At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for exciting engineering projects across the Central Region.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Wates, a leader in construction and engineering.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Diverse workplace welcoming all backgrounds; growth opportunities and support for disabilities.
- Why this job: Shape procurement excellence while working on prestigious projects that make a difference.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, especially in construction or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Procurement Manager to join our Procurement team, supporting SES Engineering Services across the Central Region. Working as part of a high‑performing procurement function, you will play a leading role in developing and implementing procurement strategies across our project portfolio, supporting projects from work winning and pre-construction through to procurement, delivery and project completion.
You will work closely with operational, commercial and project delivery teams, ensuring procurement activity drives value, mitigates risk and supports successful project outcomes. The primary focus of this role is to lead the development and execution of bespoke project procurement strategies, ensuring supply chain requirements are secured at the optimum commercial value while meeting programme, quality and technical requirements.
You will be responsible for managing key supplier and subcontractor relationships, supporting regional supply chain development and driving procurement excellence across the business. To be successful in this role, you will have a strong procurement background, ideally gained within the construction, engineering or MEP sectors, together with experience of leading procurement activity on complex projects.
You will possess excellent commercial awareness and a proven ability to negotiate, influence and communicate effectively with stakeholders at all levels. Alongside this, you will be comfortable operating in a fast‑paced environment, balancing multiple priorities whilst identifying opportunities to improve supply chain performance, aggregate spend, maximise value and support wider business objectives.
You will also play a key role in supporting bid teams through the provision of procurement expertise, market intelligence and detailed cost analysis. This is a fantastic opportunity for an experienced procurement professional to take a strategic role within a growing business, helping shape regional procurement performance whilst working on some of the UK’s most prestigious engineering and construction projects.
The role offers significant exposure to senior stakeholders, strategic suppliers and key business initiatives. There will be a requirement to travel across the Central Region and to project sites as required, with occasional overnight stays.
Our commitments: Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly. We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk.
Procurement Manager employer: Ses Ltd
SES Engineering Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where M&E Project Quantity Surveyors can thrive on high-profile projects in the vibrant London area. With a strong commitment to employee growth, competitive benefits including flexible working, extensive learning opportunities, and a supportive culture that values diversity and inclusion, SES empowers its team members to challenge the norm and elevate their careers in the construction industry.
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 Ses Ltd.
✨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 Ses Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Ses Ltd. 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 Ses Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ses Ltd
✨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 Ses Ltd!
✨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 Ses Ltd. 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 Ses Ltd's culture.
