At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement strategy and manage supplier relationships in a growing food business.
- Company: Dynamic food manufacturing company with exciting expansion plans across Europe.
- Benefits: Salary up to Β£91,000 plus a 15% annual bonus.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and shape the future of procurement in Europe.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement within food manufacturing and strong negotiation skills.
- Other info: Clear pathway to a European leadership role with a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 54600 - 109200 Β£ per year.
We are seeking a Head of Procurement to join a growing food manufacturing business at a key point of transition and expansion across Europe. This role replaces the current Procurement Manager, who will be leaving mid-March due to relocation. The position has been uplifted to reflect the increasing strategic importance of procurement within the business.
You will join a small, agile procurement function and work closely with a newly appointed Senior Buyer. The role is both strategic and hands-on, offering a clear pathway into a future Head of Procurement - Europe position as the business continues to grow.
Key Responsibilities- Strategic
- Develop and drive procurement strategy across the UK and Europe
- Support business growth by identifying sourcing opportunities and improvements
- Implement best-practice procurement processes and standards
- Protect margins through effective cost management and supplier strategy
- Operational
- Day-to-day buying of ingredients and raw materials
- Supplier management, performance reviews, and relationship development
- Contract negotiation and management
- Leading tendering and sourcing activities
- Delivering cost savings initiatives
- Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal requirements
- Supporting and leading BRC audits and supplier compliance
- Team & Stakeholders
- Manage and work closely with a Senior Buyer
- Collaborate with Operations, Technical, Finance, and Commercial teams
- Engage with suppliers across the UK and Europe
- Proven procurement experience within food manufacturing, ingredients, or raw materials
- Strong understanding of BRC standards and audit requirements
- Experience across both strategic procurement and hands-on buying
- Demonstrated success in cost saving, supplier negotiation, and margin protection
- Ready to step up into a broader leadership role rather than already operating at full European Head level
- Comfortable working in a lean team and being operationally involved
- Commercially minded, proactive, and improvement-focused
- Confident influencing stakeholders at all levels
- Clear progression into a European leadership role
- Opportunity to shape procurement strategy during a period of growth
- Established role with strong foundations already in place
Head of Procurement in High Wycombe employer: 1st Executive Ltd
Contact Detail:
1st Executive Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in High Wycombe
β¨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local procurement events. We all know that sometimes itβs not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
β¨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. We want to see you shine, so think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of cost management and supplier relationships.
β¨Tip Number 3
Showcase your hands-on experience! When discussing your background, highlight specific examples of successful negotiations or cost-saving initiatives. We love to see candidates who can back up their claims with real results.
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Itβs the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, weβre always looking for passionate individuals ready to step into leadership roles in procurement.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in High Wycombe
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your procurement experience in food manufacturing and any strategic initiatives you've led. We want to see how you can drive our procurement strategy!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role and how your background prepares you for the challenges ahead. Donβt forget to mention your understanding of BRC standards and your hands-on buying experience.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements like cost savings or successful supplier negotiations. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, do it! This will help us see the impact you've made in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. Itβs the best way for us to receive your application and ensures youβre considered for the role. Plus, it shows us youβre keen on joining our team at this exciting time!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd
β¨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in the food manufacturing sector. Be ready to discuss BRC standards and how you've successfully managed supplier relationships and negotiations in the past.
β¨Show Your Strategic Side
This role is all about strategy, so come prepared with examples of how you've developed and implemented procurement strategies before. Think about specific sourcing opportunities you've identified and how they benefited your previous employers.
β¨Demonstrate Team Collaboration
Since you'll be working closely with a Senior Buyer and various teams, highlight your experience in cross-functional collaboration. Share stories that showcase your ability to engage with stakeholders at all levels and how youβve influenced decisions.
β¨Be Ready for Hands-On Questions
While the role is strategic, itβs also operational. Prepare to discuss your day-to-day buying experiences and how you've handled contract negotiations and performance reviews. Theyβll want to see that you can balance both aspects effectively.