Senior Procurement Manager - 6 month Fixed Term Contract

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to report into the Head of Procurement and Site Facilities to cover for a 6 month Fixed Term Contract. The principal objective of this role is to ensure that all WHSmith contracts are cost effective, appropriate for the now, sufficiently flexible to meet future requirements, simple and enforceable with clear KPIs, penalties and remedies.

As a key member of the Procurement leadership team this role offers the opportunity to influence and shape the services agenda across WHSmith. 

The Accountabilities

o Provide commercial, contractual and negotiation support across WHSmith
o Support the contract renewal programme
o Manage contractual relationships with suppliers
o Manage relationships with internal customers and suppliers to ensure requirements meet
  guidelines and contracts reflect the actual requirements
o Preparation and review of contract schedule to enable a timeline view of workload activity
o Reduction and control of annual non trade spend across WHSmith
o Maintenance of the contract library

The Requirements for the Role

o Qualified Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply beneficial but not essential
o Knowledge of retail procurement operational pressures and constraints beneficial Proven
  commercial contract, contract drafting and negotiation experience
o Effective communicator at all levels and ability to influence at senior level
o Effective relationship manager - for both internal and external relationships
o Excellent written and verbal communication skills
o Strong commercial awareness
o Experience of Buying and Contract Law

Why Join Us?

Whoever joins us always receives ongoing support and exciting career development opportunities. You can also expect a competitive salary and excellent benefits that includes a profit related bonus, 25 days holiday, contributory pension and store discount card. For customer focus, career focused individuals this all adds up to a unique opportunity.

If successful, candidates will be required to obtain a valid passport, undertake a criminal record check and provide 3 years of continuous educational, professional or employment references. Due to the high number of applications we receive, it is with regret that we are unable to respond to all applications and therefore will only contact short listed candidates.

"WHSmith values diversity and welcomes applications from all sections of the Community"