As our Contracts Manager / Senior Buyer you'll support Southern Co-op's central functions in buying the best quality equipment, goods and services not for resale (G&SNFR) at the most competitive prices. You'll be overseeing the procurement of G&SNFR and monitor on-going contractual and legal compliance. You'll also maintain and monitor ongoing contractual and legal compliance in relation to local suppliers.

Our suppliers are based all across the country, therefore this role will require travel to different locations. You will be provided with a car allowance.

What you'll get..

• 34 days leave (incl bank holidays) rising to 39 with service
• 20% store discount
• Private medical insurance & critical illness insurance
• Group life assurance & share incentive plan
• EAP (including 24/7 access to virtual GP and annual health check) 
• Financial Wellbeing tools
• Group personal pension plan
• Income Protection Insurance
• Free onsite parking at our Lakeside Head Office

What to expect..

As a Contracts Manager / Senior Buyer you will be responsible for contractual matters relating to G&SNFR and local suppliers as follows;

• Manage the contracts framework and monitor ongoing compliance by the business.
• Review supply arrangements, identifying potential opportunities for costs savings and/or improvements to the quality of goods and services, rationalisation or collaboration in the supply chain for the purpose of maximising financial; sustainability and operational performance and minimising risk.
• Assist central functions in the review and negotiation of draft contracts; completion of contracts and ongoing compliance of contract term.
• Provide guidance and ownership to central functions on the preparation of tenders, requests for information/proposals/quotations and support through selection processes in the evaluation of bids. 
• Manage the negotiation and agreement of terms for significant contracts.
• Manage the legal contract management team output, ensuring they facilitate the flow of legal oversight to the contract management process.
• Own the contract management system, spend analytics and contract all circa 1300 contracts, the KPIs and then subsequent budgeting of key contracts therein.
• Own all contracting policies and processes.
• Establish links with other retail co-operative societies.

What we're looking for..

• Technical and practical procurement / buying knowledge.
• Experience of establishing, reviewing and monitoring supply arrangements and terminating relationships, as appropriate; conducting selection processes.
• Understanding of contract law principles; experience of drafting and identifying key legal terms, notices and letters and reviewing and negotiating agreements in a commercial context.
• Commercial and financial awareness.
• Excellent negotiation, interpersonal and communication skills.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and decision making skills.
• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply qualification (desirable).

About Us

We’re an independent Co-op, operating across the south of England running convenience food stores, funeral homes, crematoria, natural/woodland burial grounds and a Starbucks coffee franchise. We’re owned by our 300,000+ members, have over 4,000 colleagues and a purpose of working together for the benefit of our communities. We have a commitment to sustainable business and a promise to provide a fair, fresh approach, for all. Become part of the family who are proud to serve local communities and put people first.