Head of Procurement Operations - 12 Month FTC in London

Head of Procurement Operations - 12 Month FTC in London

London Full-Time 70000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
1st Executive Ltd

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement transformation and build a modern, tech-enabled capability.
  • Company: Dynamic organisation in London with a focus on innovation.
  • Benefits: Up to £95K salary, excellent corporate benefits, and flexible working.
  • Other info: Opportunity to inspire a talented team and drive meaningful change.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of procurement and make a real impact.
  • Qualifications: Strategic leader with experience in procurement operations and transformation.

The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.

Location: London (3 days p/w in office)

Salary: Up to £95K + Excellent Corporate Benefits

Lead transformation. Build capability. Shape the future of procurement!

We're looking for an exceptional Head of Procurement Operations to lead the engine room of a growing procurement function. This is a rare opportunity to shape operating models, drive transformation, and build a modern, technology-enabled procurement capability that delivers measurable business impact.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you'll lead a talented team spanning operations, risk, legal and analytics, while partnering with senior leaders to create a scalable, high-performing procurement organisation.

What You’ll Do:

  • Drive Procurement Transformation
    • Deliver and evolve the procurement strategy, transformation roadmap and target operating model.
    • Build scalable, future‑ready procurement services that balance commercial value, governance and customer experience.
    • Champion innovation, digitisation and AI‑enabled ways of working.
  • Lead High‑Performing Operations
    • Own procurement intake, orchestration and operational delivery across the supplier lifecycle.
    • Establish best‑in‑class processes, controls and governance frameworks.
    • Drive service excellence, efficiency improvements and operational resilience.
  • Enable Smarter Decision‑Making
    • Develop procurement analytics, reporting and data governance capabilities.
    • Create actionable insights that support strategic business decisions.
    • Monitor operational performance and drive continuous improvement through meaningful KPIs.
  • Manage Risk and Compliance
    • Ensure procurement activities meet regulatory, governance and audit requirements.
    • Act as the senior escalation point for operational challenges and critical supplier issues.
  • Inspire and Develop Talent
    • Lead, coach and develop a multidisciplinary team.
    • Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration and innovation.
    • Build capability and create an environment where people can thrive and grow.

What We’re Looking For:

  • You’ll be a strategic procurement leader with a passion for operational excellence and transformation.
  • Proven success leading procurement operations in a complex organisation.
  • Strong experience delivering transformation programmes and operating model improvements.
  • Deep understanding of Source‑to‑Pay processes, technology and controls.
  • Experience managing governance, risk and compliance frameworks.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
  • Strong analytical, problem‑solving and decision‑making capability.
  • Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
  • Advanced degree in Business, Supply Chain, Finance, Engineering or a related discipline.
  • Experience implementing procurement technology, automation or AI solutions.
  • Knowledge of sustainable and ESG‑focused procurement practices.

Why Join Us?

This is more than a leadership role‑it’s an opportunity to build something meaningful. You’ll have the autonomy to shape how procurement operates, influence senior stakeholders, implement new technologies, and create a function that delivers real value across the organisation. If you’re excited by transformation, thrive in fast‑paced environments, and want to leave a lasting impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Ready to lead the next generation of procurement operations? Apply now.

Head of Procurement Operations - 12 Month FTC in London employer: 1st Executive Ltd

Join a forward-thinking organisation in London that prioritises innovation and transformation within its procurement operations. With a strong emphasis on employee development, collaboration, and a culture of accountability, this role offers the chance to lead a talented team while enjoying excellent corporate benefits and a supportive work environment. Here, you will not only shape the future of procurement but also have the opportunity to grow your career in a dynamic and impactful setting.

1st Executive Ltd

Contact Details:

1st Executive Ltd Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement Operations - 12 Month FTC in London

Get Savvy with Industry Perks

Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!

Show Off Your Skills

Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 1st Executive Ltd.

Tap into Your Network

Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!

Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards

With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement Operations - 12 Month FTC in London

Procurement Transformation
Operating Model Development
Commercial Value Assessment
Governance Frameworks
Innovation and Digitisation
AI-Enabled Solutions
Supplier Lifecycle Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!

Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!

Tailor Your Cover Letter to 1st Executive Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 1st Executive Ltd. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!

Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 1st Executive Ltd.

How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Executive Ltd

Show Off Your Negotiation Skills

In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!

Know Your Tools

Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 1st Executive Ltd!

Understand Market Trends

As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 1st Executive Ltd. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.

Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude

A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 1st Executive Ltd's culture.