Job Title

Procurement Manager Find out more about this role by reading the information below, then apply to be considered.Permanent Based in Solihull or London (3 days in office / 2 days at home) We are looking for a Procurement Manager to join our friendly and dynamic team here at Waterstones in either our Piccadilly, London or Solihull office. This is a new role where you will be responsible for ensuring Waterstones acquires necessary goods and services efficiently, cost-effectively, and with high quality, while managing supplier relationships and mitigating risks.This is a diverse role where you will be able to strategise and negotiate with suppliers and vendors, and ensure purchases of products, equipment, and services across the company align with the company's strategic objectives.This role will also require you to embed a strong, compliant and effective procurement to pay process embedded across the company and roll out a PO process. What you will be doingConduct research to source the best products and suppliers in terms of best value, delivery schedules, and qualityRun tenders, evaluate bids, and make recommendations based on commercial and technical factorsNegotiate and agree contracts, monitoring the quality of service providedDevelop and maintain excellent relationships with teams who procure services or goods across the business. Help them understand how you can help them in their role and the importance of good procurement governanceBuild and maintain good relationships with new and existing suppliersLiaise between suppliers, manufacturers and relevant internal teamsForecast levels of demand for services and productsDevelop and implement a procurement to pay strategy ensuring strong compliance. Work with other relevant stakeholders to roll out a PO process across the companyDevelop strategies to ensure cost savings and supplier performance targets are met or exceededEnsure the security and sustainability of sources of essential products and servicesForecast price trends and their impact on future activitiesAnalyse data and produce reports and statistics on spending and savingUndertake value for money reviews of existing contracts and arrangementsEnsure suppliers are aware of business objectivesKeep up to date with trends and innovations, regulation, and new technology that can impact the businessWhat we need from youExperience in procurement, purchasing, or supply chain management, ideally within retail.Proven track record of managing procurement activities, including strategic sourcing, contract negotiations, and supplier relationship management.Experience with or comfortable working in a stand-alone procurement role.Experience in running tenders, evaluating bids, and making recommendations.Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timely and cost-effective delivery.Experience in monitoring and managing the quality of service provided by suppliers.Experience in developing and implementing procurement compliance. Ability to forecast levels of demand for services and products.Experience in undertaking value for money reviews of existing contracts.Ability to analyse data and produce reports and statistics on spending and saving.Experience and proven ability in developing strong internal relationships.Strong knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)Knowledge of procurement regulations and compliance requirements.Person ProfileExcellent attention to detail in contract management, supplier evaluations, and analysisExcellent verbal and written communication skills for interacting with suppliers, internal teams, and stakeholders.Strong analytical skills to assess market trends, supplier performance, and procurement data.Confident in making decisions and leading on all procurement activities, working as a stand-alone procurement expert to the business.Highly organised.Approachable and ability to build excellent relationships both internally and externally.Why work for WaterstonesAt Waterstones, everything we do is about our customers, and we work hard to provide them with the best possible shopping experience, one that will make them want to visit time and time again. We strive to consistently deliver fantastic customer service, whether recommending a book or a gift, keeping our shops beautifully stocked, helping out in our lovely Caf Ws, or keeping the wheels turning efficiently behind the scenes. Working with us, you will get to use your expertise and enthusiasm to bring to our customers the irreplaceable pleasures of a good bookshop (including a virtual one).In return, you will be working in a role that can make a real difference to Waterstones, work in a friendly and dynamic team and get to benefit from our excellent discount in shops and waterstones.com.If you have the relevant essential experience and you are interested, we would love to hear from you.