At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities, negotiate contracts, and manage supplier relationships.
- Company: Join Starling Bank, a pioneering digital bank transforming the finance industry.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private medical insurance, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive culture with excellent growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Accelerate your career in a dynamic environment focused on solving real customer problems.
- Qualifications: 1-3 years of procurement experience and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
Hello, we’re Starling. Banking was broken – so we decided to fix it. The vision? Fast technology, fair service and honest values. All at the tap of a phone, all the time. We built Britain’s first digital bank. One hard-won banking licence later, we set about giving people a new way to spend, save and manage their money (and take better care of the planet, too). We’re changing banking for good.
Since then, we’ve grown. A lot. Over four million accounts (and four account types!). A team of thousands. Headquartered in London with offices in Cardiff, Dublin, Manchester and Southampton. Seven years voted Which? Recommended Provider and Britain's Best Banking Brand. Still zero branches. Our culture is open, inclusive and focused on solving real customer problems, with an emphasis on doing the right thing, even when it’s not always the easy thing.
We are looking for an ambitious, commercial Procurement Lead to join our Finance team’s Vendor function. Reporting directly to the Head of Procurement, this role is a fantastic opportunity for someone early in their career looking to accelerate their growth with hands-on experience and solid support. You will manage end-to-end procurement across various categories - from sourcing and negotiation to contracting - acting as a key commercial contact while collaborating across the entire bank.
Responsibilities:
- Lead end-to-end procurement activity including sourcing, evaluation, negotiation and contracting
- Work on contracts across a range of categories including technology, data, operational services, and people team - you may lead one or more categories and support others
- Deliver cost savings through intelligent sourcing and negotiation - spotting and exploiting the commercial levers
- Work on a combination of new to bank suppliers and contract renewals
- Spot and exploit commercial opportunities in existing contracts
- Support the development of systems and processes as the team evolves
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders - winning them over through your expertise and the value you create
- Work closely with the Supplier Risk teams ensuring supplier on-boarding is in line with process and regulations.
Requirements:
- 1-3 years’ procurement experience
- Prior experience on a grad scheme or consulting is beneficial.
- Strong early career progression
- Financial Services experience preferable
- Strong academic background
- Some hands on experience of the full Procurement cycle:
- Sourcing top quality suppliers
- Negotiation
- Comfortable developing/marking up contracts
- Strong analytical skills - spreadsheet modelling a must; knowledge of basic financial analysis a bonus
Behaviours & Competencies:
- Problem solver with strong critical reasoning, numeracy and written and verbal communication
- Strong planning and project management
- Ability to work independently with a drive to deliver
- Ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels
- Strong analytical skills to cut through ambiguity and understand the nub of a challenge
Benefits:
- 25 days holiday (plus take your public holiday allowance whenever works best for you)
- An extra day’s holiday for your birthday
- Annual leave is increased with length of service, and you can choose to buy or sell up to five extra days off
- 16 hours paid volunteering time a year
- Salary sacrifice, company enhanced pension scheme
- Life insurance at 4x your salary
- Private Medical Insurance with VitalityHealth including mental health support and cancer care. Partner benefits include discounts with Waitrose, Mr&Mrs Smith and Peloton
- Generous family-friendly policies
- Perkbox membership giving access to retail discounts, a wellness platform for physical and mental health, and weekly free and boosted perks
- Access to initiatives like Cycle to Work and Salary Sacrificed Gym partnerships
Starling Bank is an equal opportunity employer, and we’re proud of our ongoing efforts to foster diversity & inclusion in the workplace. Individuals seeking employment at Starling Bank are considered without regard to race, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, medical condition, ancestry, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
Procurement Lead in London employer: Starling Bank
At Engine by Starling, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that champions innovation and collaboration within the banking technology sector. Our flexible working culture, generous benefits including 33 days of holiday and private medical insurance, and commitment to employee growth create a supportive environment where legal professionals can thrive. Located in a dynamic and rapidly growing company, you'll have the opportunity to work on impactful projects while enjoying a healthy work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Lead 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 Starling Bank.
✨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 Lead 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 Starling Bank:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Starling Bank. 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 Starling Bank.
How to prepare for a job interview at Starling Bank
✨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 Starling Bank!
✨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 Starling Bank. 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 Starling Bank's culture.