Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement

Band B

Manchester base location - hybrid

Want to change the world? A career that makes a difference

We’re not a bank that follows the crowd. Instead, we like to stand out for all the right reasons. Our bank is built on co-operative values that stand strong today. A lot has happened in 150 years, we don’t just help people with their money, but help people fight for justice and the causes they care about. Our unique customer-led Ethical Policy, has made us a natural leader in environmental and social issues today, and we’re market leaders in ESG as rated by leading ESG ratings agency Sustainalytics*.

There has never been a more pressing time for our Bank to focus our efforts on causes that matter to our customers and colleagues. Why not see where you can make a change, and join the UK’s original ethical bank to continue our ambitions to lead the industry on environmental and social issues in 2024 and beyond.

Our roles are mostly worked from home location with an expectation to be in the office between once a week.

The role:

As the Head of Procurement, you’ll have accountability for the delivery of the Bank’s Procurement agenda in line with the Bank’s strategic objectives. You’ll support in setting, communicating and continuously improving procurement approaches, ensuring cross-Bank engagement/compliance. You’ll also be responsible for overseeing Bank supply chain and associated governance, ensuring it owns the Bank’s relationships with its range of suppliers. For this role we’re looking for a extremely strong commercial negotiator.

Key Accountabilities:

• Develop and maintain successful working relationships with senior stakeholders across functions both internal and external in order to develop, successfully implement and optimise a procurement strategy.

• Understand the Bank’s risk management framework, how it applies to the role and ensure you are follow the appropriate policy and procedures and that risks are managed and controlled (Mandatory accountability).

• Responsible for Bank Procurement delivery including the management of operational risk through RFO accountability

• An active lead for Bank insurances including the management of operational risk through RFO accountability

• Play a lead role in the Supplier Governance process for the contract management of Bank outsource relationships

Knowledge, Skills and Experience Required:

• Strong experience working within a procurement or supplier management senior role with overarching responsibility for procurement frameworks and policies.

• Excellent understanding of Commercial contracts terms and conditions.

• Strong understanding of third party risk management.

• Experience of working within a financial services or highly regulated industry.

• Broad understanding of the current third party risk management environment and awareness of key developments in risk management best practice.

• Demonstrable confident stakeholder management, with proven ability to influence senior stakeholders with conflicting priorities.

• Solid programme management / planning skills; enabling effective control and prioritisation in a complex operating model and fast-paced environment.

• Ability to appropriately question and challenge the business at all levels and present considered and balanced risk opinions, findings and recommendations.

• Record of accomplishment in successfully navigating risks, incidents and issues toward conclusion; using an established stakeholder network.

• Excellent report writing skills, experience of preparing reports and presentations for Senior Management / Committees.

• Confident to communicate complex information and concepts both written and verbally at all levels of the business.

What You Can Expect From Us:

• Flexible and home working options

• 27 days holiday rising to 30 with service, plus opportunity to buy 5 extra days

• Competitive pension with up to 10% employer contribution* Income protection / life assurance

• Commitment from employers on continued learning & development

We can only consider candidates with the right to work in the UK at this time.

Our Bank is committed to continuing to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive environment where all colleagues can fulfil their potential. We welcome applications from talented individuals from all backgrounds and lifestyles who can work with us in maintaining a culture of belonging, where people are valued and respected.

If your application is selected for recruitment, we will ask if you require any reasonable adjustments in order to proceed to an interview with us. If you require more information or this document in a different format, please contact careers@co-operativebank.co.uk

As a reputable employer regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority, all offers of employment for this role are subject to a series of background checks, including criminal (DBS) and financial checks.

• Rated by Morningstar Sustainalytics in the Regional Banks sub-industry with a score of 8.5 as of 9 October 2023.