Purchasing & Supply Manager

Recruiter: Krystle James

Career Grade: D

Internal Closing Date: 27/07/26

Due to the sensitive nature of this role, you will be required to undergo DV (Developed Vetting) level Security Clearance (https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/united-kingdom-security-vetting-clearance-levels/national-security-vetting-clearance-levels). An allowance of £5k per annum may be payable monthly while you hold this DV and continue to work in a role that requires that level of security clearance. The terms of this allowance will be made available if you are successful in being recruited into this role.

Security isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind when you think of BT, but when it comes to keeping everyone safely connected, We Are The Protectors. We deal with thousands of cyber-attacks every day, so that millions of people can safely go about their daily lives and run their businesses. We deliver vital work at scale, with real breadth and impact. We connect for good.
You'll be joining a specialist security team that is a trusted partner to governments worldwide, protecting critical national infrastructure and committed to the safety and security of our nation and global communities. Our mission focused work is innovative, inspiring and technologically challenging in a way that makes every day different and stimulating. We provide the opportunity to work on rare projects, with exciting tools and brilliant people. Everyone has access to unparalleled professional and personal development opportunities and your contribution is always valued.

About the role

The Purchasing & Supply Manager leads a purchasing team supporting an end-to-end business. This role oversees the delivery of both internal and direct customer quoting, ordering and receipting. Working with wider BT Procurement and Finance to ensure effective and efficient use of suppliers and partners and that we have clear reporting, processes and remaining relevant through transformation.

This job role can be based in Ipswich, Cheltenham, London or Manchester. Hybrid (4 days office based & 1 day remote. Mon-Fri 37.5. DV Security Clearance is required. Must have lived in UK for 10+ years to obtain clearance.

What you’ll be doing

• Act as the senior procurement interface for business stakeholders and suppliers, building and maintaining trusted relationships at senior management and executive level.
• Own the end-to-end delivery of procurement objectives, ensuring cost optimisation, value creation, supply continuity, and strong commercial outcomes.
• Lead supplier management activities, including performance reviews, governance, risk management, compliance, and issue resolution.

People Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of Purchasing Specialists, setting clear objectives, priorities, and performance expectations.
• Provide oversight, quality assurance, and guidance across procurement, sourcing, supplier management, and commercial activities.
• Manage resource planning, workload allocation, and prioritisation to balance operational requirements with strategic objectives.
• on development, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement.

Essential Skills / Experience

• Commercial Management
• Cost Optimisation
• Data Analysis
• Inclusive Leadership
• Relationship Building

Desirable Skills / Experience

Required Skills (Essential)

• Proven experience in procurement, purchasing, strategic sourcing, or supplier management, with the ability to lead and oversee delivery across a team.
• Strong commercial awareness and deep understanding of procurement principles, supplier agreements, contractual frameworks, and purchasing governance, with the ability to guide others on complex procurement scenarios.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, including engagement with senior business stakeholders, executive leaders, and strategic suppliers. High attention to detail, with the ability to manage and provide oversight of complex procurement, supplier, contractual, and commercial information across multiple workstreams.
• Proactive, highly organised, and able to operate effectively under pressure with changing priorities, both personally and across the team.

Required Skills (Desirable)

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams), with the ability to drive consistent and effective use across the team.
• Experience working on large, complex, or high-value procurement programmes, sourcing initiatives, or strategic supplier engagements, including overseeing multiple concurrent activities.
• Strong understanding of procurement risk management, governance, and compliance frameworks, with experience embedding these within team practices and decision-making.
• Experience influencing procurement strategy, category plans, sourcing approaches, or supporting strategic business decision-making.

Our Package

Tailored benefits make a real difference. That’s why we offer a comprehensive range to support your growth, wellbeing, and everyday life.

You can design the package to suit you and your lifestyle. Your core benefits include:

• 10% on target annual bonus

• Access to an online private GP 24/7 for you and your immediate family

• Market-leading paid carers leave with up to 2 weeks off

• Equalized maternity, paternity, and adoption leave – 18 weeks’ full pay and 8 weeks’ half pay

• Discounted EE and BT products, including mobile and broadband

• Market leading Pension scheme – 5% from you and 10% from us

• Holiday purchase scheme

You can select additional benefits, including healthcare, dental, gym memberships and more when you’re ready.

Ready to connect for good and help shape the future? Apply now

#LI-Hybrid

With over 180 years of heritage, BT Business has brought together our best people and capabilities into a B2B powerhouse serving 1.2 million business customers in the UK

We’re a leader for secure connectivity and collaboration platforms for businesses of all shapes and sizes, from big household names and government departments, right through to sole traders and new start-ups. But it’s not just the technology that matters, it’s what it can do to help them build stronger, smarter, more secure businesses.

We are Customer-First Challengers, who are Committed, Clear and Connected. We value diversity and inclusion and believe in making a positive impact. We connect for good by championing digital inclusion and equipping people, businesses, and communities with digital skills to thrive.

As a member of our team, you will be part of an organisation that celebrates difference, fosters innovation and provides you with opportunities to be your best. With millions of businesses relying on us daily, joining BT means you can be part of a diverse and multi-skilled team that makes a significant impact to society.