Procurement Manager

At WHSmith our people are at the heart of everything we do. They are the ones that go the extra mile for our customers. The ones that enable our growth.  That’s why our Procurement team is passionate about creating an environment where people can be creative and trailblazing to do their best work.  
 
The role of a Procurement Manager - IT is to promote Group Procurement to deliver high standards by consulting, influencing internally and externally to implement and deliver effective procurement strategies optimising total value across the wider group. You will provide category expertise, working as part of the Group Procurement Indirect team responsible for buying Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) and Services on behalf of the WH Smith Group. This role will report into a Senior Procurement Manager 

 

What you will be doing: 

 

• Rationalising and developing the supplier base. 

• Planning and managing categories tactically and strategically to incorporate UK, European and Global sourcing strategies.  

• Optimising total value by liaising with stakeholders/budget holders to ensure goals and targets fully understood and facilitated by effective procurement delivery.  

• Managing the end-to-end tender process (RFI/RFP) incorporating the stakeholders business requirements /specification and relevant measurement criteria (KPI’s and SLA’s).  

• Supporting the regular contract review and renewal process.  

• Leading small to medium size projects and contract negotiations.  

• Supporting tenders and the negotiation process for large and complex contracts.  

• Supporting agile procurement of small capital items to tight deadlines.  

• Supporting the delivery of cost reduction, risk mitigation and control of annual category spend across WHS.  

• Providing category level commercial, contractual and negotiation support to stakeholders across the Group.  

• Managing contractual negotiations and relationships with suppliers during the contracting process.  

• Supporting continuous improvement processes within the team and with stakeholders.  
• This role will include Global tenders, which may include travel to US at times and flexing hours to attend Teams meetings in other time zones. 
   

  

What we are looking for:   

• Knowledge and understanding of IT procurement, especially in the areas of Managed/Outsourced Services, Professional Services, Fixed and Mobile Telecoms, Hardware and Software Maintenance, SaaS and IaaS agreements, and Software Licensing. 

• At least 5 years procurement experience with similar accountabilities (CIPS qualifications will be considered but are not essential). Minimum of last 2 years’ experience working within IT category.

• Contract Law and contract drafting experience.  

• Strong commercial acumen is essential, with proven negotiation skills and strong analytical skills.  

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.  

• Ability to establish strong working relationships internally and externally, with the ability to influence at all levels.  

• Indirect category experience essential for both Goods and Services. 

• Intermediate/Advanced level capability in using Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Teams. 

• Ability to prioritise, work under pressure and operate to tight deadlines.

 

How we reward our teams: 

 

• Hybrid Working Model from home and in the office 
• 4pm Friday Finish 
• Flexible Working 
• 25 Days holiday, plus your Birthday off, plus Bank Holidays with an opportunity to buy extra days holiday  
• Family Friendly Leave 
• Company Pension scheme 
• Sharesave Scheme 
• Annual Bonus based on company and personal performance 
• Competitive Salary and Car Allowance 
• Private Medical
• Staff Discount Card for stores and online 

About us: 

Celebrating over 230 years, we’re proud to have grown and evolved into a globally recognised brand present in over 30 countries around the world, and we’re proud to be that air of familiarity people love and trust on their journey, both in life and through life. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.  

 

Our UK Travel office is based in a buzzing part of central London close to Liverpool Street Station. We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture. It’s perfect for people who are happy to use their initiative and embrace life outside their comfort zone.  

 

At WHSmith, we’re all about creating an inclusive and welcoming workplace where everyone can be themselves and do their best. No matter your background, age, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, race or ethnicity, marital status, religion, sex, sexual orientation or anything else that makes you, you—you’re welcome here. 

We’re also open to flexible working where possible, so if that’s something you need, let’s chat. And if you need any adjustments during the selection process, just let our Talent Acquisition team know—we’re happy to help!