Job Description
Why Join SAFC
At Sunderland AFC, you’re not just becoming part of a football club; you’re entering a vibrant community fuelled by passion and pride. Our commitment to making a difference means you’ll engage with local initiatives that truly matter, allowing you to leave a positive impact right here at home.
You’ll thrive in an exciting, dynamic atmosphere where every day is a new adventure filled with the thrill of football and teamwork. We believe in nurturing talent, so you’ll have access to training programs and mentorship opportunities.
Our diverse and inclusive culture celebrates individuality, ensuring that every voice is heard and valued. You’ll be part of a team that unites in the spirit of collaboration and respect, making your work environment both rewarding and inspiring.
About the Accounts & Finance Team:
We are the guardians of our club’s financial health, ensuring that every penny is accounted for and strategically invested to support our mission.
Our team is made up of dedicated professionals who thrive on accuracy, transparency, and insightful financial planning.
Our commitment to collaboration extends beyond numbers; we partner with other teams to ensure financial sustainability while enhancing member experiences.
The Opportunity:
Join SAFC as a Procurement Manager and take on a pivotal role that directly influences our success on and off the field. This is a unique chance to develop and execute comprehensive procurement strategies aligned with our operational, commercial, and sustainability goals. You will have the autonomy to manage the entire procurement lifecycle—from identifying needs and sourcing suppliers to negotiating contracts and ensuring seamless delivery of goods and services.
In this role, you will build and nurture strategic relationships with a diverse network of suppliers and vendors, helping to secure high-quality products while driving cost efficiencies. Collaborating closely with internal departments such as facilities, marketing, football operations, and partnerships, you will deliver tailored procurement solutions that meet their specific needs and support the club’s broader objectives.
This is more than just procurement; it’s about making a real impact by ensuring compliance with legal, ethical, and safeguarding standards, managing risks, and continuously seeking innovative ways to improve processes. You will have the opportunity to lead negotiations, oversee inventory management, and contribute to sustainable procurement practices—all while providing valuable insights through detailed reporting and strategic recommendations to senior management.
If you are ready to play a key role in shaping the club’s future and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment, this is the perfect opportunity to elevate your career and make a lasting difference.
What We Ask For:
To succeed in this role, you’ll bring a solid background in procurement or supply chain management, ideally within sports, entertainment, or high-profile organisations. You have experience managing complex procurement processes and building strong, strategic relationships with suppliers and vendors. Your understanding of procurement best practices, legal frameworks, and safeguarding policies ensures that all activities are compliant and ethical.
You’re a skilled negotiator, capable of securing favorable terms and delivering value for money, and you’re comfortable collaborating with teams across different departments. Communication is one of your strengths—you can present complex information clearly and persuasively, supporting sound decision-making through your interpretation of market data and performance metrics. You’re proficient with procurement software and MS Office tools, and you thrive in fast-paced environments where managing external relationships professionally is key.
A relevant qualification such as CIPS is desirable. A basic DBS provided by SAFC is essential.
If you're a strategic thinker with a collaborative mindset and a passion for making a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you.
