At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for gym equipment and facilities, ensuring top quality and value.
- Company: Join Virgin Active, a leader in wellness and leisure experiences.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, complimentary gym membership, and health insurance.
- Other info: Access discounts across Virgin Group and opportunities for personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on member experiences while working with a passionate team.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and experience in multi-site operations.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Virgin Active are committed to changing people's lives for the better through wellness. Our team are dedicated to delivering a unique leisure and relaxation experience throughout all our clubs. All our team members pride themselves on incorporating Virgin Active values and ensuring the highest Brand Standards into their work, so our members can experience the finest facilities and service.
We are looking for a Procurement Manager to join our Support Office. The Procurement Manager is responsible for leading and delivering effective procurement across Virgin Active, ensuring we source high-quality goods and services that represent best value while protecting our premium brand standards. This role plays a key part in supporting our evolution into a leading Social Wellness Club by building strong supplier partnerships, driving commercial efficiencies, and enabling the seamless delivery of products and services that underpin an exceptional member experience.
The Role
- Develop and deliver procurement strategies aligned to business objectives and premium brand standards.
- Lead sourcing across gym equipment, facilities services, maintenance, and engineering categories.
- Drive value through cost optimisation, total cost of ownership analysis, and supplier consolidation.
- Identify, onboard, and manage suppliers to meet quality, sustainability, performance, and compliance standards.
- Negotiate commercial terms, contracts, and SLAs, managing supplier performance and continuous improvement.
- Procure planned and reactive maintenance, engineering support, and specialist contractors.
- Support capital projects including refurbishments, new openings, and equipment upgrades.
- Partner cross-functionally with Operations, Finance, Facilities, and Clubs to support budgets, governance and scalable procurement processes.
Experience
- Proven experience (5+ years) in a Procurement Manager or Senior Procurement role, ideally within multi-site operations.
- Strong background procuring gym equipment, facilities, maintenance, HR, engineering, and general operational services.
- Demonstrated expertise in supplier contract management and negotiating complex commercial agreements.
- Experience managing technology-related contracts and working closely with legal counsel.
- Solid understanding of third-party risk management, quality assurance, and product warranties.
- Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills, with confidence influencing at all levels.
- Strong analytical capability, including spend analysis, cost control, and value optimisation.
- Knowledge of UK supplier markets and procurement best practice; CIPS qualification (or working towards) desirable.
Benefits
- 25 days (excluding bank holidays) annual leave, plus a Celebration Day.
- Access to Scottish Widows Pension with us matching contributions up to 5%.
- Complimentary Virgin Active membership for you and a buddy, with free membership for your children.
- Private Dental and Healthcare Insurance.
- Life Assurance 4x your salary.
- Discounts across Virgin Active.
- Access to ePoints, offering online discounts to retailers.
- Discount on all Academy courses.
Strategic Procurement Lead – Gym & Facilities employer: Virgin Active
Virgin Active is an exceptional employer dedicated to enhancing lives through wellness, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and growth. With comprehensive benefits including complimentary gym memberships, private healthcare, and generous annual leave, team members are empowered to thrive both personally and professionally. The collaborative environment fosters strong supplier partnerships and innovative procurement strategies, making it an ideal place for those passionate about delivering a world-class member experience in the fitness industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Lead – Gym & Facilities
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities at Virgin Active or elsewhere.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Virgin Active’s values and culture. Make sure you can articulate how your experience aligns with their mission of wellness and premium service. Show them you’re not just a fit for the role, but for the team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Virgin Active family.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Procurement Lead – Gym & Facilities
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement, especially in gym equipment and facilities. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at Virgin Active!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven value and improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for team members who embody our values and can contribute to our unique culture. Be yourself and show us why you’re a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply directly through our website. This helps us keep track of your application and ensures it gets the attention it deserves. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Virgin Active
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in areas like gym equipment and facilities services. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and best practices in procurement to show that you're not just a candidate, but a potential game-changer for Virgin Active.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of past negotiations where you've successfully secured favourable terms or improved supplier relationships. This role is all about driving value, so demonstrating your ability to negotiate effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Understand Virgin Active's Values
Dive deep into Virgin Active's mission and values. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their goal of delivering a world-class member experience. This shows that you're not just looking for a job, but a place where you can truly make a difference.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you've managed stakeholders in the past. Think of specific instances where you've influenced decisions or collaborated across departments. Highlighting your strong communication skills will be key, as this role requires working closely with various teams.
