Procurement Manager - (Marketing Focus)

The TeamThe Procurement function has a group-wide remit and forms part of the Global Finance team. It is responsible for delivering a transparent and effective procurement approach across the FT Group, ensuring integrity and fairness in supplier selection, robust commercial negotiations, and strong governance and supplier management practices.

Based in London, the Procurement Manager will play a key role in delivering procurement activity across priority business areas including the Commercial Client Group (CCG), Product & Technology (P&T), and Reader Revenue Group (RRG).

This role has a strong focus on marketing procurement, requiring experience sourcing and managing agencies and consultancy providers across areas such as creative, media, social media and digital marketing. Experience supporting procurement activity for events-related spend, including venues, hotels, AV and production services, would also be advantageous.

We are looking for someone who is commercially curious, forward-thinking and comfortable using technology and AI-enabled tools to improve procurement efficiency, market analysis, sourcing activity and contract management processes.

We are looking for someone to start in January 2027.

Key Responsibilities

Lead end-to-end procurement activity across marketing categories and business areas, including sourcing strategy development, RFP execution, supplier evaluation and commercial negotiationsPartner with stakeholders across Reader Revenue Group (RRG), Commercial Client Group (CCG) and Product & Technology (P&T) to support a diverse range of procurement requirementsBuild trusted relationships with stakeholders up to Director level, influencing decision-making and driving commercially effective outcomesDevelop and execute sourcing strategies that optimise total cost of ownership and deliver sustainable valueChallenge and shape business requirements to ensure alignment with group priorities and procurement best practiceManage contract lifecycle activity including renewals, renegotiations and risk mitigation initiativesApply supplier management frameworks and support governance and supplier performance activitiesCollaborate with Finance teams to identify, track and validate savings and value delivery opportunitiesUse Coupa to manage sourcing and contracting processes while supporting stakeholders and suppliers in its effective useConduct market research and supplier analysis to inform sourcing decisions and negotiation strategiesSupport continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, governance and reporting

Required Skills and Experience

Proven procurement experience across marketing procurement and professional servicesExcellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholdersStrong experience sourcing and managing marketing agencies, consultancy providers or related suppliersStrong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret spend data and market insights to support decision-makingStrong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendationsExperience using procurement systems and sourcing tools such as Coupa or similar platformsInterest in procurement innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools and digital procurement practices

Desirable

Experience supporting procurement activity across events-related categories including venues, hotels, AV and production servicesExperience working within a matrixed or global organisation

What's in it for you? Our benefits

Our benefits vary by location but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices.

• generous annual leave
• medical cover
• inclusive parental leave packages
• subsidised gym memberships
• opportunities to give back to the community

Full details of our benefits are available here.

We currently operate a hybrid model which requires staff to work onsite 50% of the time, subject to role requirements & regular review. While flexible working requests will be considered, not all patterns are suitable for all roles. We believe this balanced approach supports flexibility and protects our culture, making collaboration and communication easier, building stronger relationships and team cohesion, and supporting peer learning. We reserve discretion on reasonable notice to change this approach either generally or for specific individuals or teams.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

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