Procurement at TalkTalk is changing. We have a vision of procurement as a function that delivers TalkTalk's business strategy through its suppliers. Delivering that vision will require a small team of skilled, experienced, and credible category managers to work alongside their business stakeholders.
We're looking for people who share this vision and have the energy and hunger to drive the change we need. We're looking for people that think innovatively on how to best deliver for the business, are not constrained by a traditional procurement role, can influence in a complex and changing stakeholder landscape, and that won't take no for an answer.
This is a rare and exciting opportunity to join a new team, influence the evolution of procurement in a household brand, and make a real impact on the performance of the wider business.
Your responsibilities:
1. Understand and proactively manage TalkTalk spend in your category using comprehensive category strategies to make sure that every penny is delivering TalkTalk's business objectives. Success is defined by our impact on company KPI's including both financial and non-financial measures.
2. Identifying and prioritising opportunities where procurement can deliver value, delivering those opportunities through strategic sourcing or negotiation, putting in place appropriate contracts, and then managing performance against the resulting contracts through life
3. To represent procurement as part of relevant business area leadership teams, including Executive Committee and their direct reports
4. Building business cases and supporting them through the relevant governance
5. Being a positive and proactive member of the TalkTalk procurement team
Core skills required:
6. Able to influence challenging stakeholders and work closely with them
7. Ability to build strong relationships built on mutual trust and respect
8. Knowledge and experience of delivering value through strategic procurement activity
9. Experience running RFx processes, planning and running sourcing projects efficiently
10. Competent and skilled negotiator
11. Highly data literate with good working knowledge of Excel and the ability to derive actionable insights from complex and incomplete data sets
12. Working knowledge of financial accounting basics including P&Ls, balance sheets, and cashflow statements and the practical differences between them
13. Attention to detail while able to think strategically and long-term
14. Knowledge of commercial contracts, including drafting
15. Understanding of SRM principles, including performance and contractual management
16. Enthusiasm to grow and develop with training and attending industry events
17. Experience of working in the Telecom industry is not required
Category specific skills required:
18. Enthusiasm for sourcing, negotiation, and delivering savings to the business
19. Knowledge of Supply Chain best practices
Be Yourself. Make an Impact. Join Us.
As a recognised Top 50 Inclusive Employer in the UK, we believe that diversity fuels innovation and success. We’re committed to building a workplace that reflects the communities and customers we serve. At TalkTalk, inclusion is part of our DNA – we’re all 100% human, and we’ve created a culture where you can truly be yourself.
We’re not your traditional 9-5. We’re a dynamic, flexible workplace, and we’re excited to hear how you like to work. Whether you thrive in collaboration, focus better at home, or prefer a bit of both – let’s make it work.
What We Offer
20. Flexible hybrid working – with a minimum of 50% office presence to support teamwork and connection
21. Collaborative office spaces designed for creative thinking and innovation
22. Free on-site parking at our offices
23. Generous holiday package – 25 days annual leave, 3 wellbeing days, and your birthday off (plus the option to buy up to 10 more days!)
24. Private healthcare for all employees
25. Competitive pension scheme and performance-related bonus opportunities
26. Free broadband for all employees
27. Life event gifts – celebrating milestones like marriages and births
28. Inclusive employee networks – open to all, supporting peer connection and thought-provoking conversations
29. Salary sacrifice scheme – save on dental, gym, and more
30. Big retail and leisure discounts
31. 3 paid volunteering days a year – because making a difference matters to us too