At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and professionalise procurement across a multi-department organisation.
- Company: Join a dynamic club at Ewood Park stadium with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Permanent role with competitive salary and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape procurement processes and work in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving supplier performance and driving cost savings.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
Location: Ewood Park stadium, Nuttall St, Blackburn, BB2 4JF. Flexibility regarding location is required.
Reports to: Chief Financial Officer
Hours of work: 37.5 hours per week plus any additional hours necessary for the performance of duties. This may include evening and weekend work when required.
Contractual status: Permanent
Job purpose: To lead and professionalise all purchasing activity across a multi-department organisation. This is a strategic hire aimed at delivering cost savings, improving supplier performance, and embedding efficient procurement processes across the business. Full ownership of the procurement function, with the autonomy to design and implement policies, systems, and structures that bring control, visibility, and value to all purchasing operations.
Duties and responsibilities:
- To be committed to ensuring the safeguarding and welfare of all staff, customers and clients of the Club.
- Take full responsibility for all procurement activity across the organisation.
- Design, implement, and maintain procurement policies, tools, and procedures.
- Consolidate and centralise departmental purchasing to ensure control and cost efficiency.
- Negotiate and re-negotiate supplier contracts to achieve the best value and service levels.
- Build and maintain a preferred supplier list across key categories.
- Review and manage supplier relationships with a focus on cost, reliability, and quality.
- Track and report on purchasing trends, cost savings, and compliance.
- Ensure all procurement is aligned with internal controls and financial budgets.
- Oversee the purchase order and invoice process to ensure accuracy and contract compliance.
- Identify opportunities for savings and efficiencies across categories including IT, facilities, travel, equipment, and supplies.
- Work closely with the finance team to improve procure-to-pay processes.
- Provide guidance to departments on sourcing options, procurement best practice, and compliance.
Skills required:
- Proven experience in a procurement or purchasing role at officer or manager level.
- Strong commercial mindset with experience negotiating complex supplier agreements.
- Ability to design and implement procurement processes and tools.
- Comfortable working with data and drawing insight from spend analysis.
- Collaborative approach with the confidence to engage stakeholders across multiple functions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel; experience with procurement or ERP systems is an advantage.
- Organised, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.
Knowledge required (Desirable but not essential):
- Experience setting up procurement functions or processes from scratch.
- Background in a medium-sized business with a broad supplier base.
- Exposure to the sports, entertainment, or hospitality sectors.
Qualifications required:
- CIPS qualification (or working towards).
DBS check required: Yes (Basic)
Procurement Manager in Blackburn employer: UK Sport
As a Procurement Manager at Ewood Park stadium, you will join a dynamic and supportive work environment that values innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional development, ensuring you can thrive both personally and professionally. With a focus on strategic procurement and cost efficiency, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the future of our organisation while enjoying the unique atmosphere of a sports and entertainment venue.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Blackburn
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement processes. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can bring value to their purchasing operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can give you a better chance of standing out in the crowd.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager in Blackburn
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience, especially in negotiating supplier contracts and implementing procurement processes. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can bring value to our team. Don’t forget to mention any experience in the sports or hospitality sectors if you have it!
Showcase Your Data Skills:Since we love data-driven decisions, make sure to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and any experience with procurement systems. Share examples of how you've used data to drive cost savings or improve supplier performance.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at UK Sport
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on procurement principles and practices. Understand the latest trends in supplier management and cost-saving strategies. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the role, but genuinely passionate about it.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you achieved significant savings or improved supplier relationships. Be ready to discuss your approach and the outcomes. This will demonstrate your strong commercial mindset and ability to handle complex agreements.
✨Data is Your Best Friend
Since the role involves working with data and spend analysis, come prepared with insights from your previous experiences. Think about how you've used data to drive decisions or improve processes. This will highlight your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
The job requires a collaborative approach, so think about how you've worked with different departments in the past. Prepare to share examples of how you’ve engaged stakeholders to achieve procurement goals. This will show that you can build relationships and work effectively across functions.
