Procurement Manager
Based; Swindon
Salary competitive + car allowance and medical

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 in order to do their best work.  

The role of a Procurement Manager 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 International 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

 

What we are looking for:

At least 5 years procurement experience with similar accountabilities (CIPS qualifications will be considered, but are not essential)

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 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 12,000 colleagues, we are all on the same journey to a better business through our commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve. 

WHSmith have occupied our place in our customers’ hearts for over two decades. You’ll find our stores and our family of brands in airports, hospitals, railway stations, on high streets and in shopping centres – as well as right across the world! We are an ambitious team that thrives on pace, collaboration and innovation, resulting in a real entrepreneurial culture.

WHSmith are proud to be an inclusive employer, we want our colleagues to feel welcome, and free to be themselves with us.