At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and manage supplier relationships for a growing construction business.
- Company: Thriving multidisciplinary construction company with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £55,000 and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and compliance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving cost savings and improving supplier performance.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
An excellent role for a Procurement Manager to join a thriving and growing multidisciplinary construction business. Our client is an expert in delivering solutions across building, engineering, fit-out, refurbishment, commercial interiors, electrical, AV, and data services.
Job Overview
The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading and managing the company’s procurement and supply chain activities across all projects and operational areas. The role ensures the efficient, cost-effective, and compliant sourcing of goods, services and subcontracted support, while maintaining strong supplier relationships, driving commercial value and ensuring alignment with internal governance, quality standards, and contractual requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a structured procurement strategy aligned with business objectives.
- Manage supplier relationships, including brokers and direct suppliers, to ensure best value and service.
- Negotiate pricing, terms, and contracts to drive cost savings and reduce commercial risk.
- Work within the existing ISMS supplier framework to ensure compliant supplier selection, onboarding, and ongoing management.
- Analyse spend data and identify opportunities for cost reduction and efficiency improvements.
- Work closely with estimating and operations teams to support accurate, competitive, and consistent project pricing.
- Monitor supplier performance in relation to cost, quality, delivery, and responsiveness, addressing underperformance where required.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal procedures, governance requirements, and relevant ISO standards (including ISO 9001, 14001, 45001).
- Act as the procurement lead for supplier-related compliance inputs into the ISMS, ensuring risks are identified, escalated, and managed appropriately.
- Drive continuous improvement of procurement processes, including automation, reporting, and system enhancements.
- Maintain accurate procurement records and reporting to support transparency, auditability, and informed decision-making.
Key Behaviours
- Commercially driven and results-focused.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- Proactive and able to challenge existing ways of working.
- Organised with strong attention to detail.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Improved supplier performance and reliability.
- Increase use of preferred suppliers.
- Improved pricing accuracy in tenders/estimates.
- Robust supplier compliance and reduced risk exposure.
Skills and Experience
- Proven experience in procurement, supply chain, or commercial roles.
- Strong negotiation and supplier management skills.
- Experience working with national supplier networks and/or broker models.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and cost management capability.
- Experience implementing procurement processes or frameworks.
- Good understanding of compliance and supplier assurance requirements.
- Proficient in Microsoft 365 tools (Excel, SharePoint, etc.).
Procurement Manager in Bedford employer: Tradeline Recruitment
Join a dynamic and expanding multidisciplinary construction business in Bedford as a Procurement Manager, where you will play a pivotal role in shaping procurement strategies and supplier relationships. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth through continuous improvement initiatives and offers competitive salaries alongside a comprehensive benefits package. With a focus on innovation and compliance, this is an excellent opportunity for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a thriving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Bedford
✨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 Tradeline Recruitment.
✨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 Manager in Bedford
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 Tradeline Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Tradeline Recruitment. 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 Tradeline Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tradeline Recruitment
✨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 Tradeline Recruitment!
✨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 Tradeline Recruitment. 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 Tradeline Recruitment's culture.
