Senior Procurement Manager - Technology

Who we are Since 1843, The Economist Group has championed independence, excellence and openness, helping people understand and tackle the critical challenges shaping the world. Today, we are building on that legacy as a global media and information-services company powered by digital innovation, analytical rigour and evidence-based insight.

Across our three businesses
-The Economist, Economist Enterprise and Economist Education - we deliver trusted analysis and insights to individuals and organisations in more than 170 countries. United by a shared purpose to drive progress, we empower decision-makers to make sense of change and chart a course through an increasingly complex world.

As a colleague, you will be part of a culture that values ideas, encourages ownership and holds itself to high standards. We invest in people who are curious, thoughtful and adaptable, whether they are launching new products, reporting on global events or harnessing emerging technologies such as AI to improve how we work. Here, fresh thinking is taken seriously, ambition is matched by integrity, and great work is recognised.

Working across disciplines, geographies and perspectives, we are united by a commitment to innovation, excellence and creating meaningful impact.

We are looking for an experienced Senior Procurement Manager to take a leading role in the management of our technology spend and supplier landscape. With responsibility for supporting approximately 13 million of technology spend, this is a senior and influential role requiring deep technology procurement expertise, strong commercial judgement and the confidence to work closely with senior stakeholders across the business.

We are looking for someone who understands technology procurement beyond the sourcing process: someone who can build a detailed understanding of our technology portfolio and roadmap, anticipate future requirements and help shape commercial decisions before they are made.

The role

As Senior Procurement Manager, you will be a trusted partner to our Technology teams, helping us get the greatest possible value from our suppliers and investments.

You will build strong relationships across the organisation, developing a clear understanding of our technology strategy, existing vendor landscape and supplier life cycles. You will use that knowledge to identify opportunities, anticipate upcoming requirements and influence decisions through commercial insight and market expertise.

You will also take ownership of strategic sourcing and vendor management across your categories, from identifying requirements and going to market through to negotiation, contracting and ongoing supplier relationship management.

How you will contribute

Develop and implement technology sourcing and category strategies in partnership with internal stakeholders, creating robust plans aligned with The Economist Group’s priorities and ambitions.

Lead complex and high-value sourcing activity, ensuring we secure high-quality products and services on commercially competitive terms.

Develop a deep understanding of our technology portfolio, roadmap and vendor landscape, allowing Procurement to anticipate requirements rather than simply respond to them.

Build trusted relationships with Technology and other stakeholders, using your expertise to influence decisions and challenge constructively where appropriate.

Take a proactive approach to existing vendors, contracts and supplier life cycles, identifying opportunities and risks well ahead of renewal or sourcing decisions.

Lead strategic vendor and supplier relationship management following contract award, working with stakeholders to maximise value and supplier performance.

Identify and deliver sustainable commercial savings while considering the wider value, quality and risk associated with our strategic supply base.

Provide practical procurement guidance for lower-value delegated purchasing, helping colleagues make informed commercial decisions.

Work closely with colleagues in Finance, Legal and other functions to improve shared processes and create greater cross-functional efficiency.

Contribute to initiatives designed to strengthen and develop the Procurement function and its capabilities.

The experience we are looking forYou will be an established procurement professional with a strong specialism in technology procurement and experience working across the full procurement lifecycle.

You will bring:

At least five years’ experience across procurement, technology sourcing and vendor management.

Proven experience leading sourcing activity on a global scale, with a track record of delivering meaningful commercial benefits.

Strong knowledge of technology categories, markets and vendors, with the ability to turn that knowledge into practical commercial recommendations.

Excellent commercial judgement and strong negotiation skills.

Significant supplier and contract management experience, including building productive and trusted vendor relationships while proactively…