Procurement - Procurement Manager 12 month FTC

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 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 International 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

What we are looking for:

At least 5 years procurement experience with similar accountabilities (CIPS qualifications will be considered, but are not essential)
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!