Procurement & Contracts Manager

Our client is looking for a Procurement & Contracts Manager to join their team, this role will report into a Principal Procurement and Contracts Manager and lead on providing comprehensive procurement support to development and construction activities for a Green Hydrogen project. Key Responsibilities Serve as a single point of contact for procurement of our client’s hydrogen project in the UK.Initiating and implementing hydrogen project procurement/sourcing strategies and plans including obtaining buy-in from key internal stakeholders.Assessing and evaluating procurement risks (political, environment, technical, economic and legal) and developing appropriate procurement/commercial mitigation strategies.Leading procurement of goods and services for UK Hydrogen projects and associated activities to agreed project and commercial objectives in line with governance and approved procedures.Developing category management expertise in consultation with key stakeholders to identify and promote new procurement opportunities for the business (e.g., new entrants, innovations, cost savings etc.) that generates improved commercial insights and value.Using and interpreting market research/market intelligence.Identification, pre-qualification and qualification of suppliers.Lead on the evaluation of bids and co-ordinating inputs from the wider evaluation team (technical, legal, HSE).Negotiation and timely award of high value contracts for goods, works and services in consultation with the wider project team in in accordance with best-value and approved procedures.Auditing/reviewing compliance with approved procurement procedures, including participation in key supplier audits (where necessary).Performance management of supply chain to drive continuous improvement and optimal performance, including compiling and evaluating periodic procurement KPI reports.Managing procurement processes on business systems (e.g., SAP, iValua, HICX) and acting as a single point of reference for your business users.Promoting sustainable and ethical procurement in line with sustainability ambitions.Provide support to wider team objectives and technologies in the company portfolio, such as business planning, Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and procurement systems development. Requirements A background working on large energy projects with experience of hydrogen projects (with a strong hydrogen supply chain focus) highly desirable.  Passion and high energy, with diplomacy and comprehensive style necessary to positively influence JV arrangements.Comprehensive knowledge of the principles of procurement, sourcing and contract management and a proven track recordExperience of leading and supporting wider team development (e.g. towards CIPS or equivalent qualification(s))A minimum of 5 years' experience in the renewables and/or construction industry managing major construction and/or energy projects is desirable.Experience in negotiation and commercial administration (incl. cost management) of development and construction contracts.Good working knowledge of contract and construction law, health and safety regulations, EU procurement regulations and category management techniques.Excellent skills at building successful relationships with external partners, peers, stakeholders and reporting line.Good command of Microsoft Office package (MS Excel, MS Word, MS Power Point, etc.) and experience with ERP systems like SAP.Flexibility to accommodate some travel around the UK and overseas as the role requires (more below).MCIPS qualified (or similar professional qualification)Full UK driving licence.Excellent (English) oral and written communication skills.Travel Requirements  The Procurement and Contracts Manager will be required to travel regularly to various locations. This includes:Project sites and Offices across the UK (London, Edinburgh, Durham or Cardiff)Supplier offices for meetings and negotiations.