Strategic Procurement & Supplier Manager in Watford

Strategic Procurement & Supplier Manager in Watford

Watford Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Wickes

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Build supplier relationships, manage contracts, and optimise costs in procurement.
  • Company: Join Wickes, a leading name in the home improvement sector.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid working model and a competitive benefits package.
  • Other info: Opportunity for travel within Europe and the UK.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while collaborating with diverse teams.
  • Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong relationship management skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Wickes is seeking an experienced Procurement Specialist to join its Kitchens team in Watford.

You will build and maintain supplier relationships, manage contracts, and drive cost optimisation across the procurement lifecycle.

You will collaborate with internal stakeholders across finance, operations, and legal, with some travel within Europe and the UK.

The role offers a hybrid working model from the Watford Support Centre and a competitive benefits package.

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Strategic Procurement & Supplier Manager in Watford employer: Wickes

Wickes is an excellent employer for those looking to thrive in the Kitchen and Bath Design sector, offering a vibrant work culture that prioritises customer satisfaction and creativity. With competitive salaries, commission structures, and comprehensive training programmes, employees are empowered to grow their skills and advance their careers while enjoying a supportive team environment. Located in a dynamic retail setting, Wickes provides unique opportunities to engage with customers and make a meaningful impact on their home improvement journeys.

Wickes

Contact Details:

Wickes Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement & Supplier Manager in Watford

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 Wickes.

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 Strategic Procurement & Supplier Manager in Watford

Supplier Relationship Management
Contract Management
Cost Optimisation
Collaboration Skills
Stakeholder Engagement
Procurement Lifecycle Management
Negotiation Skills

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 Wickes:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Wickes. 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 Wickes.

How to prepare for a job interview at Wickes

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 Wickes!

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 Wickes. 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 Wickes's culture.