Procurement Manager

National Highways; Bedford; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading highways management organization in the United Kingdom seeks an ambitious Procurement Manager to shape procurement strategies. You will engage with stakeholders, award contracts, and navigate complex procurement challenges. The role requires in-depth procurement knowledge and excellent relationship-building skills. The ideal candidate will have professional qualifications and experience in market analysis and innovative contract models. This position offers an opportunity to drive significant improvements in procurement practices.

Qualifications

• Deep understanding of the end-to-end procurement process and legislation.
• Proven expertise in developing engaging tender packs.
• Experience in innovative partnership contract models like NEC.

Responsibilities

• Lead procurement strategies and manage contract awards.
• Forge relationships with senior stakeholders to refine business requirements.
• Stay updated on legislative changes and market trends.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Market analysis

Tender creation

Contract negotiation

Procurement process knowledge

Education

Professional procurement qualifications (e.g. CIPS)

Job description

About the job.

We're thrilled to offer an outstanding opportunity for an ambitious Procurement Manager to join our dynamic team within the Business Services Directorate. This is much more than just a job—it's the chance to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement across the organisation. Step into a position where your regulated procurement expertise will be celebrated and your ideas will drive innovation and make a genuine difference to major programmes and projects. If you're ready to take ownership, collaborate with talented professionals, and leave a lasting legacy, this is the role for you.

In this influential position, you will take the helm at leading cutting‑edge procurement strategies, that meet the regulations but still result in robust, high‑value contracts, supporting the wider vision of the organisation.

• Forge strong relationships with senior stakeholders, delving into business requirements and matching them with a clear‑eyed understanding of market capability and capacity. Your visionary insight will shape inventive supply solutions and forward‑thinking market plans, helping the organisation achieve a powerful and unified stance in the marketplace.
• Take centre stage in awarding contracts and negotiating pivotal contract variations, within the regulations, on behalf of National Highways, directly impacting the future of the organisation.
• Collaborate with contract experts, harnessing their knowledge to overcome complex procurement challenges, ensuring your strategies are watertight and future‑ready.
• Stay ahead of the curve by keeping your finger on the pulse of legislative changes, industry trends, and market dynamics, using your insight to inform and evolve departmental strategies alongside the Senior Procurement Manager.

About you.

• A deep, hands‑on understanding of the end‑to‑end procurement process, as well as in depth knowledge of Procurement Act 23 and Procurement Contract Regulations 2015 and the associated procurement policy notes that underpin the procurement environment.
• Proven expertise in market analysis and engagement, enabling you to develop approaches that meet – and exceed – business needs.
• A flair for creating and launching compelling tender packs (ITT, RFQ, and beyond) that excite the market and attract the best suppliers.
• Experience with developing and rolling out innovative partnership contract models, particularly NEC, would be a real bonus.
• Professional procurement qualifications – such as CIPS – or a passionate commitment to achieving them.
• Outstanding stakeholder management skills, enabling you to build strong, lasting relationships right across the business.

About us.

Here at National Highways, we manage and improve England's motorways and major A roads, helping our customers have safer, smoother and more reliable journeys. Our priorities are safety, customers and delivery, and at the core of this, are our values of passion, integrity, safety, teamwork and ownership.

Business Services plays a crucial role in supporting the efficient operation and growth of the strategic road network. We provide a wide range of essential services across the organisation, ensuring that all functions run smoothly and effectively. We work behind the scenes to support the delivery of high‑quality infrastructure and services, ensuring that National Highways meets its commitments to safety, sustainability, and customer satisfaction.

Our key areas of focus include procurement, finance, human resources, IT, and strategic planning. We ensure the company operates efficiently, delivers projects on time and within budget, and meets the needs of stakeholders. By offering expert advice, managing resources, and driving operational excellence, we support National Highways in achieving its mission of maintaining and improving the road network across the country.

External candidates will be offered a starting salary at the lower end of the pay scale, while current employees will be appointed in accordance with our established pay policy.

We are committed to creating a diverse environment and welcome applicants from all backgrounds.