Procurement Operations Lead

This role is a key part of the wider Procurement function which is focused on delivering best value for money and promoting ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) and Social Value benefits through sourcing and contracting. Key responsibilities of this role will include ownership and management of ‘low-value’ / ‘low-risk’ contracts across a wide range of categories and will involve sourcing and tendering, supplier and contract management, negotiation and contract drafting. The role will also contribute to the FRH procurement annual savings target.

They will lead a team of Buyers and provide commercial guidance and expertise, working closely with the wider procurement team and business to ensure success. This role promotes good risk-management and outstanding service delivery, enabling us to achieve our vision of becoming a best-in-class function within our industry. The Procurement Operations Lead will also provide support on ad-hoc projects as directed by the Head of Procurement – Fleet & Engineering.

Your main responsibilities will be:

In collaboration with others, design, implement and manage the process for all centrally managed contract renewals to ensure no un-planned contracts expire across the portfolio.
Ensure the process is robust, fit-for-purpose and effective.
Lead a small team of [Buyers], providing guidance, training and support as required to deliver the objectives of the role.
Collaborate with the wider procurement team to understand current and future needs, ensuring no contract ‘falls between the gaps’, taking full accountability of the ongoing pipeline and liaising with procurement colleagues to ensure roles and responsibilities are understood in relation to pipeline delivery.
Work closely with wider business stakeholders promoting procurement policy and processes to raise the function’s profile through clear communication and engagement.
Track and manage performance metrics such that success is measured and achieved, submitting reports on a regular basis as part of a good governance structure.

As a minimum, you will need to have:

Demonstratable accuracy and thoroughness with an ability to look for ways to improve processes and tools with effective change management.

Excellent sourcing and negotiation skills.

Excellent understanding of contract law, across a wide range of categories.

Ability to work independently, using initiative and managing multiple tasks at any one time.

Innovative problem-solving skills combined with a solution-oriented mindset.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with an ability to build credibility with internal and external stakeholders.

Developed influencing skills in managing effective working relationships with key stakeholders at all levels.

A high level of proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Desirable:

CIPS qualified or working knowledge / experience of end-to-end Procurement processes.
Experience of working in the rail & bus sectors.
Deeper experience of IT categories.
Working knowledge of procurement legislation and process (specifically Utilities Contract Regulations).

We value our differences such as age, gender, LGBTQIA+, ethnicity, religion, and disability. We maintain a zero tolerance towards any form of prejudice towards our colleagues, customers, and future talent.

We celebrate and encourage diversity of thought, progressive ways of working and seeing all our colleagues grow and thrive.

We review all roles and job descriptions to ensure they are accessible and, where possible, we support and provide flexible working options; we recommend that you refer to each vacancy description for further details.

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