VodafoneThree - Procurement Lead

Vodafone Group Plc; Newbury; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonuses

Pension plan

Parental leave

Learning tools

Job summary

Vodafone Group Plc in Newbury is seeking a senior procurement professional to own Networks procurement spend and strategy. You will influence leadership decisions, collaborate with cross‑functional teams, and drive value through strategic sourcing and supplier management.

Hybrid working is offered with 2–3 days in the office; full-time hours with a focus on delivering high‑value negotiations, risk management and CSR‑compliant procurement across VodafoneThree and the UK network.

Qualifications

• Significant experience delivering end-to-end procurement programmes in large organisations.
• Strong ability to partner with senior stakeholders and influence leadership decisions.
• Proven capability to simplify complex commercial challenges and communicate them clearly.

Responsibilities

• Lead high-value procurement initiatives across Networks, Technology and Finance.
• Develop sourcing strategies, manage negotiations and protect commercial interests.
• Embed supplier management and ensure compliance with regulations and CSR.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Strategic sourcing

Supplier management

Data informed decisions

Job description

Location: Newbury + Hybrid

Salary: Excellent basic salary plus bonus and Vodafone benefits

Working hours: Full time 37.5 hours per week – Monday to Friday

Hybrid

We believe that through collaboration and connection with our colleagues we can achieve great things. Our hybrid working approach allows our people to work both in the office and at home, providing the flexibility and resources you need to succeed in your role. We don't require you to be in on specific days; instead, we ask people to come into the office 2-3 days each week, for at least 8 days per month. You should work with your line manager to understand what their expectations are for you, your specific role and your team.

Who We Are

We’re here to build a network the UK can count on – one that connects people, places and potential. Because no matter where you live, what your background is, or how you get online – we think everyone deserves the same chance to stay connected, and with VodafoneThree, that future’s being built – today.

We’re creating more than the UK’s best network. We’re helping close the digital divide, empower communities and drive meaningful progress.

We believe that everyone should feel they belong. Whoever you are and whatever your story, there’s space for you here. We’re building a workplace where different perspectives are welcomed, voices are heard, and everyone feels safe to show up as themselves.

You’ll join a team that genuinely cares – about each other, about our customers, and about the future we’re building. From day one, you’ll be welcomed, valued and encouraged to bring your whole self to work.

Why VodafoneThree

Join us and you’ll be at the heart of change. That means building responsibly, investing sustainably and creating opportunities that last.

We’re not just expanding connectivity; we’re reimagining what a connected nation looks like. With £11bn invested in 5G and digital infrastructure, your work will directly power businesses, services, and communities across the country.

You’ll work on real challenges, with real impact, across every corner of the country. Wherever you join us, whatever your role, you’ll be helping to build a future that works better for everyone.

We move at pace, because what we’re building matters – and we’re learning as we go. We’re proud of the progress we’ve made, but we’re just getting started.

Join us at the heart of our business in Corporate, one of the central support functions that underpin our business and keep us moving forward. We provide centralised support, expertise and guidance across our UK and Group operations, continuing to build on our success and trailblazing the way to our next stage of digital growth.

What you'll do

You’ll take ownership of Networks Procurement spend and strategy, using your commercial expertise and market insight to influence key investment decisions. Working collaboratively across Procurement, Networks, Technology, Finance, Legal and supplier teams, you’ll provide constructive challenge and thought leadership while developing sourcing strategies that support VodafoneThree’s wider business ambitions.

• You’ll anticipate future procurement challenges and develop sourcing strategies that deliver the best possible commercial outcomes.
• You’ll create and maintain category plans aligned to business priorities, identifying a strong pipeline of procurement opportunities.
• You’ll use market intelligence, data and commercial insight to inform business cases and investment decisions and encourage innovative thinking.
• You’ll lead complex, high-value sourcing initiatives using strategic sourcing, e-Procurement and e-auctioning approaches where appropriate.
• You’ll lead and support high-value commercial and contractual negotiations, partnering with stakeholders and Legal to protect VodafoneThree’s commercial and operational interests.
• You’ll help embed strategic supplier management into purchasing decisions and support effective handovers to contract and partner management teams.
• You’ll collaborate across VodafoneThree and wider Group companies to maximise commercial leverage in the marketplace.
• You’ll use market intelligence, analytics and procurement best practice to optimise value and proactively manage supply-chain risks.
• You’ll ensure procurement activity complies with relevant corporate, regulatory, quality, environmental and corporate social responsibility requirements.

Who you are

• You’ll get significant experience of delivering substantial end-to-end procurement programmes within large, complex organisations.
• You’ll have strong experience partnering with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making at senior leadership level.
• You’ll be an engaging relationship builder who can collaborate effectively with people at all levels, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be able to simplify complex commercial challenges and communicate them clearly and confidently.
• You’ll bring a strategic and creative mindset, with the ability to turn a vision into clear, structured and achievable plans.
• You’ll have excellent negotiation, commercial and problem-solving skills.
• You’ll have experience helping teams develop complex, business-wide categories, budget and supplier strategies.
• You’ll get significant experience managing complex, high-value commercial disputes of £10m+ through successful resolution.
• You’ll have deep expertise across procurement fundamentals, including contract law, negotiation, market dynamics, commercial strategy, strategic sourcing and supply management.
• You’ll be comfortable working collaboratively in a highly visible role where your insight and expertise will help shape important commercial decisions.

What we offer

We care about our people’s success by offering great pay, bonuses, up to 28 days off plus bank holidays, and paid time for charity work. You can personalise our benefits for you and your family, like discounts, vouchers, a pension plan and loads more. We help with your career through our amazing learning tools and top-notch parental leave policies.

Need to Know

We are regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and all offers of employment for this role are subject to background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks to meet the regulators standards.

If you require any reasonable adjustments or have an accessibility request as part of your recruitment journey, for example, extended time or breaks in between online assessments, a sign language interpreter, or assistive technology, please refer to the Accessibility section of our Careers website (https://careers.vodafone.com/uk/reasonable-adjustments/) for guidance.

We use AI in different parts of our business to boost innovation, improve efficiency, and create new opportunities. We know many candidates use AI to fine-tune their CVs or prepare for interviews, but what we really care about is your unique experiences and achievements.

During the interview, we want you to rely on your own knowledge and skills to show us who you really are—your personality, creativity, and abilities. Above all, we’re looking for authenticity and can’t wait to get to know the real you.

#VodafoneThree

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