Procurement CoE Manager

Procurement CoE Manager

Full-Time 56700 - 69300 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
The Manchester Airports Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead the creation of MAG's first Contract Management Centre of Excellence and shape contract governance.
  • Company: Join MAG, the largest UK-owned airport operator, committed to sustainability and community support.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, 25 days holiday, and a bonus scheme.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team dedicated to making every journey matter.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by designing policies that enhance contract management across major UK airports.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement or contract management with strong stakeholder influencing skills.

The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.

Based at either Manchester Airport, London Stansted Airport, East Midlands Airport or our London office. Permanent role. Flexible/Hybrid working for a better work/life balance.

We are proud to be a diverse employer, and we welcome candidates from all backgrounds.

At MAG we provide the airport facilities and travel services that people need to connect with the world. As the largest UK owned airport operator, we serve over 66 million passengers a year from Manchester, London Stansted, and East Midlands Airports. With over 270 destinations across the globe, our businesses not only bring people together but also support the prosperity of the regions in which we operate. Sustainability is one of our core values, and it shapes everything we do. We're committed to protecting the environment and supporting our local communities. Our programmes include airport and airline decarbonisation, comprehensive education, skills and employment support and community engagement initiatives including volunteering opportunities.

At MAG, we recognise creating a first-class journey for our customers starts by creating a first-class career journey for our colleagues and we are committed to building inclusive environments in which our people can thrive.

You'll also have access to some great benefits including:

  • Bonus scheme
  • 10% company contribution pension
  • 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
  • Free parking
  • Subsidised public transport
  • Huge range of company discounts
  • 2 volunteering days per year
  • Free Virtual GP service, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
  • Care Concierge service

This is a rare opportunity to build something from the ground up. As our new Contracts Centre of Excellence Manager, you'll establish and embed MAG's first Group-wide Contract Management Centre of Excellence, creating the frameworks, standards and governance that will shape how contracts are managed across Manchester, London Stansted, East Midlands Airports and CAVU. Reporting to the Head of Procurement Strategy & Enablement, you'll work across a portfolio of more than 500m of third-party spend, helping ensure contracts consistently deliver commercial value, manage risk effectively and support safe, resilient and sustainable operations.

Rather than inheriting an existing function, you'll have the opportunity to design the policies, templates, guidance and best practice that colleagues across Procurement and the wider business will rely upon for years to come. Working closely with Procurement, Legal, Finance, Risk, Sustainability and operational stakeholders, you'll influence senior decision-makers, build capability across the organisation and drive continuous improvement without direct line management responsibility. Initially an individual contributor role, this position offers the opportunity to shape a brand-new capability, with future leadership potential as the function matures.

Key responsibilities include:

  • Design, implement and continuously improve MAG's Contract Management Centre of Excellence, establishing policies, standards, templates and toolkits that support consistent contract management across the Group.
  • Provide expert commercial support on complex and high-value contracts, ensuring alignment with MAG's governance, risk, sustainability and commercial objectives.
  • Develop and embed best practice contract management processes that maximise value, improve compliance and reduce commercial risk.
  • Build capability across Procurement and the wider business through coaching, guidance, training and practical support.
  • Produce reporting and insight on contract governance, compliance and maturity, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Work collaboratively with stakeholders across Procurement, Legal, Finance, Risk, Sustainability and Operations to influence strategic commercial decisions.
  • Champion robust contract management practices that support operational resilience and long-term business performance.
  • Help shape the future direction of contract governance across MAG by driving consistency, innovation and commercial excellence.

You'll have significant experience within procurement, commercial management or contract management, ideally gained within a complex organisation where governance, stakeholder management and commercial performance are critical. You'll enjoy creating structure, influencing change and improving the way organisations manage strategic supplier relationships.

You'll bring strong knowledge of contract governance, commercial risk and performance management, alongside the confidence to influence senior stakeholders without direct authority. You'll be an excellent communicator who can simplify complex commercial challenges, build trusted relationships and help colleagues adopt new ways of working. Experience working within a regulated, infrastructure or safety-critical environment would be advantageous, as would previous experience establishing a Contract Management Centre of Excellence, commercial governance framework or contract lifecycle management capability. Professional procurement or commercial qualifications are welcomed but equivalent experience is equally valued.

We're building something brilliant at MAG: a diverse team of Journey Makers who share our values and want to make a difference. We're on a mission to be number one in our industry, and that takes talent in all its forms. With so many exciting roles across our airports and businesses, there's space for your unique strengths to shine.

Whether this is your first role or your next big step, we want to hear from you – even if you don't think you tick every box. What matters most is what you bring.

We're proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you need any adjustments to support your application or interview, just let us know. We're committed to helping you perform at your best.

At MAG, every journey matters. Our Colleague Communities play a big part in that: Women's Network, Embrace (Race & Ethnicity), Fly with Pride (LGBTQIA+), Mind Matters (Mental Health), PACT (Parents & Carers), RespectABILITY (Disability & Neurodiversity), and the CAVU Global ID&E Affinity Group.

Procurement CoE Manager employer: The Manchester Airports Group

The Manchester Airports Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a ServiceNow Platform Product Owner, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of our technology landscape while enjoying a culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a focus on strategic leadership and cross-departmental engagement, you'll be part of a team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in a vibrant location.

The Manchester Airports Group

Contact Details:

The Manchester Airports Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement CoE 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 The Manchester Airports Group.

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 CoE Manager

Contract Management
Commercial Management
Stakeholder Management
Governance Frameworks
Risk Management
Sustainability Practices
Process Improvement

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 The Manchester Airports Group:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to The Manchester Airports Group. 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 The Manchester Airports Group.

How to prepare for a job interview at The Manchester Airports Group

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 The Manchester Airports Group!

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 The Manchester Airports Group. 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 The Manchester Airports Group's culture.