Procurement Manager

As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we move lives forward every day by building, managing and supporting thriving Communities. From new homes, social housing and student accommodation to leisure, education and Community initiatives, our work makes a positive difference to millions of People across the UK. And that takes People who care about doing the right thing. People who are ambitious, ready to grow and motivated to make a difference through the work they do.

We're looking for Colleagues who bring energy, curiosity and ownership. People who enjoy being challenged, support those around them and want to keep raising the bar. Because when we perform at our best, we create more opportunities to invest in our Customers, our Communities and each other.

Experience matters, but it's only part of the story. If you share our values and want to build a career where your work has real impact, we'd love to hear from you.

As our Procurement Manager, you will create and manage high-value frameworks and dynamic markets for Procurement Hub, delivering complex procurement projects across several categories. You will manage tendering and negotiation processes from start to finish, ensuring best value, legislative compliance and the effective management of commercial and contractual risk.

Working with Customers, internal stakeholders, legal advisers and consultants, you will develop robust procurement documents and provide technical advice during Customer meetings. You will use your knowledge of the market to engage suppliers, manage strategic relationships and respond to procurement queries. You may also deliver supplier management and consultancy services that support the continued growth of Procurement Hub.

This role is based in Preston around 2 days a week.

At Places for People we are committed to a safe working environment so a basic DBS check is mandatory.

• Experience in a relevant procurement role.
• An understanding of the Procurement Act.
• Experience managing several complex or high-value procurement projects at the same time.
• Practical knowledge of procurement legislation, procedures and compliant tendering or negotiation processes.
• Experience developing strategic stakeholder relationships and producing analytical reports or procurement documentation

You can take ownership of complex procurement activity and guide projects through to successful, on-time delivery. You are confident influencing stakeholders, explaining technical procurement matters and balancing value with compliance, commercial priorities and contractual risk.

You will be comfortable reviewing and creating operational policies and procedures, working across Microsoft Office products and using data to inform clear recommendations. Experience of e-tendering platforms, Salesforce or procurement within housing, the public sector or a procurement consortium would be an advantage.

We know rewarding work deserves rewarding benefits. That's why, alongside a competitive salary, you'll have access to a package designed to support you at work and beyond.

You'll receive:

• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Bonus scheme for colleagues at 2%
• 35 days holiday (including bank holidays) with the option to buy or sell days
• Healthcare cashback plan for everyday medical costs, with private GP and health support services available
• Comprehensive wellbeing support including counselling, flu jabs, our Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) and access to our Wellbeing Hub, supporting your mental, physical and financial wellbeing
• Access to Our Place Rewards, offering discounts and savings on groceries, travel, shopping, home products and other lifestyle purchases
• Ongoing training, professional qualifications, internal development programmes and career progression opportunities
• Recognition programmes including Star Awards and Colleague Awards, celebrating achievements and recognising great work
• Strong focus on inclusion, wellbeing and colleague engagement
• Free membership to Places Gyms
• Life Assurance to provide financial security for your loved ones, alongside access to will writing services to help you plan for the future with confidence