Junior Strategic Procurement Manager

We're looking for a Junior Strategic Procurement Manager to support Goods Not For Resale (GNFR) and Services procurement through hands-on tender work, benchmarking, and contract analysis to secure strong commercial terms. Improve cash flow and lock in cost savings by monitoring supplier compliance and negotiating payment terms - partnering directly with operational owners, suppliers, and Legal to resolve compliance issues and track deal progress. As a Junior Strategic Procurement Manager, you will play a key part in setting and implementing best practise across the business. This role is based in Watford with UK travel as required.

What you'll be doing:

Lead tender and benchmarking projects across GNFR, moving between commercial contract analysis and leading full project delivery and final supplier approval.

Identify opportunities across the business to drive cost savings and/or improve service.

Create business cases for proposal authorisation.

Where variations from Wickes standard terms are needed or compliance issues are identified, work with suppliers and Wickes Legal team to agree updated terms.

Maintain and manage the relationships with suppliers. This can include:

- Organising and attending QBRs

- Reviewing and negotiating CPI requests

- Organising contract renewals

- Measuring and monitoring supplier performance KPIs to ensure contracted deliverables are being met

Updating policies and documenting internal processes to help with compliance across the business

Influencing across the organisation to implement best practices and achieve sustainable results

Assisting Category Managers in Goods For Resale and Goods Not For Resale on strategy, contracts, and best practice

What we're looking for:

Ideally of graduate calibre, we expect you to have at least 2 years of strategic procurement experience to be successful in the role and have an understanding of a store environment. We're looking for proven influencing skills across all levels of a business and strong data analysis skills. As well as this we're looking for:

Exceptional collaboration skills, working in cross-functional teams

Strong problem solving skills

Good knowledge of Google/Microsoft office applications

Adaptable, resilient, organised and driven including self motivation

A full UK driving licence

CIPS qualification would be beneficial but not essential

What can we offer you?

You'll be supported with fantastic learning and development and have the opportunity to grow and develop your career with us. We also have an early careers network to support you if you're in your first few years of your career.

We'll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:

• Competitive bonus

• Save-as-you-earn scheme

• Private Medical and Life Assurance

• Enhanced contributory pension scheme

• Colleague discount

• Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme

Our widely recognised wellbeing strategy is something we're proud of at Wickes. As part of this, we offer a range of health and wellbeing benefits and support, including an Employee Assistance Programme, financial education & loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.

By giving you the support you need to do well at work, and the flexibility to make life work for you. We are giving you a career that doesn't put your life on hold. Where you can be yourself, do your best work, and make a positive difference every day.

About Us:

Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market. With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues. But it is our culture that is considered our best kept secret; it's a collaborative, down to earth, fun and inclusive environment where people feel part of a winning team. All our colleagues come from different backgrounds, but what we all have in common is a determination to succeed and a passion for being the best we can be. If that sounds like you, we'll make you feel right at home.

"We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues' wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

We're a Disability Confident Employer and committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from disabled people and are committed to providing an accessible recruitment process and workplace for everyone. If you require any support or reasonable adjustments, please let us know here."