Procurement Lead

Saffery Llp; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accounting firm is seeking a skilled Procurement Lead to oversee their procurement function, focusing on sourcing, vendor management, and logistics. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience in procurement, particularly in professional services, along with strong negotiation and vendor management skills. This role offers competitive benefits, including flexible working arrangements and a contributory pension scheme. Join a firm that values its people and fosters an inclusive culture.

Benefits

35-hour working week with flexible hours

Agile working policy for 3 days remote

25 days annual leave

Contributory pension scheme

Life assurance cover

Profit-sharing plan

Discretionary bonus scheme

Private Medical

Health assessments and screenings

Qualifications

• 10+ years of procurement experience in professional services or accounting.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills required.
• Excellent leadership and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement function for the firm, ensuring cost-effective practices.
• Manage travel programs and vendor relationships to optimize service delivery.
• Establish procurement policies in compliance with regulatory standards.

Skills

Procurement expertise

Leadership

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Vendor management

Tools

Procurement systems

Travel management platforms

Job description

The Procurement Lead will lead the procurement function for a leading accounting firm, overseeing sourcing, vendor management, travel, and logistics. This role is responsible for ensuring cost-effective and compliant procurement practices across all categories, with a strong focus on professional services, technology, facilities, property and travel. The ideal candidate will bring deep procurement expertise, operational discipline, and leadership to support the firm's growth and efficiency goals.

Strategic Procurement

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with firm-wide objectives.
• Lead sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories including IT, consulting, facilities, and professional services.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure value, quality, and risk mitigation.

Travel & Logistics Oversight

• Manage the firm's travel programme, including policy development, vendor selection, and compliance.
• Oversee relationships with airlines, hotels, and ground transport providers.
• Work with the firm’s marketing department to coordinate logistics for firm-wide events and conferences.
• Monitor travel spend and identify opportunities for cost savings and improved service delivery.

Governance, Risk & Compliance

• Establish and maintain procurement policies and procedures in line with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to review contracts and manage procurement‑related risks.
• Ensure audit readiness and transparency in procurement activities.

Operational Excellence

• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and reporting.
• Implement procurement technologies and automation tools to enhance efficiency and visibility.
• Track and report on procurement KPIs, savings, and supplier performance metrics.

Team Leadership & Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and lead a high‑performing procurement team.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across finance, IT, HR, and operations to understand needs and deliver value.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

Candidate Requirements

• 10+ years of procurement experience, including travel and logistics oversight, within a professional services or accounting firm.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Experience with procurement systems and travel management platforms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

Preferred Skills

• Familiarity with ESG and sustainable sourcing practices.
• Experience managing travel programmes and logistics operations.
• Understanding of the unique procurement needs of an accounting or professional services firm.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization.

Saffery LLP is an adviser to individuals and businesses across a range of sectors, providing market‑leading accountancy, audit, business advisory, tax and VAT services. Founded in 1855 by Joseph John Saffery, it is currently the 15th largest accountancy firm by UK fee income. We pride ourselves on our informal and inclusive culture, building an environment where people can be themselves and enjoy challenging, interesting, rewarding careers. When you work with Saffery, the well‑respected accountancy firm where heritage meets ambition, you work with people who know your name. Who know you as a human being, not just a job title. Everyone belongs here. Always. Saffery is a proud member of Nexia, a leading, global network of independent accounting and consulting firms.

Reward & Benefits

• A 35‑hour working week with flexibility around the core hours of 10am‑4pm
• Agile working policy giving you the option to work from home for up to 3 days per week.
• 25 days annual leave. After 5 years' service, the entitlement will be increased by 1 day.
• In addition, employees are entitled to buy or sell up to 5 days holiday a year
• Contributory pension scheme (The firm will contribute 5% of salary on a matched basis with employee from their date of joining)
• Life assurance cover of 4 × annual salary
• Eligibility for the firm's Profit‑Sharing Plan that runs from October to September each year. The scheme enables staff to share in the profits of the firm. Payment is usually c£1,000. Paid in December.
• New client referral scheme. Members of staff introducing a new client to the firm, have the potential to receive a referral payment of up to 10% of the first year's total fees.
• Eligibility for the discretionary bonus scheme. This is based on both individual performance and firm performance.
• Private Medical – entitled to join on successful completion of probationary period
• Staff have access to health assessments, cancer screenings and health cash plans through the flexible benefits programme.
• Access to a number of additional benefits with preferential rates under the flexible benefit programme, health cash plans, health screening/GP support, critical illness cover, dental and travel insurance, Techscheme, Cyclescheme, Gymflex and a Workplace ISA.