Procurement Operations Lead

TN United Kingdom; London; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Procurement Operations Lead to design and manage the contract renewal process within their procurement function. This pivotal role involves leading a team of Buyers, ensuring effective sourcing and negotiation, and promoting best practices in procurement. The successful candidate will play a key role in delivering value for money while supporting environmental and social governance initiatives. If you are passionate about procurement and ready to make a significant impact, this opportunity is for you.

Benefits

Flexible Working Options

Diversity and Inclusion Initiatives

Qualifications

• Strong sourcing and negotiation skills are essential for this role.
• CIPS qualification or relevant procurement experience is required.

Responsibilities

• Lead a team of Buyers to manage contract renewals and ensure compliance.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to enhance procurement policies and processes.

Skills

Sourcing Skills

Negotiation Skills

Problem-Solving Skills

Communication Skills

Influencing Skills

Education

CIPS Qualification

Experience with End-to-End Procurement Processes

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Procurement Operations Lead is a new role responsible for designing, implementing, and managing First Group's contract renewal process within the procurement function, ensuring the procurement pipeline is accurate at all times. They will lead a team of Buyers, providing commercial guidance and expertise, working closely with the wider procurement team and the business to ensure success. This role promotes good risk management and outstanding service delivery, enabling us to achieve our vision of becoming a best-in-class function within our industry. The Procurement Operations Lead will also support ad-hoc projects as directed by the Head of Procurement – Fleet & Engineering.

This role is a key part of the wider Procurement function, focused on delivering value for money and promoting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Social Value benefits through sourcing and contracting. Key responsibilities include managing ‘low-value’ / ‘low-risk’ contracts across various categories, involving sourcing, tendering, supplier and contract management, negotiation, and contract drafting. The role also contributes to the FRH procurement annual savings target.

Your main responsibilities will be:

1. Design, implement, and manage the process for all centrally managed contract renewals to prevent unplanned contract expirations.
2. Ensure the process is robust, fit-for-purpose, and effective.
3. Lead a small team of Buyers, providing guidance, training, and support to meet role objectives.
4. Collaborate with the procurement team to understand current and future needs, ensuring no contracts are overlooked, and manage the ongoing pipeline.
5. Work with business stakeholders to promote procurement policies and processes, raising the function's profile through communication and engagement.
6. Track and report performance metrics, submitting regular reports to support governance.

Minimum requirements:

• Accuracy, thoroughness, and a continuous improvement mindset in processes and tools.
• Strong sourcing and negotiation skills.
• Understanding of contract law across various categories.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple tasks, and use initiative.
• Problem-solving skills with a solution-oriented approach.
• Excellent communication skills, building credibility with stakeholders.
• Influencing skills for effective stakeholder management.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• CIPS qualification or experience with end-to-end procurement processes.
• Experience in the rail and bus sectors.
• Experience with IT procurement categories.
• Knowledge of procurement legislation, specifically Utilities Contract Regulations.

About the location

First Rail Holdings Ltd, 8th Floor, The Point, 37 North Wharf Road, London, E2 1AF

Our Commitment

FirstGroup values diversity and inclusion, providing equal opportunities for all candidates. We celebrate differences and support flexible working options. If you need additional support due to a disability or neurodivergent condition, please contact us to ensure a fair application process.