At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and drive commercial value in a growing organisation.
- Company: Dynamic technical services company undergoing transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future.
- Other info: Join a collaborative environment with opportunities for innovation and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading transformational change and building high-performing teams.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59576 - 70089 £ per year.
Head of Procurement
We are partnering with a leading technical services and infrastructure organisation undergoing significant growth and transformation.
As Head of Procurement, you will play a critical leadership role in shaping procurement strategy, driving commercial value, and supporting the delivery of key business objectives across a complex operational environment.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious procurement leader to influence business strategy, lead transformational change, and build a high‑performing procurement function that delivers tangible value across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a procurement strategy that supports business growth, operational performance, and long‑term value creation.
- Deliver sustainable cost savings, commercial benefits, and supply chain efficiencies across a diverse spend portfolio.
- Lead procurement transformation initiatives, embedding best practice procurement processes, governance, and ways of working.
- Drive category management, strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and continuous improvement programmes.
- Partner with senior stakeholders across operations, finance, commercial, and business leadership teams to align procurement with organisational objectives.
- Support business development and tender activities through commercial insight, supply chain expertise, and procurement leadership.
- Develop and implement supplier strategies that enhance innovation, resilience, sustainability, and performance.
- Identify opportunities for digitisation, automation, and process optimisation within procurement activities.
- Manage procurement risk, supplier performance, and contract governance across the supply chain.
- Lead, coach, and develop a high‑performing procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Provide regular reporting on procurement performance, transformation activity, and value delivery to senior leadership.
- Candidate Profile
Essential Experience
- Significant procurement leadership experience within a complex, multi‑site, engineering, technical services, infrastructure, utilities, or operationally focused organisation.
- Proven ability to deliver meaningful cost reduction, commercial value, and procurement performance improvements.
- Experience leading procurement transformation programmes, including operating model development, process improvement, and organisational change.
- Strong stakeholder management skills with experience engaging and influencing Executive and Board‑level stakeholders.
- Track record of building and leading high‑performing procurement teams.
- Strong commercial acumen and experience implementing category management and strategic sourcing methodologies.
- Experience driving change, innovation, and continuous improvement across procurement functions.
Desirable Experience
- Experience within technical services, energy, renewable energy, digital, technology, or project‑based environments.
- Knowledge of digital procurement tools, systems, and procurement technology.
- Experience developing strategic supplier partnerships and managing complex supply chains.
- Understanding of sustainability, responsible sourcing, and supply chain risk management.
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Head of Procurement in Manchester employer: Arguile
At Arguile, we pride ourselves on being a dynamic and innovative employer in the defence sector, offering our employees the chance to make a significant impact in a high-growth start-up environment. Our collaborative work culture fosters creativity and strategic thinking, while our commitment to professional development ensures that you will have ample opportunities to grow your career. Located in a vibrant area, we provide a unique advantage with access to industry leaders and cutting-edge projects that shape the future of defence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Manchester
✨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 Arguile.
✨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 in Manchester
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 Arguile:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arguile. 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 Arguile.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arguile
✨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 Arguile!
✨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 Arguile. 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 Arguile's culture.
