Join to apply for the Senior Procurement Manager role at WHSmith

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. The Procurement team works in a dynamic, fast paced environment, collaborating with stakeholders and suppliers to respond to the needs of the business.

The role of a Senior Procurement Manager is to promote Group Procurement to deliver high standards by consulting, influencing internally and externally to develop and implement effective procurement strategies optimising total value across the wider group.

What you will be doing:

• Leading and developing category strategies considering both domestic and international business requirements. Categories may include Professional Services, HR and Supply Chain
• Partnering with senior stakeholders to meet our future business requirements and drive innovation within the category
• Responsible for delivery of cost reduction, risk mitigation and control of annual category spend
• Leading multi-million pound projects and contract negotiations. Managing the end-to-end tender process (RFI/RFP) incorporating the stakeholders business requirements /specification and relevant measurement criteria (KPI’s and SLA’s)
• Implementing SRM processes for categories, driving performance, innovation and cost savings during contract term
• Optimising total value by liaising with stakeholders/budget holders to ensure goals and targets fully understood and facilitated by effective procurement delivery
• Supporting continuous improvement processes within the team and with stakeholders
• Leading and mentoring procurement team members

What we are looking for:

• At least 5 years Procurement experience at manager level across multiple categories, ideally Professional Services, HR and Supply Chain. CIPS qualification ideal but not essential
• Experience of managing direct reports
• Strong drive for results, with ability to manage competing priorities and work in a fast paced environment
• Strong commercial acumen with proven negotiation skills and strong analytical skills
• Ability to establish strong working relationships internally and externally, with the ability to influence at all levels
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Resilience and ability to deliver high quality work within tight timeframes
• Contract law and contract drafting experience

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. As a diverse group of over 5,000 colleagues, we are on a shared journey to a better business through commitments to our planet, people and the communities we serve.

WHSmith has long been part of our customers’ hearts, with stores and brands in airports, hospitals, railway stations, and more. We foster an entrepreneurial culture built on pace, collaboration and innovation.

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