Sustainable Procurement Manager - United Kingdom - Wessex Archaeology

Description

Location: South/West or Northwest (flexible/hybrid working supported)

Permanent

Reference: UK.SUS.04.24

Bringing together leading minds and practitioners in the sector, Wessex Archaeology a trusted archaeology and heritage service provider and educational charity. From our network of international offices, we work in partnership with our clients to deliver sustainable solutions to manage the historic environment - above ground, below ground and underwater. We are committed to our social impact. This means using the knowledge and connections we make through our commercial activities as a catalyst to engage the communities in which we work.

Join us and you'll be part of a collaborative team committed to shaping a better future for our staff, the sector and the world, and playing a fundamental role in supporting our business to achieve its 2030 Net Zero target as well as our sustainability aims.

The role – what's involved

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced Sustainable Procurement Manager to lead our organisation's efforts in integrating sustainability principles into our procurement practices. You will be responsible for developing and implementing sustainable sourcing strategies, policies, and initiatives to minimise environmental impact, promote social responsibility, and drive value across the supply chain. You will need to have strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders.

As our Sustainable Procurement Manager you will play a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to sustainability through responsible procurement practices.

Main Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a sustainable procurement strategy aligned with the organisation's sustainability goals, values, and commitments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to integrate sustainability considerations into procurement processes and decision-making.
• Conduct assessments and audits of current procurement practices to identify opportunities for improvement and areas of risk related to sustainability.
• Research and evaluate suppliers based on environmental, social, and ethical criteria to ensure alignment with sustainability objectives and compliance with relevant standards and regulations.
• Establish sustainable sourcing policies, guidelines, and criteria for supplier selection, contract negotiations, and performance evaluation.
• Engage with suppliers to communicate expectations regarding sustainability performance, provide guidance on sustainability requirements, and facilitate collaboration on sustainability initiatives.
• Monitor and track key performance indicators (KPIs) related to sustainable procurement, such as carbon footprint, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and supplier diversity.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimise the sustainability impact of procurement activities and achieve targets for sustainable sourcing, waste reduction, and cost savings.
• Negotiate exceptional supply contracts, to maximise value and to secure cost betterment solutions.
• Business Partnering with Functional Leaders and Contract Owners, to create value through optimised supply solutions, plus develop Category Supplier Strategies and supplier roadmaps.
• Deliver discrete elements of Procurement improvements, with a drive for process implementation, companywide compliance to Procurement Procedures
• Deliver a monthly 'Win Sheet' of completed commercial contracts and cost benefit delivery.
• Drive contract completion, taking a proportionate approach to managing risk and liaising with contract owners to assure strong contracts.
• Supplier consolidation and transaction efficiency to reduce accounts payable workload.
• Provide training and support to staff and internal stakeholders on sustainable procurement practices, standards, and tools.
• Stay informed about emerging trends, best practices, and regulatory developments in sustainable procurement and share knowledge and insights with relevant stakeholders.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

• Bachelor's degree in supply chain management, business administration, sustainability, or a related field. Advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CSCP, CPSM, CSR-P) is a plus.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in procurement, supply chain management, or sustainability, with a focus on sustainable sourcing and procurement practices.
• Category expertise across Fleet, Facilities, Finance, Operations and Equipment Hire, with knowledge of suppliers in this space.
• Strong understanding of sustainability principles, frameworks, and standards (e.g., ISO 20400, GRI, CDP) and their application to procurement processes.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing sustainable procurement strategies, initiatives, and programs.
• Excellent project management skills with the ability to plan, prioritise, and execute multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to collect, analyse, and interpret data to drive decision-making and measure impact.
• Effective communication and negotiation skills with the ability to build relationships and influence stakeholders at all levels of the organisation and externally.
• Leadership capabilities with experience leading cross-functional teams and driving change management initiatives.
• Passion for sustainability and a commitment to driving positive social and environmental outcomes through procurement practices.
• Driving licence is essential as travel to our offices will be required, a vehicle will be provided for these occasions.

What can you look forward to?

Our focus is on creating a collaborative culture where people can thrive, develop and where safety and wellbeing come first. From anonymising candidate data in our recruitment process to continuous improvements in our benefits, we're committed to creating a safe, fair and inclusive working environment.

We offer:

• 22 days of annual leave per year plus bank holidays rising to 27 after 5 years of continuous service.
• Option to buy up to 5 days holiday per year.
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme, Wessex Archaeology employer pension contribution 6.5%.
• Life assurance scheme of three times your basic salary.

Wellbeing and family-friendly benefits

• Our maternity, adoption and shared parental pay is 100% for 12 weeks, 90% for 21 weeks and 6 weeks statutory, day 1 eligibility.
• Enhanced paternity leave, up to 4 weeks from day 1.
• 5 days of carers leave.
• Paid sick leave from the start of a contract, with the number of days dependent on length of service.
• Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where applicable.
• Company Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) - free and confidential service in the form of counselling and assistance in areas such as health and stress.
• AIG SmartHealth – round-the-clock support for you and your family.

Sustainability and other benefits

• Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme.
• 100% Professional membership costs reimbursed.
• High-quality personal protective equipment (PPE) provided.
• Free transport from regional offices to sites.

We welcome applications from people with disabilities and aim to be supportive in our recruitment and employment practices. Please let us know if you need any special arrangements or adjustments in the application or interview process.

Successful candidates must have proof of identity and eligibility to work in the UK by the start of their employment.