Central Procurement Manager

Central Procurement Manager - National Infrastructure Frameworks
Manchester
£55,000 to £65,000 + car & package

A major UK design-and-build contractor operating across the utilities sector is expanding its central procurement function to meet increased framework delivery demands with the addition of a Central Procurement Manager within their team in Manchester. The successful candidate will quickly become an integral part of my clients procurement team who operate across multiple long-term alliances with responsibility for complex, high-value infrastructure projects.

Role Overview
The Central Procurement Manager will lead the strategic procurement function, driving category strategy, supplier governance, and operational alignment across multiple business units. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and is based near Manchester with hybrid working. It requires leadership of a central team delivering procurement governance, category management, and supplier performance improvement.

Key Responsibilities
Leadership

• Lead and develop a high-performing central procurement team
• Oversee performance management, resource allocation, and training plans
• Act as escalation point for procurement issues and decision-making
• Foster a results-driven and compliant team culture

Supplier Management

• Oversee supplier onboarding and compliance audits
• Ensure adherence to internal and client governance frameworks
• Manage supplier performance and drive measurable improvement
• Lead strategic supplier reviews and approve final evaluations

Category and Framework Management

• Develop and implement category strategies that drive value and innovation
• Execute procurement programmes across frameworks to deliver cost efficiency
• Analyse market trends and risks to inform category planning
• Lead end-to-end tendering processes, negotiations, and contract awards
• Manage supplier segmentation and category performance reporting

Governance and Process Improvement

• Enforce compliance with procurement policies, contracts, and legislation
• Drive standardisation and process optimisation across procurement operations
• Promote sustainable and ethical sourcing in line with ESG commitments
• Oversee integrity of procurement systems and data accuracy

Performance and Reporting

• Produce board-level reports on procurement performance and supplier stability
• Track KPIs across category and team performance metrics
• Represent the procurement function with internal and external stakeholders

Essential Requirements

• Senior-level procurement experience with proven category management capability
• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of contract law and supply chains
• Demonstrated success in cost reduction, process improvement, and risk control
• Leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary procurement teams
• Proficient in P2P systems, Excel, Power BI, and reporting tools
• Skilled communicator and negotiator, able to engage at executive level
• Organised, decisive, and delivery-focused

Desirable Requirements

• MCIPS qualification or active progression toward certification
• Experience in regulated or complex project environments (utilities, infrastructure, manufacturing, or engineering)
• Knowledge of ISO frameworks, ESG governance, and ethical procurement standards

Benefits and Development

• Starting salary of £55,000 to £65,000
• £5,000 car/travel allowance
• Hybrid working model
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with purchase option
• Contributory pension, life assurance, and private medical cover
• Health insurance, cycle-to-work scheme, and employee savings platform
• Structured leadership development and progression within a national delivery business

If you're an experienced Central Procurement Manager keen on joining an established and growing business, get in touch with Matt Clegg at Gold Group today for a confidential chat.

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