Senior Procurement Specialist

Matchtech; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Procurement Specialist to manage strategic sourcing initiatives and lead complex contract negotiations. This role offers hybrid working arrangements, allowing flexibility, with responsibilities including stakeholder engagement, data analysis, and mentoring team members. The ideal candidate will hold at least a Level 5 CIPS qualification and has proven experience in delivering strategic sourcing projects, with a strong understanding of procurement legislation and contract structures.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Generous annual leave allowance

Competitive pension scheme

Bonus opportunity

Flexible benefits for wellbeing

Qualifications

• CIPS qualified to Level 5 minimum or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant legislation.
• Proven experience delivering complex strategic sourcing projects.

Responsibilities

• Develop, own, and manage a strategic portfolio of sourcing activity.
• Lead complex commercial negotiations using appropriate sourcing methodologies.
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Stakeholder engagement

Contract negotiation

Market insight analysis

Education

CIPS Level 5 qualification

Job description

Senior Procurement Specialist

Permanent. Full-time, with flexibility for part-time. Hybrid working — 2‑3 days per week in the office; one day must be in the Peterborough office.

NEC 3 or 4 EXPERIENCE IS ESSENTIAL

The role

This Senior Procurement Specialist role is responsible for planning, managing, and delivering a pipeline of strategic sourcing initiatives and leading complex contract negotiations. You will play a critical role in delivering commercial outcomes that support business objectives, regulatory requirements, and customer value.

Using strong strategic thinking and influencing skills, you will engage with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders. You will develop a deep understanding of market dynamics and business demand across defined spend areas, ensuring supplier relationships are effective and deliver long‑term value.

As a senior member of the procurement team, you will mentor and support colleagues, helping to build capability, share best practice, and drive continuous improvement across the function.

Key responsibilities

• Develop, own, and actively manage a strategic portfolio of sourcing activity
• Deliver sourcing initiatives in a timely manner to maximise value
• Lead complex commercial negotiations using appropriate sourcing methodologies
• Build a strong understanding of business needs and demand profiles across assigned spend areas
• Identify spend trends, risks, and opportunities using data and market insight
• Ensure procurement systems and governance processes are followed to maintain an auditable trail
• Build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships, influencing and constructively challenging where required
• Support the procurement manager in leading and developing the team
• Mentor and coach team members to build capability and confidence
• Contribute to a collaborative, innovative, and continuously improving procurement culture
• Lead supplier appointment and onboarding using appropriate sourcing methodologies based on value and complexity

What we're looking for

• CIPS qualified to Level 5 minimum (or equivalent professional or degree‑level qualification in procurement or a commercial discipline)
• Strong knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and relevant procurement legislation
• Proven experience delivering complex strategic sourcing projects
• Demonstrated ownership and drive to achieve best value outcomes
• Experience developing and managing sourcing strategies within governance frameworks
• Strong understanding of contract structures and legal terms (experience with NEC contracts is beneficial)
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills
• Proactive, collaborative mindset with adaptability and openness to new ways of working

What's on offer

• Flexible working arrangements
• Hybrid working model
• Generous annual leave allowance
• Competitive pension scheme
• Bonus opportunity
• Flexible benefits to support wellbeing and lifestyle