Procurement Manager

Financial Times; London; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 75,000

Job description

The Financial Times is one of the world’s leading news organisations, globally recognised for its authority, integrity and accuracy, with a mission to deliver quality information and services worldwide.

At the FT, curiosity thrives and ambitious thinking is rewarded. Here, you’re given the chance to reach millions, create work that matters and deliver impartial journalism in a polarised world.

In our warm, collaborative culture, you’ll connect with a diverse community of experts who support your growth, career aspirations and wellbeing.

Your future at the FT will be filled with opportunities that challenge and inspire you. With no fixed path, you’ll discover new skills and forge a career that can take you anywhere.

Build a newsworthy career at the FT.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

We believe in the power of unique perspectives and want all voices in our organisation to be heard, respected and valued. A supportive workplace is one where employees feel they can be themselves and operate to their full potential. We are committed to removing barriers for everyone, with a focus on addressing those faced by underrepresented groups.

The Role

FT Procurement is responsible for acquiring corporate goods and services from external sources on behalf of the FT Group. The department manages the end-to-end process to ensure goods and services provide the best value for money while considering business requirements, quality standards, volumes, timescales, locations, risks, and other factors. Procurement categories include Facilities, Print, Distribution, Editorial, Marketing, Advertising, HR, Professional Services, Property, and Travel.

As a Procurement Manager, you will be responsible for managing the full procurement lifecycle for the FT Group’s strategic and business-critical suppliers. This includes strategy development, assisting business functions in defining their requirements, market awareness, tendering and contract awards, as well as transition, contract management, and termination. You will oversee specific business areas, including supporting our in-house events business, FT Live. The role reports to the Senior Procurement Manager.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key business collaborators.
• Gain an in-depth understanding of business needs and create procurement strategies tailored to business objectives.
• Assist in defining specific requirements for planned procurements and advise on case development.
• Improve procurement efficiency by refining tender and evaluation documentation.
• Conduct supplier assessments and due diligence to support business collaborators.
• Review commercial models and options to align with both business and supplier strategies.
• Identify commercial risks and implement mitigation plans with agreed actions.
• Ensure appropriate business engagement at all stages of the procurement process.
• Lead negotiations on complex commercial and contractual terms.
• Draft contractual terms and conditions in collaboration with FT Legal when required.
• Monitor supplier performance and compliance with commercial agreements.
• Employ standard methodology procurement methods to manage risk and optimise value.
• Proactively manage procurement projects to completion.
• Report on procurement activities, including cost savings and valuable benefits, to the Senior Procurement Manager.
• Challenge and influence business collaborators to achieve the best outcomes for FT.
• Conduct market research to stay informed on standard methodologies and future market trends.
• Share knowledge, mentor junior procurement staff, and support procurement colleagues.

Required Skills & Experience

• A business degree or equivalent commercial work experience.
• Minimum 4 years’ experience in a procurement role within a blue-chip, commercial environment, ideally covering a wide range of indirect procurement categories.
• Experience working in a non-mandated procurement environment, with the ability to influence collaborators at various levels.
• Strong relationship-building, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Excellent commercial skill, with experience across multiple commercial models.
• Highly analytical and organised, with excellent numeracy skills.
• Strong contract management and supplier performance management experience.
• Proven ability to manage relationships with internal and external collaborators at all levels, including senior leadership.
• Extensive experience working with business functions in indirect spend categories.
• Strong project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple concurrent activities and meet tight deadlines.
• A self-starter with strong teamworking and interpersonal skills.
• Proficient in common IT packages (e.g., Microsoft Office).
• Experience in contract drafting and negotiation, covering both legal and commercial clauses.
• Previous experience with Coupa P2P is desirable.

What’s in it for You?

Our benefits vary by location, but we are committed to providing best-in-class perks across all our offices. These include generous annual leave, medical cover, inclusive parental leave packages, subsidised gym memberships, and opportunities to give back to the community. Full details of our benefits are available here.

We’ve embraced a 50% hybrid working model (averaging two to three days onsite) that fosters trust and remote adaptability while encouraging in-person collaboration and peer learning. Additionally, we are open to accommodating specific flexible working pattern requests for all roles where feasible.

Accessibility

We are a disability confident employer and Valuable 500 signatory.

Please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments as part of the application process or to enable you to attend an interview. If you have any questions or require support, email [e-mail], and a member of our team will be happy to assist you.

Further Information

At the FT, we embrace innovation and the use of technology and appreciate that individuals may leverage AI tools as part of their job application process.

Whilst we are happy for you to use AI to assist with your application, it is essential that all information provided is authentic and accurately represents your skills, experience, and qualifications. Candidates should be aware that the use of AI throughout the application process may be monitored to ensure a fair and transparent hiring process for all.