At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for IT services.
- Company: Join WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, 25 days holiday, and a competitive salary.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a dynamic environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: 5 years of procurement experience, especially in IT categories.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth. That’s why our Procurement team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing to do their best work.
The role of a Procurement Manager - IT is to promote Group Procurement to deliver high standards by consulting, influencing internally and externally to implement and deliver effective procurement strategies optimising total value across the wider group. You will provide category expertise, working as part of the Group Procurement Indirect team responsible for buying Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) and Services on behalf of the WH Smith Group. This role will report into a Senior Procurement Manager.
What you will be doing:
- Rationalising and developing the supplier base.
- Planning and managing categories tactically and strategically to incorporate UK, European and Global sourcing strategies.
- Optimising total value by liaising with stakeholders/budget holders to ensure goals and targets fully understood and facilitated by effective procurement delivery.
- Managing the end-to-end tender process (RFI/RFP) incorporating the stakeholders business requirements/specification and relevant measurement criteria (KPI’s and SLA’s).
- Supporting the regular contract review and renewal process.
- Leading small to medium size projects and contract negotiations.
- Supporting tenders and the negotiation process for large and complex contracts.
- Supporting agile procurement of small capital items to tight deadlines.
- Supporting the delivery of cost reduction, risk mitigation and control of annual category spend across WHS.
- Providing category level commercial, contractual and negotiation support to stakeholders across the Group.
- Managing contractual negotiations and relationships with suppliers during the contracting process.
- Supporting continuous improvement processes within the team and with stakeholders.
This role will include Global tenders, which may include travel to US at times and flexing hours to attend Teams meetings in other time zones.
What we are looking for:
- Knowledge and understanding of IT procurement, especially in the areas of Managed/Outsourced Services, Professional Services, Fixed and Mobile Telecoms, Hardware and Software Maintenance, SaaS and IaaS agreements, and Software Licensing.
- At least 5 years procurement experience with similar accountabilities (CIPS qualifications will be considered but are not essential). Minimum of last 2 years’ experience working within IT category.
- Contract Law and contract drafting experience.
- Strong commercial acumen is essential, with proven negotiation skills and strong analytical skills.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to establish strong working relationships internally and externally, with the ability to influence at all levels.
- Indirect category experience essential for both Goods and Services.
- Intermediate/Advanced level capability in using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
- Ability to prioritise, work under pressure and operate to tight deadlines.
How we reward our teams:
- Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office.
- 4pm Friday Finish.
- Flexible Working.
- 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday.
- Family Friendly Leave.
- Company Pension scheme.
- Sharesave Scheme.
- Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance.
- Competitive Salary and Car Allowance.
- Private Medical.
- Staff Discount Card for stores and online.
About us:
Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.
Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.
At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here. We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!
Procurement Manager in Swindon employer: WH Smith
WH Smith in Lower Porthkerry is an excellent employer, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer service and employee satisfaction. With competitive salaries, a pension scheme, and generous retail discounts, employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills in a supportive environment, making it a rewarding place to work for those passionate about delivering exceptional customer experiences.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Swindon
✨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 WH Smith.
✨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 Swindon
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 WH Smith:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WH Smith. 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 WH Smith.
How to prepare for a job interview at WH Smith
✨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 WH Smith!
✨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 WH Smith. 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 WH Smith's culture.
