At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement for sports and outdoor goods, onboarding global suppliers and boosting product visibility.
- Company: Fast-growing international retail and e-commerce business with ambitious plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth potential, and access to a global supplier network.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and offers excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with strategic autonomy.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in retail or e-commerce, strong negotiation skills, and sports market expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ per year.
Are you a commercially focused Direct Procurement Manager with proven experience in the sports and outdoor goods retail space? Do you know what it takes to onboard top-tier suppliers in a way that mirrors the scale and ambition of Amazon or eBay? If so, this is your opportunity to join a fast-growing international retail and e-commerce business with big plans and a global reach.
This business is scaling up its imported goods offering — and they are looking for someone who knows the sports and outdoor goods category inside out. You will play a key role in driving product visibility, negotiating supplier terms, and making critical decisions that shape the commercial future of a dynamic retail operation.
As a Direct Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for:
- Expanding the sports and outdoor product range by onboarding global suppliers and major retailers
- Owning GMV, profit and net profit performance in your category
- Securing cost support and marketing investment from suppliers to boost product visibility and conversions
- Sourcing, onboarding, and managing global suppliers with a view to long-term growth
- Delivering category success through strategic procurement and data-led decision-making
- Collaborating across logistics, marketing and operations to execute trading plans
- Replacing underperforming suppliers and developing frameworks for continuous improvement
Why this role stands out:
- High-impact procurement ownership in a fast-paced, international e-commerce environment
- A rare chance to scale a key retail category in partnership with global suppliers
- Strategic and commercial autonomy — your results will be seen, measured and rewarded
- Excellent growth potential, with access to a global supplier network and internal career development
- The opportunity to shape the success of a major category with clear market opportunity
To succeed in this Direct Procurement Manager role, you must have:
- 5+ years of experience in retail, FMCG, or cross-border e-commerce
- A proven track record in the sports and outdoor goods market
- Experience onboarding suppliers at scale — ideally working with or against large platforms like Amazon or eBay
- Strong commercial negotiation skills and the ability to secure supplier marketing and cost support
- Confidence using performance data (GMV, profit, net profit) to shape procurement decisions
- Ability to work across time zones and collaborate globally
If you are a Direct Procurement Manager who understands the sports and outdoor goods market and wants to build something with real scale and impact, apply now - interviews are underway and this opportunity won’t stay open for long.
Procurement Manager employer: Vantage Recruitment
As a Sustainability & Compliance Manager at our Derby-based international product company, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values hands-on involvement and proactive problem-solving. We offer competitive salaries, opportunities for professional growth, and a commitment to sustainability that empowers you to make a real impact on compliance processes and environmental goals. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that prioritises innovation and collaboration in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement 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 Vantage 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
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 Vantage Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Vantage 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 Vantage Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vantage 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 Vantage 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 Vantage 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 Vantage Recruitment's culture.
