Job Description
Procurement Manager - Hybrid - Herefordshire
Role Summary
This role sits at the heart of operational and programme delivery, taking ownership of procurement activity across a broad operations-led portfolio, with flexibility to support investment and programme-funded work where required.
As Procurement Manager, you will act as a hands-on commercial lead, shaping sourcing strategies, engaging the supply market, and delivering compliant procurement outcomes that balance risk, value, and performance. The position requires confidence operating within regulated frameworks, strong stakeholder management skills, and the ability to drive procurements from initial concept through to contract mobilisation and delivery.
The scope of work will span both day-to-day operational requirements and longer-term programmes, supporting critical services such as environmental works, operational control activities, and MRO supply chains, while contributing to wider organisational objectives around resilience, efficiency, and sustainability.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Delivery & Commercial Leadership
* Lead and execute end-to-end procurement activity across operational and programme portfolios, from early market engagement through to contract award and implementation.
* Develop and implement sourcing strategies that align with business priorities, regulatory obligations, and long-term value creation.
* Manage multiple concurrent procurements, ensuring timelines, governance requirements, and commercial outcomes are met.
Regulatory Compliance & Governance
* Ensure all procurement activity is delivered in full compliance with applicable procurement legislation, including UCR 2016 and the Procurement Act 2023.
* Apply appropriate procurement routes, evaluation models, and governance controls in line with internal policies and regulatory expectations.
* Prepare and maintain robust audit trails, documentation, and approvals to support transparency and assurance.
Contracting & Commercial Management
* Lead the selection and application of NEC3/4 contract forms, including option selection and commercial mechanisms appropriate to risk and scope.
* Support contract mobilisation by working closely with operational teams, legal, and suppliers to ensure smooth transition into delivery.
* Provide commercial input during early delivery phases to manage risk, resolve issues, and support performance management.
Stakeholder & Supplier Engagement
* Partner with operational, engineering, and programme teams to understand demand, shape specifications, and challenge requirements where appropriate.
* Build effective relationships with suppliers and the wider market to promote competition, innovation, and continuous improvement.
* Act as a trusted procurement advisor, influencing stakeholders and providing clear commercial guidance.
Continuous Improvement & Value Creation
* Identify opportunities to improve procurement processes, supplier performance, and cost efficiency across the portfolio.
* Contribute to the development of category strategies, frameworks, and preferred supplier arrangements where appropriate.
* Support wider organisational objectives, including sustainability, social value, and resilience within the supply chain.
Skills, Knowledge & Experience
Essential Experience
* Demonstrable experience delivering hands-on, end-to-end procurement activity within a regulated or governance-heavy environment.
* Strong practical understanding of public or utilities procurement legislation, with experience applying UCR 2016 and/or the Procurement Act 2023.
* Proven experience managing competitive tender processes, evaluations, and contract awards across operational and programme-based spend.
* Confident use of NEC3/4 contracts, with experience selecting options and applying commercial mechanisms in live procurements.
* Background in utilities, infrastructure, environmental services, or other regulated sectors.
* Experience supporting both operational expenditure (OpEx) and capital or programme-led (TOTEX) procurement activity.
* Exposure to MRO, maintenance services, or asset-focused supply chains.
Education
* CIPS qualification (or equivalent) is desirable but not essential.
* Strong commercial judgement with a pragmatic, delivery-focused mindset.
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to operate effectively in complex, multi-disciplinary environments.
* Highly organised, resilient, and comfortable balancing compliance with pace and practical outcomes.