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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy for Operational Services, driving cost savings and supplier negotiations.
- Company: Join St. James's Place, a diverse employer committed to inclusivity and community support.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising services and collaborating with stakeholders in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience, CIPS qualification, and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a team that values innovation and strategic thinking.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Job Description
This job is with St. James's Place, an inclusive employer and a member of myGwork – the largest global platform for the LGBTQ+ business community. Please do not contact the recruiter directly.
The role:
This person will be responsible for leading and managing the procurement strategy for Operational Services within SJP. They will drive optimisation, reduce cost and maximise value through leading the sourcing and negotiations for Operational Services across SJP. They will work closely with internal stakeholders, supplier and senior management to drive efficiencies and align Operational Services' strategy with SJP's objectives.
What you'll be doing:
- Operational Services Development Lead the development, implementation, and execution of SJP's procurement strategy for Operational Services in line with SJP's objectives and risk appetite. In partnership with business stakeholders develop and maintain Operational Services' plans with defined supplier segmentation.
- Cost Optimisation & Savings Use market knowledge and experience to identify and deliver opportunities for cost savings and increased ROI. Develop and implement cost-control strategies across Operational Services. Use of benchmarking to regularly test price competitiveness.
- Team Development and Mentoring Support the development of Procurement team members, building a strong talent pool for succession planning.
- Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate across SJP directorates to identify procurement needs and provide strategic sourcing solutions.
- Sourcing & Negotiation Lead sourcing processes, including RFPs (and use of e-sourcing tools), development and execution of negotiation strategies and selection of suppliers. Drive competitive pricing and contract terms. Develop and maintain an accurate Deal Calendar on upcoming renewal to maximise cost reduction opportunities and ensure appropriate resource prioritisation.
- Risk Management Ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and mitigate potential risks through proper supplier onboarding and contract management.
- Reporting & Analytics Feed into KPI reporting to monitor the effectiveness of procurement activities. Regularly report on procurement savings, negotiations and strategy outcomes to the Head of Procurement. Contribute to development of procurement / commercial datasets and tooling.
Who we're looking for:
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in procurement and in depth experience/knowledge specific to Operational Services. They will have a deep understanding of Operational Services, its utilisation at SJP, and market trends, emerging technologies and industry best practices. They will provide insights and recommendations to senior management and be proficient in RFP/RFI approaches, supplier evaluation, cost optimisation and negotiation techniques. They will drive the implementation of the supplier strategy for Operational Services at SJP whilst collaborating with other Procurement Managers. They will effectively manage one individual and partner with other procurement leads to develop cross-functional solutions to problems. They will demonstrate strong communication skills to build relationships and influence stakeholders across the business.
Essential Criteria
- Extensive experience in procurement and in depth knowledge/experience specific to Operational Services.
- Proven experience in negotiating and managing contracts.
- CIPS qualification.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Able to lead, develop and delegate to direct report.
Desirable Criteria
- Good understanding/knowledge of SJP business model.
Senior Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services employer: St. James’s Place
Contact Detail:
St. James’s Place Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in procurement and operational services. Understanding the current market landscape will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your proactive approach to staying informed.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in operational services. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals or recommendations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented cost-saving strategies in previous roles. Being able to articulate your past achievements will showcase your capability to drive optimisation at SJP.
✨Tip Number 4
Research St. James's Place's business model and values thoroughly. Tailoring your conversation to align with their objectives and demonstrating your understanding of their operations will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Category Manager - Operational Services
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience in procurement, particularly in Operational Services. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in negotiation, cost optimisation, and stakeholder engagement.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that clearly outlines your understanding of SJP's objectives and how your background aligns with their needs. Mention your CIPS qualification and any relevant achievements in procurement that showcase your ability to drive efficiencies.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your application, emphasise your experience with RFPs, supplier evaluation, and contract management. Provide concrete examples of how you've successfully implemented procurement strategies that led to cost savings and improved ROI.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication is essential for this role, include instances where you've effectively built relationships with stakeholders or led teams. This will demonstrate your ability to influence and collaborate across different departments.
How to prepare for a job interview at St. James’s Place
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience in procurement, especially within Operational Services. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've successfully implemented procurement strategies and achieved cost savings in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Strong Negotiation Skills
Since negotiation is a key part of this role, come equipped with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Discuss the strategies you used and the outcomes achieved, as this will show your capability to drive competitive pricing and contract terms.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to talk about your experience in collaborating with various stakeholders. Highlight how you've identified procurement needs and provided strategic sourcing solutions that align with business objectives, showcasing your ability to build relationships across departments.
✨Understand SJP's Business Model
Familiarise yourself with St. James's Place's business model and operational services. Being able to discuss how your skills and experiences align with their objectives will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role and the company.