Procurement Manager

WSP USA; Reading; On-site; GBP 52,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

WSP is seeking a Procurement Manager to join the UK Direct Procurement team. You will lead sourcing strategies for major spend areas, report to the UK Senior Procurement Manager, and collaborate with project, bid, finance, and pricing teams to deliver value and support financial targets.

The role requires a track record in category management, strong negotiation, and the ability to engage senior stakeholders across functions.

Qualifications

• Membership of MCIPS or equivalent is highly desirable.
• Direct procurement experience in engineering or professional services is desirable.
• Strong track record delivering value through category management.

Responsibilities

• Represent the Direct Procurement team across the business and with external partners.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline of procurement activity across portfolios.
• Lead design and delivery of category strategies for key spend areas.
• Develop strategic category plans aligned with objectives and governance.
• Monitor market trends and regulatory developments to inform sourcing.

Skills

MCIPS

Category management

Bid submissions

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Data analytics

Leadership

Education

Relevant degree or professional qualification

Job description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field to do the best work of your life. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives. You can experience a world of opportunity and the chance to shape a career as unique as you.

A little more about the role…

Over the last 12 months the UK Direct Procurement Team have developed and delivered value to WSP at pace, and we now have an exciting opportunity for a Procurement Manager to join the UK Direct Procurement team. Reporting to the UK Senior Procurement Manager, this is a new role that will be responsible for leading sourcing strategies for some of our largest spend areas in WSP.

The purpose of the role is to add value and contribute to operating margin. Stakeholders will span all levels of staff within the WSP business and external suppliers.

Developing relationships and working collaboratively with cross functional teams such as, Project teams, Bid teams, Commercial, Pricing teams and Finance to identify appropriate subconsultancy supply chains to support the business deliver excellence for our Clients at the same time as supporting the achievement of our financial targets and business strategy. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a successful, growing global business and to have high impact in the UK Direct Procurement team and the business.

What you will do

• Represent the Direct Procurement team confidently and professionally across the business and with external partners.
• Develop and manage a robust pipeline of procurement activity across the business portfolios, delivering agreed priorities to plan.
• Lead the design, development and delivery of category strategies for key areas of spend.
• Develop and execute strategic category management plans aligned with business objectives, the Procurement Act 2023 where appropriate, internal governance requirements and ISO 20400 sustainable procurement principles.
• Monitor market trends, emerging technologies and regulatory developments to identify risks and opportunities and inform sourcing strategies.
• Build strong stakeholder relationships to ensure Procurement is engaged early and strategically in all significant procurement activity.
• Promote safe, sustainable and responsible supply-chain practices throughout the procurement lifecycle.
• Provide timely and accurate forecasts of expected savings against budget.
• Apply proportionate supplier relationship management to improve performance against service-level agreements, drive continuous improvement and, for strategic suppliers, pursue innovation and growth opportunities.
• Report annualised savings against budget, supported by clear, consistent and auditable benefits tracking.
• Lead the contract and performance management of strategic and critical suppliers.
• Work with internal stakeholders to define clear service requirements and establish meaningful contractual KPIs.

What we will be looking for you to demonstrate…

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS), or an equivalent relevant degree or professional qualification, is highly desirable.
• Direct procurement experience within the engineering or professional services sector is highly desirable.
• Substantial procurement experience, with a strong track record of delivering measurable value through category management.
• Experience supporting bid submissions that require subconsultant or specialist supply-chain solutions.
• A collaborative leadership style, with high levels of self-motivation, accountability and curiosity.
• Strong negotiation, influencing and stakeholder-management skills.
• Sound judgement, structured problem-solving skills and the ability to make evidence-based decisions.
• Demonstrable experience of driving commercial, operational and sustainable value from the supply chain.
• The credibility and confidence to engage with and influence senior stakeholders.
• A proven ability to build effective relationships with stakeholders across different functions and levels of seniority.
• The ability to develop practical, innovative and creative solutions to complex business challenges.
• The commercial acumen to identify, prioritise and deliver optimisation opportunities.
• Strong analytical capability, with the ability to turn data and management information into actionable insight.
• Resilience and determination to overcome challenges and deliver the best overall commercial outcome.

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

Join our close-knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 69,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.

With us, you can.