A fantastic opportunity has arisen to join our Procurement Team as a Procurement Manager, with a primary focus on supporting our IT function.

As part of this role, you’ll be supporting stakeholders across our society to help deliver our five year strategic roadmap. There will also be a wider remit to lead on some Independent Co-op Consortium Procurements.

You will be managing procurement projects, procuring goods and services (GNFR) to achieve best value, whilst building both long-term relationships and meeting wider sustainability objectives, all aligned to our procurement policy.

The role requires the successful candidate to be a self-starter, great at project management and managing stakeholder relationships. You will need to have an innovative approach, focusing on simplification, as we drive efficiencies and increase productivity working with our suppliers.

The role will be key in supporting our Senior Procurement Manager in delivering our strategy across our society and you will work with our outsourced legal provider in drafting contracts, so experience of working with contracts would be of a distinct advantage.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and driven individual to join us in this role, utmost we are looking for an individual who is curious by nature and will challenge the status quo.

Ideally, you’ll bring 5+ years demonstratable experience of working in a Category Management procurement role, with experience of working with data and procurement systems. Experience of working across various areas of IT would be advantageous, and working with large suppliers such as Microsoft. 

Experience of working in other GNFR categories would be beneficial, as from time to time, you will be asked to support projects from other categories.

Whilst this role has no direct reports, you will be asked to support and mentor apprentices in the team from time to time. A strong team player- you will need to be able to demonstrate your ability to work collaboratively with colleagues, as well as showing curiosity and a confidence to challenge where appropriate.

OurCoop is the UK’s largest independent co-operative Society, with more than one million Members and 13,000 colleagues operating in communities nationwide. It was formed by bringing together Central Co-op, The Midcounties Co-operative and Chelmsford Star Co-op to create a stronger, member-owned organisation rooted in shared co-operative values.

The Society trades nationally through its family of businesses while remaining deeply rooted in local communities. Its footprint spans Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire, Wiltshire and Bedfordshire in the South and West; the Midlands including Derbyshire, Staffordshire and Northamptonshire; the North including Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and Yorkshire; and the East of England, including Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk.

 OurCoop and its family of businesses are trading names of Central England Co-operative Limited.

Why join us?

The enthusiasm and commitment of our colleagues is what keeps our customers coming back, and every role plays an important part in making a real difference each day.

As a co-operative built on the values of equity, solidarity and community, we believe our colleagues should be recognised and rewarded for the contribution they make.

That's why we offer a competitive salary, generous holiday entitlement that increases with service, and a wide range of colleague benefits. From colleague discounts, recognition programmes and personalised learning and development opportunities to paid volunteering time and enhanced family friendly policies, we're committed to helping our colleagues feel valued, supported and able to thrive.

Wellbeing is a priority for us, and we provide a range of benefits and support designed to help colleagues look after their physical, mental and financial wellbeing. Whatever stage of life you're at, we're here to help you achieve your personal and professional goals.