Group Procurement Senior Specialist

Job Type: Permanent | Job Sector:
Procurement | Region:
Yorkshire |

Location:

Skipton | Salary:
Competitive salary plus excellent benefits |

Hours:

Permanent role, 35 hours per week. Hybrid working with regular weekly in‑office collaboration.

We’re looking for a Senior Procurement Specialist. You’ll bring technical expertise and a proactive approach to sourcing, supplier selection, and contract management—helping us secure the best value while protecting the Society through robust governance. Working closely with stakeholders, you’ll challenge conventional thinking, drive smarter decisions, and foster strong supplier relationships.

• Oversee incoming procurement requests for completeness and compliance, escalating strategic or high‑value requests to category leads.
• Manage contract renewals, ensuring timely negotiation or termination.
• Support colleagues in selecting suitable providers for key products and services, including managing competitive processes.
• Work with Category Leads to develop and execute procurement initiatives aligned to category strategies.
• Identify opportunities to build stronger relationships internally and with preferred business partners.
• Maintain accurate documentation and a full audit trail of all key procurement activities, including contractual negotiations, in line with Group and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor and respond to market trends and regulatory changes, ensuring skills remain current and identifying training needs where required.
• Collaborate effectively with colleagues by constantly seeking ways to refine or improve our methods, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning.
• Constructively challenge colleagues on supplier selection, contract value, and long‑term supplier management.
• Contribute to shared Finance initiatives, such as cost challenges, using relevant knowledge and industry experience.

• Strong and successful track record in a similar procurement role within a regulated industry (financial services preferred).
• Degree or equivalent, plus Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Level 3 or above.
• Knowledge of procurement negotiation techniques and regulatory frameworks (EBA Outsourcing, GDPR, ESG).
• Ability to influence and collaborate with key stakeholders, constructively and sensitively challenging when needed.
• Skilled in market research, supplier tender evaluation, and contract management.
• Proactive and solution‑focused approach to stakeholder engagement and problem solving.
• Self‑motivated with a positive mindset and ability to resolve issues despite ambiguity.
• Quality‑conscious with strong attention to detail, and proactive in managing risk and compliance.

Skipton values work/life balance and we are proud to support hybrid and flexible working, where possible. We have a newly refurbished head office which offers a vibrant and collaborative working space. We have a range of other benefits available to you including:

• Annual discretionary bonus scheme
• 25 days standard annual leave + bank holidays (rising to 30 days with service)
• Holiday trading scheme
• Matching employer pension contribution (up to 10% per annum)
• Colleague mortgage (conditions apply)
• Salary sacrifice scheme for hybrid & electric car
• Private medical insurance for all colleagues
• 3 paid volunteering days per annum
• Diverse and inclusive colleague networks
• Health and wellbeing benefits including cycle to work and discounted gym membership