Procurement Manager

Sunderland AFC; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A professional sports club in England is looking for a Procurement Manager to develop procurement strategies that support the club's operational and sustainability goals. The role involves managing supplier relationships, negotiating contracts, and ensuring compliance with legal standards. Ideal candidates will have a solid background in procurement management, strong negotiation skills, and experience within high-profile organizations like sports clubs. A CIPS qualification is desirable. This is an excellent opportunity to make a significant impact in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Solid background in procurement or supply chain management, ideally within sports or entertainment.
• Experience managing complex procurement processes and building strong relationships.
• Skilled negotiator capable of securing favorable terms.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with operational goals.
• Manage entire procurement lifecycle from sourcing to contract negotiation.
• Ensure compliance with legal, ethical, and safeguarding standards.

Skills

Procurement management

Strong negotiation skills

Strategic relationship building

Strong communication skills

Familiarity with procurement software

Education

Relevant qualification such as CIPS

Tools

MS Office

Job description

About the Accounts & Finance Team

We are the guardians of our club’s financial health, ensuring that every penny is accounted for and strategically invested to support our mission. Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who thrive on accuracy, transparency, and insightful financial planning. Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond numbers; we partner with other teams to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing member experiences.

The Opportunity

Join SAFC as a Procurement Manager and take on a pivotal role that directly influences our success on and off the field. This is a unique chance to develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with our operational, commercial, and sustainability goals. You will have the autonomy to manage the entire procurement lifecycle—from identifying needs and sourcing suppliers to negotiating contracts and ensuring seamless delivery of goods and services.

In this role, you will build and nurture strategic relationships with a diverse network of suppliers and vendors, helping to secure high-quality products while driving cost efficiencies. Collaborating closely with internal departments such as facilities, marketing, football operations, and partnerships, you will deliver tailored procurement solutions that meet their specific needs and support the club’s broader objectives.

This is more than just procurement; it’s about making a real impact by ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and safeguarding standards, managing risks, and continuously seeking innovative ways to improve processes. You will have the opportunity to lead negotiations, oversee inventory management, and contribute to sustainable procurement practices—all while providing valuable insights through detailed reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management.

If you are ready to play a key role in shaping the club’s future and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is the perfect opportunity to elevate your career and make a lasting difference.

What We Ask For

• Solid background in procurement or supply chain management, ideally within sports, entertainment, or high‑profile organisations.
• Experience managing complex procurement processes and building strong, strategic relationships with suppliers and vendors.
• Understanding of procurement best practices, legal frameworks, and safeguarding policies to ensure all activities are compliant and ethical.
• Skilled negotiator, capable of securing favorable terms and delivering value for money, with comfort in collaborating across departments.
• Strong communication skills—able to present complex information clearly and persuasively, supporting decision‑making through market data and performance metrics.
• Proficiency with procurement software and MS Office tools, thriving in fast‑paced environments where managing external relationships professionally is key.
• Relevant qualification such as CIPS is desirable.
• Basic DBS provided by SAFC is essential.

If you're a strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and a passion for making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you.