Senior Procurement Manager

Hi! We're UW. We’re on a mission to take the headache out of utilities by providing them all in one place. One bill for energy, broadband, mobile and insurance and a whole lot of savings!

We’re aiming to double in size as we help more people to stop wasting time and money. Big ambitions, to be delivered by people like you.

Got your attention? Read on…

We put people first. It’s all about you..

It's an exciting time at UW as we continue to grow the business. It's also critical that we build a sustainable and efficient business for the future. As part of that strategy, we're looking to transform our Procurement function to drives strategic sourcing and optimized procurement activity across the organisation. We're looking for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager with exceptional relationship building skills to join us on the journey.

Here's some of the key skills, experience and competencies we're looking for:

• Significant experience in a senior procurement role across multiple categories and sectors (e.g., professional services, IT, marketing, operations, utilities, etc.)
• Proven experience of translating procurement activity into tangible financial benefit and delivering significant cost savings
• Experience working in or alongside de-centralised procurement functions in complex matrixed organisations
• Demonstrable experience of working cross-functionally specifically with Commercial, Finance and Legal teams
• Proven ability to lead procurement initiatives and cross-functional projects from concept through delivery.
• MCIPS qualification or equivalent is desirable
• Experience within a fast-paced and evolving FTSE 250+ organisation will set you in good stead to navigate the business
• Experience of implementing Procurement software would be beneficial but not essential - as long as you bring knowledge and an enthusiasm for driving change and optimising through technology!

We work together. Your team and the people you will work with…

You'll report to the Senior Group Financial Controller and align into the Finance function. The role will manage a small team of Procurement specialists. Cross-functional working is critical in this role and you will work closely with key stakeholders with procurement accountabilities across the organisation (e.g Commercial, Technology and Legal)

We deliver progress. What you’ll do and how you will make an impact

• Set up and develop a hybrid Procurement approach at UW that ensures the business has standardised and best practice approaches to procuring services and goods.
• Support and partner with in-function Procurement leads, who manage spend independently, to develop procurement tools, processes and reporting that are consistent, trackable, scalable and adaptable.
• Turn procurement activities into measurable financial benefit, developing a central view of all procurement activity, ensuring alignment with financial targets and organisational priorities.
• Drive cost efficiencies across multiple procurement categories by identifying and executing opportunities for cost reduction, supplier consolidation, and value creation across UW contracts and procurement activity.
• Collaborate closely with Finance Business Partners to forecast, track, and report savings and procurement impact across UW.
• Partner with the Legal team to ensure robust contract governance, compliance, and risk mitigation in all sourcing and supplier agreements.
• Lead or support high value or cross-functional procurement projects, applying project management disciplines to deliver procurement initiatives on time, within budget, and with clear outcomes.
• Develop and implement business-wide procurement strategies, policies, and frameworks that support operational excellence and long-term sustainability but allow for department-specific approaches.
• Identify opportunities to leverage existing or new technologies to improve visibility and efficiency of procurement processes across the business.
• Maintain strong supplier relationships and lead negotiations that deliver favourable commercial outcomes while ensuring service quality.
• Champion and drive best practices in procurement, compliance, and supplier performance management across UW

So why pick UW?

We’ve got big ambitions so there’s going to be plenty of challenges. There are also a lot of benefits:

• An industry benchmarked salary. We’ll share it during your first conversation.
• Share Options and a Save as You Earn scheme.
• Hybrid working, with 2 days in the office. (We’re definitely open to discussing flexible working arrangements)
• Electric Car salary sacrifice scheme through Tusker
• Discount on our services and you get our coveted Cashback Card for free. You’ll also get access to 100s of rewards and discounts through Perkbox
• A matched contribution pension scheme and life assurance up to 4x your salary. You can also access free mortgage advice and a financial wellbeing tool.
• Family-friendly policies, designed to help you and your family thrive.
• Discounted private health insurance, access to an Employee Assistance line and a free Virtual GP. Our wellbeing app Unmind supports your mental health.
• Belonging groups that help UW shape an even more inclusive future.
• A commitment to helping you develop your career journey through learning, coaching and new experiences

Apply here!

You’ve got this far… Hit apply - we can’t wait to hear from you! Worried you don’t hit all the criteria? We welcome applications from diverse and varied backgrounds so get your application in and let’s chat!

Claire Fennell will be your point of contact throughout the recruitment process. Please note, Claire's OOO until Monday 29th September so you application will be reviewed on her return!

Additional Information

Not sure you meet all the requirements? Let us decide! Research shows that women and members of other underrepresented groups tend not to apply for jobs if they think they may not meet every qualification, when in fact they often do.

We provide equal opportunities, a diverse and inclusive work environment, and fairness for everyone. You are welcome to apply no matter your age, disability, gender, marriage or civil partnership status, pregnancy and maternity status, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. Please don’t be afraid to ask about what we can do to support your needs. All requests will be carefully and fairly considered.

Please note, if you are successful and offered a role at UW, you will be subject to a background check. Where checks are unsatisfactory or incomplete and/or a failure to reveal information relating to convictions that you are required to identify as part of the background checks, could lead to withdrawal of an offer of employment.