At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement projects, negotiate with suppliers, and identify savings opportunities.
- Company: Join a leading engineering and infrastructure business with a dynamic team.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, hybrid work model, and hands-on experience.
- Other info: Short-term contract with potential for future opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Strong background in procurement and strategic sourcing required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
We're supporting a large engineering and infrastructure business looking for an experienced Interim Procurement Manager to join their growing procurement function on a short-term contract. This is a hands-on delivery role focused on managing procurement projects from end to end. You'll identify savings opportunities, lead sourcing exercises, negotiate with suppliers, work closely with senior stakeholders and ensure procurement initiatives are successfully delivered.
Key Experience Needed
- Strong Procurement Manager or Strategic Sourcing background
- End-to-end sourcing and tender management (RFI/RFP/RFQ)
- Commercial negotiation experience
- Supplier selection and contract mobilisation
- Delivering procurement savings and cost avoidance
- Strong stakeholder management with senior business leaders
- Experience within Utilities, Infrastructure, Engineering, Construction or Energy
- Comfortable working in evolving or less mature procurement environments
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver procurement projects from initiation through implementation
- Identify and realise procurement savings
- Lead supplier sourcing and tender exercises
- Negotiate commercial agreements
- Manage procurement risks
- Work closely with stakeholders to define procurement requirements
- Support supplier mobilisation following contract award
- Influence stakeholders to ensure successful procurement outcomes
Procurement Manager employer: Understanding Solutions
Join a dynamic team as an Applications Engineer where you will have the opportunity to work on impactful projects that enhance legacy systems and improve user experience. With a flexible remote working arrangement and a supportive culture that encourages professional growth, you will be well-positioned to develop your skills in a collaborative environment. Located in Watford, this role offers a unique chance to engage directly with end users and make a tangible difference in the operations of the business.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show Understanding Solutions that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, Understanding Solutions can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows Understanding Solutions that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let Understanding Solutions know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at Understanding Solutions
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
