Procurement Manager - 6 months contract

Why Arup?

Dedicated to sustainable development, Arup is a collective of designers, advisors and experts working across 140 countries. Founded to be both humane and excellent, we collaborate with our clients and partners using imagination, technology and rigour to shape a better world.

About this career opportunity...

We have recently implemented a finance change program on a global scale setting goals to become better coordinated in how we operate, to simplify how we work, automate more of what we do, improve efficiency and consistency in our processes, whilst building a stronger control environment to meet both the needs of ourselves and those of external organisations. Whilst always putting sustainable development at the heart of everything we do. As part of this, the Group Procurement team will be transforming and improving our operations globally.

In this role, you will undertake specific projects and activities within the property and workplace areas, such as facilities management, energy, maintenance and the like, within a function that is pivoting towards a global-first approach. You will use your experiences and skills to support with effective procurement – through strategic sourcing, negotiation, contracting, commercial performance management and external market intelligence. You will communicate with, and influence, a wide range of stakeholders and be recognised as an expert in your category area, able to build strong relationships and deliver robust outcomes for the greater benefit of Arup, our members and our stakeholders.

You will report to the Category Manager for Property & Workplace, and develop plans to ensure collaborative delivery from both a global perspective and meeting the needs of our regional operations. Your outcomes will improve quality, performance and efficiency, whilst reducing costs and risks. Central to our procurement strategy, and your work, will be sustainable development, decarbonisation, and our values as an organisation. Our values - Arup.

Focus:

• Manage sourcing and contracting projects, leading supplier evaluation and leading/coordinating negotiations across broad multifunctional project teams.
• Work with stakeholder leads and subject matter experts to engage external vendor markets
• Undertake contract reviews on behalf of and in conjunction with stakeholders, and as directed, as part of performance management, project and agreement renewal activity.

• In the negotiation of contracts – understand and seek through negotiation of terms and conditions the best overall position for Arup with respect to: 

  overall value for money, discounts, flexibility and alignment with our strategy and;
  to identify, manage and help mitigate commercial and legislative risks in this complex area - such as Data Security, GDPR and the like

• Lifecycle evaluation from beginning of the relationship to negotiation of satisfactory exit procedures
• Agreeing the negotiation outcomes with the category lead
• Undertake detailed commercial and business integrity due diligence on all vendors and prospective vendors to ensure our standards are met.
• Building relationships internally and externally to enable you to become a trusted business partner and a ‘go-to’ person for support in this space.
• Embedding sustainability into the contracting, negotiation and onward vendor management process in order to support our organisational goals in carbon reduction and social responsibility.
• Liaising with functions, such as Legal and Finance, throughout the process as required, building effective relationships to enable efficient execution of supplier agreements.
• Ensuring the organisation’s procurement processes and systems are utilised effectively.
• Maintain records and reporting on progress and plans in line with function standards.
• Supporting the procurement leadership team with projects and initiatives as directed.
• Act as an ambassador for the global team within the region you are located, as directed across multiple areas, supporting projects and workstreams across the team.

Impact:

Successful strategic procurement delivery activity across your area.
Identification of opportunities for improvements in cost, quality, service, risk mitigation, ESG, maturity and strategic supplier partnerships in your projects.
Working within clear, efficient and effective processes and controls, supporting the procurement policy framework, and clearly accessible to the organisation through effective communication
Reflecting the team as a responsive, efficient and supportive business function, focused on contributing to the development and delivery of the goals of the organization
Empathetic approach to delivery
Excellence in your outputs, communication and stakeholder engagement

Key skills, experiences and education:

• Proven experience negotiating agreements within facilities and office services areas, ideally within a professional services, or adjacent, industry with multi-regional exposure.
• Knowledge and experience of best practice approaches to procurement, negotiation, contracting and supplier relationship management for best overall value.
• Strong knowledge of contracts within your category area – able to articulate and negotiate key risks and requirements for good contracting practice.
• Strong focus on benefits delivery and demonstrating the value of procurement in your projects
• Attention to detail and dedication to continuous improvement
• Experience of using procurement technology for best value and efficiency
• Excellent communication, presentation and relationship building skills
• You may hold a bachelor’s degree and be professionally qualified (MCIPS) - or equivalent.

What we offer you

At Arup, we care about each member’s success, so we can grow together.

Guided by our values, we provide an attractive total reward package that recognises the contribution of each of our members to our shared success. As well as competitive, fair, and equitable pay, we offer a career in which all of our members can belong, grow and thrive – through benefits that support health and wellbeing, a wide range of learning opportunities and many possibilities to have an impact through the work they do.

We are owned in trust on behalf of our members, giving us the freedom, with personal responsibility, to set our own direction and choose work that aligns with our purpose and adds to Arup’s legacy. Our members collaborate on ambitious projects to deliver remarkable outcomes for our clients and communities. Profit Share is a key part of our reward, enabling eligible members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Arup is an equal opportunity employer that actively promotes and nurtures a diverse and inclusive workforce. We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, marital status, disability, neurotype or mental health, race or ethnicity, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and whether you’re pregnant or on family leave. We are an open environment that embraces diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas – this drives our excellence.

Our Application Process

Please apply directly through our applicant tracking system. Shortlisted candidates will be contacted by Talent Acquisition to discuss next steps. Stay safe online – Arup will never ask for your bank details as part of our recruitment process.

Arup does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies.