At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for print and paper, driving cost savings and strategic partnerships.
- Company: Join Springer Nature, a global leader in research publishing with a commitment to progress.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values inclusion and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while shaping the future of print procurement.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
Location: London - Hybrid working model
Applications deadline: early applications are encouraged.
About Springer Nature
Springer Nature is one of the leading publishers of research in the world. We publish the largest number of journals and books and are a pioneer in open research. Through our leading brands, trusted for more than 180 years, we provide technology-enabled products, platforms and services that help researchers to uncover new ideas and share their discoveries, health professionals to stay at the forefront of medical science, and educators to advance learning. We are proud to be part of progress, working together with the communities we serve to share knowledge and bring greater understanding to the world.
As the Senior Procurement Manager for Print and Paper you will manage the end-to-end procurement cycle and develop strategic category intelligence for offset and digital printing and paper purchasing in US, UK, EU and LATAM and Asian markets.
About the Role
You will be the paper and offset/digital print procurement expert and an essential part of our global central procurement team with the goal of supporting the business to meet its objectives whilst delivering significant cost reductions. You will be involved in supporting various supply chain activities, enhancements and projects for expanding our utilisation of SAP/Ariba and lead change for the paper and offset/digital print procurement. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference through delivering substantial savings and organisational alignment across our global business.
The Senior Procurement Manager will report into the Procurement Director - Directs. The position is offered on a full-time, permanent basis in our London office on a hybrid working pattern.
Role responsibilities:
- Act as a primary point of contact to manage overall relationships with key offset and digital print and paper suppliers to facilitate long-term robust partnerships for printing category.
- Provide technical guidance and expertise to both internal and external stakeholders in all questions related to print and paper buying, leveraging strong stakeholder management, networking and communication skills.
- Evaluate existing and design/execute best in class sourcing strategies for printing category applying a strong business and commercial mindset to identify savings opportunities and deliver value to the organisation.
- Develop and manage RFQ/RFP/RFI process, negotiate agreements and long term/volume commitment pricing, manage the contracts for medium to complex sourcing requirements for printing category.
- Utilise excellent negotiation skills and analytical capabilities to achieve favourable commercial outcomes.
- Utilise appropriate procurement evaluation tools and processes such as building sourcing strategies, contract negotiations and supplier management to develop and manage a robust pool of qualified/preferred/strategic suppliers.
- Research and evaluate potential vendors to determine suitability and sustainability of materials, meet new production requirements and/or to replace poor-performing vendors for the print category.
- Apply strong problem-solving and analytical skills to assess supplier performance and business impact.
- Routinely evaluate market trends, review technical, trade, environmental and legal publications, and keep abreast of current and applicable regulatory rulings in regards to physical printing and paper production.
- Proactively follow-up to ensure supplier performance and quality is in accordance with contract terms, conditions, and specifications.
- Participate in supplier site visits to qualify, review and audit performance/quality and capabilities. The successful candidate would be expected to travel for up to 20% of time.
- Monitor and analyse internal and external KPIs and work to identify solutions for improvement.
- Attend and participate in a variety of meetings and task force groups to integrate activities, communicate issues, obtain approvals, resolve problems and maintain specific level of knowledge pertaining to new developments, requirements and policies within the printing category.
- Building effective relationships across a wide range of stakeholders to influence decision-making and support business objectives.
- Implement Springer Nature Group procurement policies, procedures and tools.
- Supervise and direct work activities of Procurement Manager/Procurement Team Lead/Senior Procurement Specialist on different procurement projects and processes.
Experience, Skills & Qualifications:
Essential
- Extensive Procurement experience (Procurement Operations/Supply Chain/Physical Manufacturing or similar) in buying Global Print and Paper.
- Strong business and commercial background with excellent negotiation skills.
- Demonstrated ability of Category Management, Strategic sourcing and supplier management.
- An effective communicator with demonstrable analytical, project management and problem-solving skills.
- Stakeholder management and networking skills.
- Ability to manage multiple procurement projects in parallel.
- Demonstrated ability of working with cross functional teams in a complex, changing environment to identify savings opportunities and deliver value to the organisation.
- Experienced in change management.
Desirable
- Fluency in German would be a bonus but is not essential.
At Springer Nature, our mission is to be part of progress – and that begins with inclusion: of people, perspectives, and ideas. We believe that diverse perspectives drive progress, and we are committed to creating an environment where people and ideas can flourish.
For more information about career opportunities in Springer Nature please visit.
Senior Procurement Manager - Print in London employer: Springer Nature
Springer Nature is an excellent employer that values innovation and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment where employees can thrive. With a hybrid work model, competitive salary packages, and performance-related bonuses, the company fosters a culture of growth and development, empowering its team members to excel in their roles while contributing to impactful partnerships in the pharmaceutical sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager - Print 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 Springer Nature.
✨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 Senior Procurement Manager - Print 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 Springer Nature:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Springer Nature. 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 Springer Nature.
How to prepare for a job interview at Springer Nature
✨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 Springer Nature!
✨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 Springer Nature. 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 Springer Nature's culture.
