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
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Lead and deliver strategic infrastructure procurement activities to support value‑driven CAPEX investment.
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Develop and execute cost‑effective sourcing strategies using preferred suppliers, framework agreements, and targeted sourcing initiatives.
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Build and maintain an Approved Vendor List and establish global supplier agreements.
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Identify, evaluate, and onboard new suppliers in collaboration with Group stakeholders.
Supplier & Contract Management
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Own end‑to‑end RFP and tender processes from market engagement through to contract award.
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Evaluate suppliers against cost, quality, delivery, commercial risk, and sustainability criteria.
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Lead commercial and contractual negotiations, achieving favourable terms and measurable savings.
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Support the drafting and management of contracts and call‑off agreements, working closely with Legal.
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Manage contracts throughout their lifecycle, including performance reviews, issue resolution, and disputes where required.
Governance, Compliance & Reporting
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Embed procurement within the existing Project Governance Framework.
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Ensure compliance with Group specifications, policies, and sustainability commitments.
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Maintain accurate supplier directories, contracts registers, and procurement records.
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Analyse spend, pricing, and supplier performance, producing financial reports and cost analysis.
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Raise and manage purchase orders and review supplier invoices for accuracy and compliance.
Stakeholder & Business Partnering
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Partner closely with Operations, Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Delivery teams across the UKI / EMEA region.
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Educate the business on procurement best practice and contract management.
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Balance competing stakeholder needs while maintaining commercial and governance integrity.
Key Focus Over the Next 12–24 Months
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Develop sourcing strategies for critical infrastructure categories.
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Establish robust global agreements and preferred supplier frameworks.
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Improve commercial terms with existing suppliers.
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Enhance procurement governance, compliance, and visibility.
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Drive measurable cost savings and service quality improvements.
What Success Looks Like
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Delivery of sustainable cost savings.
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Strong commercial and contractual outcomes.
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Improved quality, reliability, and timeliness of goods and services.
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High‑quality procurement records, reporting, and controls.
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Trusted partnerships with internal stakeholders.
What We’re Looking For
Experience & Knowledge
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Minimum 5 years’ experience in a Procurement Manager or equivalent role.
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Proven ability to develop and deliver procurement strategies in a multinational environment.
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Experience procuring goods and services, including infrastructure and construction‑related categories.
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Exposure to telecoms, mechanical, electrical, or construction procurement is highly desirable.
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Strong financial acumen, including budgeting, planning, and forecasting.
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Experience operating across European and/or global markets.
Skills & Capabilities
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Expert negotiation and contract management skills.
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Advanced spend analysis and data‑driven decision‑making.
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Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
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High level of resilience and adaptability in a fast‑moving environment.
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Solid understanding of KPIs, supplier performance management, and sustainability principles.
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Proficiency with ERP systems and Excel (expert level).
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CIPS Qualified
Language Skills
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Fluency in English.
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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.
