Lead Procurement Officer

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; United Kingdom; Remote; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base pay

Company pension

31 days holiday

Life assurance

Job summary

SmartRecruiters, Inc. is seeking a Lead Procurement Officer to prioritise procurement activities and manage buyers. You will drive strategic sourcing, ensure value, compliance, and risk management, and mentor junior staff.

You will lead tender exercises, provide guidance to managers, and collaborate across Finance, Legal, and Operations to deliver procurement initiatives and governance compliant processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or commercial contract management.
• Experience leading procurement projects and competitive tender processes.
• Understanding of public sector and/or private sector procurement regulations and best practices.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage procurement projects and tender exercises from initiation through to contract award.
• Provide procurement advice and guidance to managers and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Organise training and mentorship for junior procurement team members.
• Develop sourcing strategies that maximise value while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans where required.
• Ensure all procurement activities comply with legislation, policies, and governance requirements.
• Build relationships with internal stakeholders and collaborate with Finance, Legal, and Operations.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and process efficiencies.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Project management

Commercial awareness

Education

CIPS qualification in procurement

Tools

Procurement software

Job description

The Lead Procurement Officer is responsible for prioritising procurement activities across the organisation and managing the day-to-day activities of the Buyers/Procurement Officers , ensuring the delivery of best value, compliance with procurement regulations and policies. The role supports strategic sourcing initiatives, and ensures that procurement activities contribute to organisational objectives, cost efficiency, and risk management.

Job Description

• Lead and manage procurement projects and tender exercises from initiation through to contract award.
• Provide procurement advice and guidance to managers and stakeholders across the organisation.
• Support the development and implementation of procurement strategies that align with organisational goals.
• Organise training and mentorship for junior procurement team members.

Strategic Sourcing and Contract Management

• Develop sourcing strategies that maximise value for money while maintaining quality and service standards.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to identify opportunities for innovation, savings, and service improvements.
• Monitor supplier performance and implement improvement plans where required.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure all procurement activities comply with relevant legislation, regulations, internal policies, and governance requirements.
• Maintain accurate procurement records and documentation for audit purposes.
• Support the development and review of procurement policies, procedures, and templates.
• Promote ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible procurement practices.

Stakeholder Management

• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand business needs and procurement requirements.
• Work collaboratively with Finance, Legal, Operations, and other departments to support procurement initiatives.
• Facilitate stakeholder engagement throughout procurement and contract management processes.

Performance and Continuous Improvement

• Identify and deliver opportunities for cost savings, value creation, and process efficiencies.
• Prepare procurement reports, performance metrics, and management information for senior leadership.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives and procurement transformation programmes.

Qualifications

• Experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, or commercial contract management.
• Experience leading procurement projects and competitive tender processes.
• Understanding of public sector and/or private sector procurement regulations and best practices.
• Experience negotiating contracts and managing supplier relationships.
• Proven ability to influence and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Skills and Competencies

• Excellent negotiation and commercial awareness.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Effective project management and organisational skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results to tight deadlines.
• Strong attention to detail and governance compliance.

Ability to guide, mentor and develop a team. A strong awareness of employment legislation and best practice regarding, but not limited to: processes, wellbeing, and equal opportunities.

Demonstrable experience in procurement, logistics or supply chain management. Has attained or is working towards CIPS qualifications in procurement and supply.

Additional Information

• Competitive base pay
• Company pension
• 31 days holiday
• Life assurance

Please note as part of the onboarding process all candidates will need to complete BPSS security clearance

We are an Opening Doors employer, committed to equal opportunity and an inclusive workplace. Our approach, shaped by our values of service, trust, excellence, agility, dedication, and you, we focus on removing barriers and recognising potential. We are committed to fairness at every stage, including providing reasonable adjustments and actively working to eliminate discrimination.

We believe talent is everywhere, and by widening access to opportunity and welcoming diverse experiences, we aim to create a workplace where every person feels valued and has an equal chance.