Junior Strategic Procurement Manager
Full Time
Watford, Hertfordshire
Competitive
Job Description

<span id="docs-internal-guid-63b0659d-7fff-0b09-d382-028aca1ac488"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What you’ll be doing:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Lead tender and benchmarking projects across GNFR, moving between commercial contract analysis and leading full project delivery and final supplier approval.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Identify opportunities across the business to drive cost savings and/or improve service.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Create business cases for proposal authorisation.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Where variations from Wickes standard terms are needed or compliance issues are identified, work with suppliers and Wickes Legal team to agree updated terms.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Maintain and manage the relationships with suppliers. This can include:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Organising and attending QBRs</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Reviewing and negotiating CPI requests</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Organising contract renewals</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">- Measuring and monitoring supplier performance KPIs to ensure contracted deliverables are being met</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Updating policies and documenting internal processes to help with compliance across the business</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Influencing across the organisation to implement best practices and achieve sustainable results</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; text-align: justify; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Assisting Category Managers in Goods For Resale and Goods Not For Resale on strategy, contracts, and best practice</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What we’re looking for:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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:</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Exceptional collaboration skills, working in cross-functional teams</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Strong problem solving skills</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Good knowledge of Google/Microsoft office applications</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Adaptable, resilient, organised and driven including self motivation</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">A full UK driving licence</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">CIPS qualification would be beneficial but not essential</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">What can we offer you?</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">We’ll also equip you with a benefits package that includes:&nbsp;</span></p><ul style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Competitive bonus</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Save-as-you-earn scheme</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Private Medical and Life Assurance</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Enhanced contributory pension scheme</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Colleague discount&nbsp;</span></p></li><li dir="ltr" style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; list-style-type: disc; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Discount platform including savings and cash back at numerous retailers, savings on gym membership, cycle to work scheme</span></p></li></ul><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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 &amp; loans, and access to parental, menopause and fertility support.&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">About Us:</span><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">&nbsp;</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Wickes is a multi-channel retailer operating in the home improvement market.&nbsp; With 50 years in industry, Wickes now generates revenue in excess of £1.6bn across 230 stores delivered by 8,000+ colleagues.&nbsp; 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.</span></p><br><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">"We aim to create an inclusive workplace with colleagues’ wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">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 </span><a href="https://www.wickescareers.co.uk/reasonable-adjustments" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; color: rgb(17, 85, 204); font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">here</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">."</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 12pt; margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: Calibri, sans-serif; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br></span></p></span>

Interested in this role?

Apply to the role, or save the job to your profile for later.

More jobs at Wickes

(92)

Wickes

06 November 2026
Customer Service Assistant
Part Time
Salisbury, Wiltshire
£12.71 per hour

Working at Wickes

Home Retail
100 - 1,000+ Employees
Who Are They?

Your home improvement partner. We foster a unique, inclusive culture, empowering colleagues to shape the future of our industry while prioritising their safety, happiness, and growth.

Follow them
Link Icon - Jobs Webflow TemplateFacebook Icon - Jobs Webflow TemplateTwitter Icon - Jobs Webflow TemplateInstagram Icon - Jobs Webflow TemplateLinkedIn Icon - Jobs Webflow Template

discover more about Wickes

Explore their culture, meet their team, and find the role that is right for you.

Your next move starts here.

Retail and hospitality's best employers are waiting. Find the role that fits, or explore the brands worth working for.