At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage multi-million pound projects in a dynamic environment.
- Company: WHSmith, a globally recognised brand with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 25 days holiday plus your birthday off, and competitive salary.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with flexible working options and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team driving innovation and making a real impact.
- Qualifications: 5+ years procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ 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 working in a dynamic, fast paced environment, collaborating with stakeholders and suppliers to respond to the needs of the business.
The role of a Senior Procurement Manager is to promote Group Procurement to deliver high standards by consulting, influencing internally and externally to develop and implement effective procurement strategies optimising total value across the wider group.
What you will be doing
- Leading and Developing category strategies considering both Domestic and International business requirements. This role will focus on managing procurement for our Store Fit outs.
- Partnering with senior stakeholders to meet our future business requirements and drive innovation within the category
- Responsible for delivery of cost reduction, risk mitigation and control of annual category spend.
- Leading multi-million pound projects and contract negotiations.
Managing the end-to-end tender process (RFI/RFP) incorporating the stakeholders business requirements /specification and relevant measurement criteria (KPI’s and SLA’s)
- Implementing SRM processes for Categories, driving performance, innovation and cost savings during contract term.
- Optimising total value by liaising with stakeholders/budget holders to ensure goals and targets fully understood and facilitated by effective procurement delivery
- Supporting continuous improvement processes within the team and with stakeholders
- Leading and mentor procurement team members
- 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
- At least 5 years Procurement experience at manager level across multiple categories, ideally IT, Construction, Professional Services, HR and Supply Chain.
- CIPS qualification ideal but not essential
- Experience of managing direct reports
- Strong Drive for Results, with ability to manage competing priorities and work in fast paced environment
- Strong commercial acumen is essential, with proven negotiation skills and strong analytical skills
- Ability to establish strong working relationships internally and externally, with the ability to influence at all levels
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Resilience and ability to deliver high quality work within tight timeframes.
- Contract Law and contract drafting experience
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 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.
WHSmith have occupied our place in our customers’ hearts for over two decades.
You’ll find our stores and our family of brands in airports, hospitals, railway stations – as well as right across the world!
We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.
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!
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Procurement Manager in England employer: WHSmith
WHSmith is an excellent employer, particularly for those seeking a rewarding role in the vibrant environment of an airport. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, we offer competitive benefits including a pension scheme, paid annual leave, and exclusive discounts, all while fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages personal growth and teamwork. Join us to be part of a company that values your contributions and is dedicated to making every journey better for our customers and colleagues alike.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager in England
✨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 WHSmith.
✨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 Senior Procurement Manager in England
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 WHSmith:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WHSmith. 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 WHSmith.
How to prepare for a job interview at WHSmith
✨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 WHSmith!
✨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 WHSmith. 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 WHSmith's culture.
