Role Overview
Vision Express is seeking an experienced Indirect Procurement Manager to lead regional sourcing strategies, manage supplier relationships, and align operations across the UK & Nordics with global category management teams. This hybrid role is based at our Support Office in Nottingham.
Who Are We?
We're Vision Express – with over 550 stores across the UK and Ireland, we offer a variety of working environments, from vibrant city centre flagships to charming village stores and scenic coastal locations.
We're proud to be part of the EssilorLuxottica family – the global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of lenses, frames, and sunglasses. Our portfolio includes iconic brands such as Ray-Ban, Oakley, Costa, Vogue Eyewear, Persol, and Oliver Peoples, alongside over 20 prestigious licensed brands.
Who Is the Perfect Candidate?
We're looking for someone who brings:
* Proven ability to lead sourcing optimisation projects across multiple countries and complex stakeholder landscapes
* Extensive procurement experience, ideally in category management at regional or global levels within a multinational organisation
* Versatility and interest in managing a variety of purchasing categories
* Strong financial acumen, including understanding of procurement KPIs, P&L structures, business case development, make-or-buy analysis, and Procure-to-Pay processes
* A collaborative mindset, problem-solving skills, and leadership capability to navigate a complex, evolving footprint
* Proficiency in MS Office Suite (essential); experience with SAP and Ariba (preferred)
Key Responsibilities
* Manage a €30 million spend across 1,000+ stores in the UK/Ireland & Nordics, covering G&A categories including GNFR and Facility Management
* Define and implement regional sourcing strategies in alignment with Global and Regional Category Managers
* Identify synergies across Retail, Wholesale, and Operations to optimise contract performance and manage cost levers
* Lead and report on a sustainable savings plan, tracking KPIs within your area of responsibility
* Strengthen stakeholder relationships to centralise procurement and budgeting governance within EssilorLuxottica
* Support business decisions through procurement analysis and cost management for business case scenarios
* Build and manage regional vendor relationships, ensure compliance, establish Preferred Supplier lists, and harmonise vendor panels across EMEA and globally
Benefits of Working for Vision Express
* Competitive pension scheme
* Life assurance
* Free annual eyewear from day one
* Free parking at our Ruddington head office
* Opportunities to support the OneSight EssilorLuxottica Foundation
* Friends & family discounts
* Employee Assistance Programme offering confidential support
* 33 days annual leave (increasing with service), with the option to buy or sell holiday
* Flexible health benefits including Health Cash Plan, Critical Illness Cover, Dental Plan, and more
* Access to internal communities for collaboration and knowledge sharing
* Lifestyle benefits such as Gymflex, Dining Cards, Discounted Travel Insurance, Experience Days, and Cycle to Work Scheme
* …and much more