Procurement Manager - Technology (12-month FTC)

Procurement Manager - Technology (12-month FTC)

About Us
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.

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
The Procurement function at the Financial Times has a global remit and is part of the Global Finance team. Its primary responsibility is to ensure a clear and transparent approach to procurement processes while upholding integrity, fairness, and accountability in supplier selection, negotiation, contracting, and performance management.

Following the implementation of the Coupa procurement system and the introduction of a No PO No Payment policy, the Procurement team has gained increased visibility over FT's spending. This development provides new opportunities to engage with various business areas, using industry-leading tools and data to drive performance and decision-making.

This role is a 12-month parental cover contract starting in July 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead procurement projects for specific business areas, including developing sourcing strategies, managing RFP processes, evaluating responses, and implementing negotiation plans.
• Provide advice and guidance on procurement-related activities, balancing business constraints with best-practice procurement solutions.
• Engage proactively with partners, influencing and challenging them to achieve the best commercial outcomes.
• Prioritise and balance the needs of multiple business areas effectively.
• Develop a strong understanding of key business areas, using industry knowledge and insights to advise sourcing strategies.
• Work closely with finance partners to identify cost-saving opportunities, support forecasting, and validate savings.
• Manage contract renewals within key procurement categories, negotiating improved commercial terms and mitigating RPI/CPI risks.
• Implement supplier management frameworks and governance structures in collaboration with business units.
• Confidently use Coupa for end-to-end procurement activities, including supplier onboarding, contract management, and renewals.
• Report on procurement activities, savings, and benefits to senior procurement leaders and key partners.
• Conduct market research on industry standard methodologies and trends relevant to FT's procurement categories.
• Support the development of procurement strategies, policies, procedures, and reporting enhancements.
• Share standard processes and lessons learned to enable Procurement colleagues' success.

Required Skills and Experience

• Experience in technology procurement, with a solid understanding of technology contracts.
• Familiarity with data and IT services procurement (preferred but not crucial).
• Proficiency in generative AI tools such as ChatGPT.
• Strong collaborator leadership skills, with the ability to identify partner needs, build relationships, and influence outcomes.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, capable of independently leading meetings with collaborators and suppliers.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and adapt to changing business requirements.
• Demonstrated experience in supplier management, particularly with strategic and critical suppliers.
• Analytical approach with problem-solving capabilities.

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 talent@ft.com, 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. While 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.