Procurement Manager

Bright Horizons; Northampton; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading childcare service provider based in Northampton is looking for a Procurement Specialist to develop and implement category strategies that deliver quality and value. The candidate will be responsible for managing supplier relationships, conducting RFPs, and ensuring contracts are effectively implemented. Ideal applicants will possess procurement experience in medium to large businesses, with required qualifications including a degree in supply chain management or business administration and the MCIPS qualification. You will thrive in a fast-paced environment and actively drive efficiency and innovation.

Qualifications

• Procurement experience in a medium to large sized business.
• Experience with business transformation and change.
• Ability to interpret data and provide detailed analysis.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category strategies aligned to Procurement objectives.
• Manage and measure supplier performance.
• Facilitate tendering, negotiation and contracting with suppliers.

Skills

Supplier relationship management

Data analysis

Negotiation skills

Cost control

Education

Degree in supply chain management or business administration

A level qualifications

MCIPS or working towards qualification

Job description

Leading Procurement categories, working with business stakeholders to develop long term strategies to deliver quality, value, and service. Through category management develop strong supplier relationships to deliver innovation, compliance, cost benefits and mitigate risk. Build strong and meaningful stakeholder and supplier relationships to drive high performance of the 3rd party supply base to maximise quality, value and standards within our business.

• Develop and implement category strategies that are aligned to Procurement Strategic Objectives.
• Track and report on the progress of the agreed Procurement plan.
• Data and analysis to identify trends and opportunities to drive efficiency and value.
• Early engagement with operational and support teams to determine their product and service needs.
• Monitor business trends and market insight to identify and develop potential new sources of supply.
• Review and categorise supply base to identify appropriate engagement strategies using Procurement models.
• Conduct RFPs with stakeholders, producing analysis of total cost of goods and services to identify savings and efficiencies with a clear business case for change.
• Ensure contracts are agreed and implemented with all suppliers.
• Develop strong and genuine relationships with suppliers to drive value and a 'customer of choice' approach.
• Manage and measure supplier performance to maintain quality of service and continuous improvement.
• Mitigate risk in the supply chain by ensuring the correct due diligence on suppliers on an ongoing basis.
• Develop joint business plans with strategic suppliers to identify and Bahnhof implement value added opportunities.
• Regularly review supply base and range to drive efficiency and optimisation.
• Support the development and compliance to policies and procedures across the business.
• Work with finance to resolve supplier payment issues, maintain costs, highlight savings, and mitigate cost where possible.

Responsible For:

• Tendering, negotiation and contracting with suppliers.
• Savings and efficiencies.
• Supplier relationship management and performance.
• Cost Control and value creation.
• Driving value, innovation, and efficiency.
Clearly original policies and procedures, Procure to Pay maintenance and control, Procurement system user support and process improvement, Stakeholder engagement business collaboration.
• Supplier health checks and risk management.
• Ability to build trust and develop cohesive relationships – strong empathy, clear expectations and fair‑minded.
• High energy and thrives in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment – calm approach and 'can‑do' attitude.
• Active team engagement and encourages colleagues to realise their potential.
• Able to interpret data and provide detailed analysis to effectively inform strategy, measure impact, and drive quality.

Bright Horizons is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This post is subject to safer recruitment practice and pre‑employment checks, including an enhanced DBS check, which will be undertaken before any appointment is confirmed. We are an inclusive employer and welcome people from all backgrounds to apply. We will consider reasonable adjustments required by applicants. If you share our passion, values, and have most of the skills listed, we encourage you to apply – as you may be just what we are looking for!

• Procurement experience in a medium to large sized business.
• Experience with business transformation and change.
• Previous experience procuring Marketing Services, HR, and IT, Education: Degree level in supply chain management or business administration / A level qualifications.
• MCIPS or working towards qualification.