Strategic Procurement Manager – GNFR & Services (Hybrid)

WHSmith Careers; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid Working Model from home and in‑

4pm Friday Finish

Flexible Working

Birthday off

25 Days holiday

Family Friendly Leave

Company Pension scheme

Sharesave Scheme

Annual Bonus

Private Medical

Staff Discount Card

Job summary

WHSmith is seeking a Procurement Manager to promote the Group Procurement function and deliver effective strategies across GNFR and services. The role involves consulting and influencing stakeholders to optimise value and manage supplier relationships.

Based in London or hybrid, the candidate will lead category activities UK/Europe/international, manage tenders, contract negotiations and cost reduction initiatives, reporting to a Senior Procurement Manager.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years procurement experience with relevant accountability.
• Contract Law and contract drafting experience.
• Strong commercial acumen with negotiation and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to influence at all levels internally and externally.
• Indirect category experience for Goods and Services.
• Proficiency in Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams.
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure to tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Rationalise and develop supplier base.
• Plan and manage categories UK/Europe/International sourcing strategies.
• Optimise total value by liaising with stakeholders to ensure goals and targets.
• Lead end-to-end tender process (RFI/RFP) with KPI/SLA criteria.
• Support regular contract review and renewal processes.
• Lead small to medium-size projects and contract negotiations.
• Support tenders and negotiation for large and complex contracts.
• Support agile procurement of small capital items to tight deadlines.
• Support the delivery of cost reduction, risk mitigation and category spend control.
• Provide category level commercial, contractual and negotiation support.
• Manage contractual negotiations and relationships with suppliers.
• Support continuous improvement within the team and with stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement experience

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Indirect category experience

MS Office

Time management

Deadline pressure handling

Education

CIPS qualifications

Tools

Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Job description

WHSmith is seeking a Procurement Manager to promote the Group Procurement function and deliver effective strategies across GNFR and services. The role involves consulting and influencing stakeholders to optimise value and manage supplier relationships.

Based in London or hybrid, the candidate will lead category activities UK/Europe/international, manage tenders, contract negotiations and cost reduction initiatives, reporting to a Senior Procurement Manager.