Here’s a summary of the role:
We are looking for a commercially minded IT Procurement Manager to lead strategic sourcing and supplier management activities across YouGov’s technology spend. Working closely with senior stakeholders, you will develop procurement strategies, manage complex sourcing projects, and deliver value through effective supplier, contract, and category management.
This role will focus initially on IT procurement, including software, cloud services, consulting, and technology infrastructure, while helping to shape and mature procurement practices across the organisation.
Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll do (not all of it, just the important stuff):
Strategic Procurement & Business Partnering
- Partner with business leaders, project managers, and technical stakeholders to develop sourcing, supplier, and category strategies aligned to business objectives
- Build and maintain a pipeline of procurement opportunities through spend, contract, and market analysis
- Provide market insight and commercial recommendations to drive value, efficiency, and innovation
- Act as a trusted advisor on procurement best practices and commercial decision-making
Strategic Sourcing & Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement projects, from strategy and market engagement through to contract award and implementation
- Manage complex, high-value technology procurements and supplier selection processes
- Facilitate stakeholder workshops, requirements gathering, supplier evaluations, and negotiations
- Negotiate commercial terms, pricing, service levels, and contractual outcomes that maximise value and minimise risk
Supplier & Contract Management
- Support supplier onboarding and ongoing supplier governance activities
- Develop strong supplier relationships that drive performance, innovation, and long-term value
- Monitor supplier performance through KPIs and service reviews
- Oversee contract lifecycle management, including renewals, amendments, compliance monitoring, and re-procurement activities
Risk, Governance & Compliance
- Ensure procurement activities comply with organisational policies and industry standards
- Identify and mitigate risks related to supplier dependency, cybersecurity, and technology obsolescence
- Promote sustainable procurement practices and broader social value objectives
Process Improvement & Insights
- Support the continuous improvement of procurement policies, processes, and operating models
- Evaluate and implement new procurement tools and technologies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness
- Develop procurement reporting and management information to support business planning and decision-making
- Stay informed on market developments, emerging technologies, AI, cybersecurity trends, and evolving commercial models
These are the essentials you’ll need to get an interview:
- Significant experience managing indirect procurement activities, particularly within the IT category
- Proven track record delivering end-to-end sourcing projects, from strategy through to contract execution
- Experience managing complex technology suppliers and large-scale IT contracts
- Strong knowledge of IT procurement, including software licensing, cloud services, IT consulting, and infrastructure.
- Excellent commercial negotiation and supplier management skills
- Strong analytical capability with experience using procurement data to drive decision-making
- Experience using procurement and e-sourcing platforms such as SAP Ariba, Coupa, or equivalent
#LI-AQ1
Why join YouGov?
Join our global team to help us achieve our social mission: to make millions of people’s opinions heard for the benefit of our local, national, and international communities.
Understanding diversity of opinion requires diversity of background. Although our global panel of millions of people worldwide powers our research, our biggest asset is our people. If our research is to be truly representative of what the world thinks, we need people from all walks of life to be part of the team to bring their perspective to the work we do.
Life at YouGov
We are driven by a set of shared values. We are fast, fearless, and innovative. We work diligently to get it right. We are guided by accuracy, ethics, and proven methodologies. We respect and trust each other, bringing these values into everything that we do.
We strive to provide YouGovers with best-in-class benefits to support their physical, financial, and emotional wellbeing. We want our employees to have a sense of belonging and uniqueness in a supportive workplace, so they can bring their full selves to work.
Equal Opportunity Employer
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity or expression, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, HIV status, political affiliation, socioeconomic background, veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law or in line with our responsibilities as a fair and ethic employer. All employment decisions are made based on occupational qualifications, merit, and business need.
Data Privacy
To find out how we collect and use your personal data when you apply for a role at YouGov, please read our privacy notice at https://jobs.yougov.com/privacy
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner in London
✨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 YouGov.
✨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!
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 YouGov:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to YouGov. 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 YouGov.
How to prepare for a job interview at YouGov
✨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 YouGov!
✨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 YouGov. 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 YouGov's culture.
