Senior Manager Procurement

VIRTUS Data Centres; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading data centre provider in the UK is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to oversee procurement for significant builds and ongoing projects. The role involves strategic leadership in sourcing strategies, managing contracts, and ensuring compliance during procurement processes. Candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in Procurement/Supply Chain Management and a minimum of 5 years' experience in data centre project procurement. Knowledge of ERP/SAP and proficiency in Microsoft Office is required. This position offers a hybrid working model with travel requirements up to 25%.

Benefits

Hybrid working approach

Equal opportunity employer

Commitment to diversity and inclusion

Qualifications

• 5 years minimum experience in data centre project procurement.
• Experience in project purchasing including equipment and contractors.
• Fluent in English, working knowledge of German or Italian is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop procurement strategies for major equipment and contracts.
• Manage tendering and execution of contracts.
• Ensure compliance with company rules and regulations.
• Support internal stakeholders in budgeting and approvals.

Skills

Negotiating skills

Problem-solving skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Organisational skills

Proactive working

Ability to work independently

Ability to work collaboratively

Education

Bachelor's degree in Procurement / Supply Chain Management

Tools

ERP/SAP

Microsoft Office applications

Job description

The Senior Procurement Manager assumes full procurement responsibility for significant new builds and in‑life projects in line with the company's processes and procedures. This position works closely with other internal stakeholders and teams (mainly Design & Build team) and will actively manage respective (internal and external) procurement resources to deliver procurement outcomes on projects. The role is expected to provide both strategic leadership as well as a heavy focus on tactical day‑to‑day procurement support specifically focused on executing project‑specific sourcing strategies in regard to general contracts, major equipment and Long Lead Items (LLI), driving construction cost value proposition, on‑time delivery, and management of the approval process through VIRTUS internal governance procedures, providing the necessary oversight and guidance to delivery recommendations that are in compliance with internal financial controls and reporting processes. The role will work with and support internal stakeholders to support their needs in terms of budgeting, seeking approval for expenditure using the prescribed processes, and engaging contractors, major equipment and LLI suppliers.

Responsibilities

• Full ownership across VIRTUS of all major equipment and (general) contracts including development and sign off of project‑specific procurement strategies
• Working with internal stakeholders to source, tender, and recommend contracting outcomes, managing costs & timely delivery up to contract execution
• Provide procurement support at pre‑contract stage.
• Contribute to the definition of the equipment sourcing/ procurement strategy (e.g., OFCI vs. CFCI, novation, longer‑term framework contracts vs. project contracts, standardisation etc.) in alignment with key stakeholders
• Manage the tender, negotiation and contracts along the supply chain across multiple projects and across countries with focus on main/general contracts and equipment suppliers.
• Manage and arbitrate priorities across multiple projects to mitigate any risks and potential delays
• Liaise with Accounts Payable and Cost Management to further develop processes, procedures and systems that will help with the control of cost and spend over projects.
• Work closely with and across the supply chain to ensure efficient and cost‑effective procurement processes
• Liaise with the project teams to promote a clear understanding of the contractual relationships between the various parties and stakeholders
• Identify contractual and supply chain risks and ensure that they are mitigated accordingly
• Ensure compliance with company rules, procedures, approvals and other regulations
• Assist with the commercial close out of projects from procurement point of view including settlement of all suppliers including variations, claims and any disputes and ensure appropriate records and information are kept and archived
• The role is a hybrid working approach based on VIRTUS working principles, meaning the expectation is the role will be a blend of working and in‑person meetings at VIRTUS office and on our Datacentre construction sites in UK, Germany and Italy as required to manage internal and external stakeholders in order to meet project design and construction milestones

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent in Procurement / Supply Chain Management
• Experience in project purchasing (equipment, OFCI/LLI, general contractors, sub‑contracting, construction, FCM)
• 5 years minimum experience in data centre project procurement with hyperscale data centre operators, lease providers or similar process‑heavy industries
• Design and Build contract strategy experience, VOB, FIDIC, JCT
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, projects, and deadlines simultaneously

Expertise

• ERP/SAP experience preferred
• Expert in Microsoft Office applications (e.g., Outlook, Excel, MS‑Project)
• Experience in working in a matrixed organization
• Managing and directing external vendor resources
• Knowledge of Change Management processes
• Strong technical & commercial understanding
• Working experience in different countries (ideally UK, Germany, Italy, other European countries)

Soft Skills

• Strong negotiating skills
• Excellent problem‑solving skills
• Excellent analytical skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Excellent organisational skills
• Proactive way of working
• Ability to work in a collaborative and open mindset team
• Ability to work independently
• Assertiveness
• Willingness to travel up to 25% envisaged

Language Skills

• Fluent in English (working knowledge of German or Italian also preferred)

VIRTUS Data Centres is the UK's fastest‑growing data centre provider‑owning, designing, building and operating some of the most efficient and flexible facilities in the country. In 2023 we announced our European expansion, with our first Berlin site opening in 2026, followed by full campuses and a newly announced site in Milan. More locations are in the pipeline. Our mission is to exceed customer expectations through smart, high‑quality solutions. We value initiative, teamwork, and a positive mindset – our people are our greatest strength. VIRTUS is an equal‑opportunity employer. As part of our commitment to fight for equality, we work to ensure a fair and consistent interview process. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive work environment. In line with VIRTUS' Vetting Policy, the successful applicant must be willing to undergo a BS7858 screening process and we reserve the right to close this post for applications should sufficient applications be received. VIRTUS Data Centres does not accept unsolicited support from search firms for employment openings.