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.