Procurement Manager – Directs
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager – Directs to join a rapidly scaling telecommunications business operating across Europe. This is a high‑impact, fast‑paced role where you will take full ownership of infrastructure procurement, including global agreements and installation / design services, supporting significant CAPEX investment across the region.
Working cross‑functionally with senior stakeholders, you will lead strategic sourcing initiatives, manage complex negotiations, and help shape a best‑in‑class procurement function within a business that is investing heavily in its supply chain capability.
What You’ll Be Doing
Strategic Procurement & Sourcing
- Lead and deliver strategic infrastructure procurement activities to support value‑driven CAPEX investment.
- Develop and execute cost‑effective sourcing strategies using preferred suppliers, framework agreements, and targeted sourcing initiatives.
- Build and maintain an Approved Vendor List and establish global supplier agreements.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in collaboration with Group stakeholders.
Supplier & Contract Management
- Own end‑to‑end RFP and tender processes from market engagement through to contract award.
- Evaluate suppliers against cost, quality, delivery, commercial risk, and sustainability criteria.
- Lead commercial and contractual negotiations, achieving favourable terms and measurable savings.
- Support the drafting and management of contracts and call‑off agreements, working closely with Legal.
- Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and disputes where required.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting
- Embed procurement within the existing Project Governance Framework.
- Ensure compliance with Group specifications, policies, and sustainability commitments.
- Maintain accurate supplier directories, contracts registers, and procurement records.
- Analyse spend, pricing, and supplier performance, producing financial reports and cost analysis.
- Raise and manage purchase orders and review supplier invoices for accuracy and compliance.
Stakeholder & Business Partnering
- Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Delivery teams across the UKI / EMEA region.
- Educate the business on procurement best practice and contract management.
- Balance competing stakeholder needs while maintaining commercial and governance integrity.
Key Focus Over the Next 12–24 Months
- Develop sourcing strategies for critical infrastructure categories.
- Establish robust global agreements and preferred supplier frameworks.
- Improve commercial terms with existing suppliers.
- Enhance procurement governance, compliance, and visibility.
- Drive measurable cost savings and service quality improvements.
What Success Looks Like
- Delivery of sustainable cost savings.
- Strong commercial and contractual outcomes.
- Improved quality, reliability, and timeliness of goods and services.
- High‑quality procurement records, reporting, and controls.
- Trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
- Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Procurement Manager or equivalent role.
- Proven ability to develop and deliver procurement strategies in a multinational environment.
- Experience procuring goods and services, including infrastructure and construction‑related categories.
- Exposure to telecoms, mechanical, electrical, or construction procurement is highly desirable.
- Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and forecasting.
- Experience operating across European and/or global markets.
Skills & Capabilities
- Expert negotiation and contract management skills.
- Advanced spend analysis and data‑driven decision‑making.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- High level of resilience and adaptability in a fast‑moving environment.
- Solid understanding of KPIs, supplier performance management, and sustainability principles.
- Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel (expert level).
- CIPS Qualified
Language Skills
- Fluency in English.
- A second European language (French, Spanish, or Finnish) at an advanced level is highly desirable.
Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to shape and mature a strategic procurement capability within a growing, investment‑heavy telecoms business. You’ll have real ownership, visibility at senior levels, and the chance to deliver tangible commercial impact across Europe.
