial benefit and value drivers.
- Measure and track adoption, value delivery and capability improvements resulting from the FBN programme.
- Support the development of robust negotiation strategies for key supplier and procurement initiatives.
- Support negotiation teams during critical supplier discussions, providing coaching, challenge and tactical guidance.
- Develop negotiation capability across Category and Commercial teams through coaching, mentoring and structured training.
- Continuously evolve and enhance the negotiation playbook to reflect market dynamics, best practice and lessons learned.
- Build strong partnerships with across the business, facilitating alignment, and ensuring commercial targets are realised.
- Influence senior stakeholders across the business to adopt new ways of working and embrace strategic procurement methodologies.
- Provide regular updates on programme progress, negotiation outcomes, risks and value delivered.
Experience we are looking for from you
- Substantial procurement experience in large B2B organisations.
- Proven track record of negotiation success with large suppliers that yielded significant savings &/or benefits.
- Proven ability to coach and up‑skill colleagues in negotiation strategy, preparation and practice to deliver results when not personally negotiating.
- Strong communication skills with logical and confident articulation under uncertainty and pressure.
- Advanced tactical and relationship building skills that enables win‑win discussions with large suppliers and internal stakeholders.
- Strong analytical and fact‑based decision‑making capabilities.
- Problem solving and creative abilities to develop non‑traditional and practical negotiation strategies that improves bargaining power and increases negotiation success rate with tough suppliers.
- Strong commercial and financial literacy to understand how to leverage supplier’s cost structure, margins and business priorities to achieve targeted outcomes.
Desirable Skills & Experience that would be helpful
- Experience of working at a Supplier or a thorough understanding priorities from suppliers' perspectives
- Prior industry experience in industrial, automation and control, or facilities maintenance
- Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply qualifications
- RS – Who We Are
At RS we’ve been solving engineering problems for over 80 years: big ones, small ones, easy and difficult ones.
We turn the ‘what ifs’ into the ‘why nots’, the impossible into the possible.
Our purpose? Making amazing happen for a better world.
We offer service and product solutions.
We send out a parcel every 2 seconds, to over 130 countries.
We provide over 700,000 in‑stock and over 3 million unstocked products to more than 1.2 million customers.
We want people like you, as you are curious about things, you like doing things differently and in a human way with empathy.
Because that’s exactly how we partner with people – our customers, suppliers, colleagues, and communities – to solve problems.
We’ll also invest in your development and wellbeing – because building a more diverse and inclusive culture, being ethical, responsible, and committed to our Environment, Social and Governance (ESG) action plan is at the heart of everything we do.
Come and join us and over 9000 colleagues and we’ll help you to think big, do more and unleash your brilliance, so you do amazing things too.
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Procurement Manager in London employer: RS UK & Ireland
At RS, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a hybrid work model that allows flexibility between remote work and our Corby office. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, while our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous improvement initiatives and a comprehensive rewards package that prioritises wellbeing and recognition. Join us to be part of a team that values your contributions and empowers you to make a meaningful impact in a global environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager 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 RS UK & Ireland.
✨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 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 RS UK & Ireland:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to RS UK & Ireland. 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 RS UK & Ireland.
How to prepare for a job interview at RS UK & Ireland
✨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 RS UK & Ireland!
✨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 RS UK & Ireland. 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 RS UK & Ireland's culture.
