Procurement Manager in Bristol

Overview

Location: Flexible in UK + periodic travel

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week

Salary: £44,315.00 - £47,312.00 Per Annum

Benefits: Life Assurance, Flexible Working, Pension Contribution

Responsibilities

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, leading the admin team and working with the wider procurement team, the Procurement Manager will lead, own and develop our contracts management approach with key strategic suppliers. As part of the procurement leadership team, you will play a major part in professionalising the procurement support available to the RSPB and bring more of our procurement activities centrally. It is vital that we expand and develop strategic partnerships that support the organisation and its strategy. The shift we need to make is from managing a large number of suppliers who undertake tactical pieces of work, to having a smaller group of strategic partners, who align with our values and collaborate to help us deliver our procurement strategy.

You will lead on all major contractual discussions, and advise on others. You will provide a crucial link between the procurement team and our suppliers, working with both parties to leverage optimum value. In addition, the role will explore ways to help our suppliers and colleagues minimise their environmental impact through best-in-class relationship management. The Procurement Manager will have a deep understanding of procurement processes and have the natural skillset to push negotiations forward whilst retaining excellent relationships. Using your significant relationship skills, you will identify the suppliers we need to build stronger relationships with, understand more of their portfolio, and highlight those we need to exit relationships with.

You will identify any need for contractual and agreement work, and you will use your internal peers in the contract management teams to deliver these opportunities and undertake the relationship owner role within any negotiations. You will ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards. As well as working with suppliers, the Procurement Manager will work across the RSPB to provide professional advice on supplier and contract queries, write the guidance that underpins your vision and act as a conduit into other procurement professionals or individuals as appropriate. You will also act as a mentor point to colleagues across the organisation with relationship advice.

The successful candidate will need to keep abreast of advances in procurement practice and trends to ensure we invest in the right products for our staff and volunteers, with the right partners, for the right price. You will need to make well informed recommendations presented to stakeholders and senior management and stimulate discussion around the art of the possible for procurement practices. You will manage the members of your team and encourage them to continually improve, develop and strive to be the best in their field.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience

• Member or CIPS qualification preferred (or working towards).
• Proven track record of developing and implementing procurement activities that drive cost savings and process improvements.
• Strong negotiation, contract management, and supplier relationship skills.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and interpersonal abilities.
• Proficiency in procurement software and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Knowledge of procurement regulations, contract law, and risk management practices.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience

• Experience of OJEU and PA23 or Construction and/or NEC contracts or IT or technology procurement experience.

Additional Information

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. This role can be home-based however, you will be required to attend site and/or supplier sites periodically.

Closing date: 23:59, Tuesday 17th February 2026

Interested? If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position. We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application. No agencies please.