Procurement Manager

Job Description

The Procurement Manager develops and executes sourcing strategies across assigned spend categories, delivering commercial value and managing supplier performance. This role partners with key stakeholders across WHSmith North America to optimize cost, quality, service, risk, and sustainability.

Strategic Sourcing & Procurement

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• Develop and execute category and sourcing strategies aligned with WHSmith North America objectives.
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• Lead end-to-end sourcing, including market analysis, RFPs, supplier selection, negotiations, contracting, and onboarding.
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• Identify opportunities to reduce costs, improve service, drive innovation, and increase operational efficiency.
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• Support budgeting and forecasting through spend analysis and market intelligence.
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Stakeholder Management

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• Build strong relationships with business stakeholders and serve as a trusted procurement advisor.
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• Translate business requirements into effective sourcing strategies and commercial outcomes.
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• Support strategic initiatives, transformation programs, and new business opportunities.
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Supplier & Contract Management

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• Develop strategic supplier relationships, establish performance metrics, and lead business reviews.
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• Lead commercial negotiations to secure competitive pricing, terms, and contractual outcomes.
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• Partner with Legal and stakeholders to execute agreements, manage renewals, and address supplier performance issues.
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Risk & Governance

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• Identify and mitigate supplier, supply chain, and commercial risks.
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• Ensure supplier compliance with WHSmith policies, regulations, and contractual requirements.
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• Support supplier due diligence, risk assessments, and contract governance.
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Performance & Reporting

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• Deliver savings and procurement performance objectives.
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• Track and report spend, savings, supplier performance, and sourcing activity.
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• Use procurement data and analytics to drive decision-making and continuous improvement.
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Key Skills & Experience

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• Proven experience in Procurement, Strategic Sourcing, or Category Management.
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• Background in retail, hospitality, consumer goods, or other fast-paced commercial environments preferred.
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• Demonstrated success driving cost savings, supplier performance, and commercial improvements.
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• Strong negotiation, stakeholder management, and analytical skills.
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• Experience managing sourcing events (RFI, RFQ, RFP) and supplier contracts.
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• Proficient in Microsoft Office and procurement systems.
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Qualifications

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• Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Finance, or related field preferred.
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• CIPS, CPSM, CPSD, or similar certification desirable.
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Travel

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• Occasional travel within North America for supplier and stakeholder engagements
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