Procurement Manager

About the role

The Financial Times seeks a Procurement Manager to own the end-to-end procurement lifecycle for assigned categories, ensuring integrity and fairness in supplier selection. The role requires developing and executing sourcing strategies that leverage the FT Group's collective buying power to drive tangible commercial outcomes. You will act as a key commercial partner, influencing stakeholders up to Director level to achieve robust and strategically aligned procurement decisions. The position demands comfort with technology and AI-enabled tools to enhance market analysis, sourcing activities, and contract management processes. You will build trusted relationships and challenge requirements to align with group priorities and procurement best practice.

Key facts

What you'll do

• Lead end-to-end procurement activity across assigned categories, including sourcing strategy development, RFP execution, supplier evaluation, and commercial negotiations.
• Partner with stakeholders across Reader Revenue Group (RRG), Commercial Client Group (CCG), and Product & Technology (P&T) to support a diverse range of procurement requirements.
• Build trusted relationships with stakeholders up to Director level, influencing decision-making and driving commercially effective outcomes.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that optimise total cost of ownership and deliver sustainable value.
• Challenge and shape business requirements to ensure alignment with group priorities and procurement best practice.
• Manage contract lifecycle activity, including renewals, renegotiations, and risk mitigation initiatives.
• Apply supplier management frameworks and support governance and supplier performance activities.
• Collaborate with Finance teams to identify, track, and validate savings and value delivery opportunities.
• Use Coupa to manage sourcing and contracting processes while supporting stakeholders and suppliers in its effective use.
• Conduct market research and supplier analysis to inform sourcing decisions and negotiation strategies.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across procurement processes, governance, and reporting.
• Leverage data and market insights to evaluate suppliers and strengthen negotiation positions.
• Coordinate procurement activities to ensure timely delivery and compliance with group standards.
• Act as a central point of contact for suppliers and internal stakeholders across priority business areas.

Requirements

• Proven procurement experience across marketing, professional services, and/or indirect spend categories.
• Strong experience sourcing and managing marketing agencies, consultancy providers, or related suppliers.
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex sourcing activities and commercial negotiations.
• Excellent stakeholder management and business partnering skills, with experience engaging senior stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to interpret spend data and market insights to support decision-making.
• Experience handling contract negotiations, supplier management, and procurement governance processes.
• Comfortable working across multiple business areas and managing competing priorities.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear recommendations.
• Experience using procurement systems and sourcing tools such as Coupa or similar platforms.
• Interest in procurement innovation and emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools and digital procurement practices.
• Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively within a global, matrixed organisation.
• Commitment to maintaining the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and fairness in supplier selection.
• Willingness to adhere to FT policies, processes, and governance frameworks.

Nice to have

• Experience supporting procurement activity across events-related categories including venues, hotels, AV and production services.
• Exposure to technology, SaaS or data supplier procurement.
• Experience working within a matrixed or global organisation.
• Familiarity with procurement transformation, P2P processes or procurement analytics initiatives.

Practical notes

• The role operates under a hybrid model requiring onsite presence 50% of the time, subject to role requirements and regular review.
• Flexible working requests will be considered, though not all patterns are suitable for all roles.
• Only candidates whose profiles match the essential criteria will be contacted.
• The Financial Times is an equal opportunities employer and values diversity in its workforce.
• Candidates are reminded that all genuine opportunities will direct applicants to the official Financial Times careers site.
• Any concerns regarding fraudulent job postings should be reported to talent@ft.com for verification.
• This role is part of the Global Finance team with group-wide procurement responsibilities.
• The successful candidate will contribute to continuous improvement of procurement processes and systems.

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