Group Procurement Programme Manager

Grafton Group inspires!

How about becoming part of a team of 9,000 great colleagues in multiple countries, where you are valued and respected for who you are, where you can have a high level of independence and with plenty of opportunities in interesting international projects? We are an international distributor of building materials and construction related products operating market leading businesses in the UK, Ireland, the Netherlands and Finland. We operate leading distribution formats for building materials and construction related products in Ireland, the UK, the Netherlands and Finland. We also operate the largest consumer focused DIY retailers in Ireland, and we manufacture and distribute mortar and timber windows and staircases in the UK. The building and construction sector has a big impact on the world. It provides people with homes to live in, gardens to enjoy, leisure facilities to relax in and much more. However, all of these activities can emit carbon emissions, impact nature and affect people’s lives. As a distributor, retailer and manufacturer, we are a core part of the building materials and construction sector and we want to play an important part in building a more sustainable future for all. Building strong partnerships through our product supply chains and managing these effectively to ensure commercial success and responsible sourcing is central to the growth plans of the the business. If you are a commercially minded programme manager who wants to bring together our procurement and sustainability priorities and work for a business that has won awards for being a great place to work and cares about the future: apply for the role by sending a Covering Letter and CV explaining why you are perfect for this role!

Job Summary

As a Group Procurement Programme Manager, you will be responsible for managing the Group spend dashboard, supporting the business units with data analysis and reporting, tracking the progress and benefits of procurement projects, and organising and participating in the Group procurement board meetings. You will report to the Group Procurement Director but will also work closely with the Group Head of Sustainability, who will be your day-to-day supervisor when the director is out of office. You will be based in Birmingham, UK, but will be required to travel abroad several times per year to meet with the international stakeholders and suppliers.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement Coordination: Maintain data integrity for the Group spend dashboard and ensure it is updated regularly and accurately. Identify and evaluate suppliers based on their sustainability practices. Ensure that procurement decisions support the organization’s environmental and social goals.
• Data Analysis: Collect and analyse data related to procurement activities, sustainability metrics, and supplier performance. Use this data to identify opportunities for improvement. Support the business units with data related questions on Group data and category analyses and provide them with insights and recommendations.
• Reporting: Prepare regular reports on sustainability performance and procurement activities. Present findings to senior management and other stakeholders. Each quarter and at year end, lead the data collection process for the Environmental, Social and Governance scorecard for the group. Collating the data from the business units and working with the sustainability team to present the progress for the Board and Group and business unit leadership teams
• Project Management: Meet with the business units to track the progress and status of procurement projects, and ensure that the project objectives, timelines, and deliverables are met.
• Benefits monitoring: Track and report the benefits and savings achieved from procurement projects and ensure that the contracts are duly renewed and signed.
• Procurement Meetings: Organise and prepare the Group procurement board meetings, which convene several times per year, and create presentations, agendas, and minutes.
• Communication: Participate and contribute to the Group procurement board meetings and communicate the outcomes and actions to the relevant stakeholders. * Sustainable and responsible sourcing: Take an active role in the Group sustainability initiatives and align the procurement strategy and activities with the sustainability goals and standards. e.g. responsible sourcing and greenhouse gas emissions.
• Stakeholder Management: Develop and maintain good relationships with the internal and external stakeholders and suppliers and manage the cross-cultural differences and expectations.
• Innovation: Identify and implement opportunities for continuous improvement and innovation in the procurement processes and practices.
• Market Research: Stay informed about market trends, emerging technologies, and best practices in sustainable procurement. Use this knowledge to inform procurement strategies.
• Project Management: Lead or support sustainability projects within the procurement function. Coordinate with cross-functional teams to achieve project goal

Qualifications and Experience

• A relevant bachelor's or master’s degree in business administration, Data Management, Supply Chain Management, Econometrics, Environmental Science or a related field.
• Proven experience in managing complex projects effectively.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills in procurement, data analysis, project management, or a similar role, preferably in a builders merchant, timber company, DIY, or a similar environment.
• Strong knowledge and skills in LEAN management, project/programme management, sustainability, and finance.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools and software. Proficient in using Microsoft Office, especially Excel and PowerPoint, and other data analysis and reporting tools.
• Knowledge of sustainability standards and certifications e.g. CSRD.
• Experience in sustainable procurement is highly desirable.

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal, in English and ideally German.
• Flexible, adaptable, and able to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
• Highly self-motivated, self-steering, and self-supporting, with a strong sense of ownership and accountability.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines. Detail-oriented with a strong commitment to accuracy.
• Proactive and able to work independently as well as part of a team. Adaptable and open to continuous learning and improvement.
• Willing and able to travel abroad several times per year and adjust to different time zones and cultures.