At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and inspire a dynamic team to drive commercial value.
- Company: Join Arriva Rail London, a leader in passenger transport across Europe.
- Benefits: Enjoy free travel, discounts, and a supportive employee assistance programme.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport while making a positive impact on sustainability.
- Qualifications: Degree or extensive experience in procurement with strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Arriva Rail London (ARL) is an industry-leading train operating company, responsible for running the London Overground network under a Concession Agreement with Transport for London (TfL) and is part of the Arriva group. Here at Arriva, we are on our way to becoming the leading passenger transport partner across Europe, delivering more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 different European countries every year.
Arriva Rail London is seeking a strategic leader to take ownership of its Procurement function, reporting directly to the Finance Director. In this pivotal role you will shape and deliver procurement strategy, drive commercial value, embed sustainable practices and ensure robust contract management across the organisation. You will lead and inspire the procurement team, develop long term supplier partnerships, and play a key role in major contract mobilisations and demobilisations.
As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the overall success of Arriva Rail London while building strong connections with the wider Arriva Group. This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished Head of Procurement to take on a high-profile role with real strategic influence. It will also appeal to senior procurement professionals with proven leadership experience who are ready to step into a broader remit. The role is ideal for someone who combines commercial acumen with strong stakeholder management skills and who is motivated to shape long term procurement strategy in a complex and dynamic environment.
Location: Southwark, London (Hybrid)
Employment type: Permanent
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of our Procurement Strategy, using your expertise to maximise value and buying power.
- The Head of Procurement will be the key connection between ARL and the wider Arriva Group, ensuring collaboration and alignment.
- You will be responsible for inspiring, supporting and guiding the procurement team, fostering a culture where people perform at their best.
- Taking ownership of supplier relationships and contracts, from mobilisation through to renewal and performance review will be another key part of this role.
- You will also be responsible for driving sustainability and social value, making sure our procurement practices deliver positive impact.
- The Head of Procurement will also be responsible for ensuring everything we do is compliant with UK and EU legislation and reflects our commitments under the Concession Agreement.
- You will bring commercial insight and proactive risk management to help the business make the right decisions.
- This individual will also be responsible for building lasting, strategic partnerships with suppliers that strengthen Arriva Rail London’s long-term success.
- Safeguard high standards of health, safety and compliance will be another key part of this role across all procurement activity supporting the wider organisation.
- You will also be required to provide senior leaders with clear, meaningful reporting that shapes decision making.
- The Head of Procurement will play an influential role as part of the Senior Leadership Team, helping to shape ARL’s wider strategy and direction.
Qualifications
- This individual will need to be educated to a degree level or will require relevant, longstanding experience working within the Procurement space.
- Procurement accreditation would be highly advantageous, especially Membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement (MCIPS), this can be completed or working towards.
- You will need to have strong experience working within procurement, leading a procurement function, managing service contracts and supplier relationships as well as a strong understanding of UK and EU procurement legislation.
- The Head of Procurement will need to have strong leadership and team development capabilities and will have ideally previously worked at a senior leadership level, with excellent negotiation skills within complex or high-stakes scenarios.
- The ideal individual will have gained procurement experience working within a regulated industry, ideally the railway with strong stakeholder management skills.
- This individual will need to have experience in contract mobilisation and demobilisation and will have ideally had experience working with significant contractual changes, whether that is end of contract or start of a business.
- You will need to have knowledge of sustainability and ethical procurement practices as well as familiarity with purchasing and finance systems.
- The Head of Procurement will need to have the ability to communicate effectively across all levels of the organisation, and will require a high level of professionalism and integrity in procurement best practice with an analytical mindset and the ability to interpret data to drive strategic decisions.
What you’ll get
- Free Travel for you and a nominated person at your address on TfL Network.
- Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service.
- Free travel on Arriva branded rail services around the country.
- 75% discount on season tickets on other Train Operating Companies.
- Arriva Village - web based discounts on various products/services on the high street.
- Employee Assistance Programme - 24hr helpline, covering a multitude of subjects.
- Entry into the discretionary Arriva Group bonus scheme.
Diversity and inclusion
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success. If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level
Employment type: Full-time
Job function: Finance and Management
Industries: Rail Transportation
Head of Procurement in London employer: Arriva Rail London
Arriva is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and sustainability are at the forefront of our mission. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide ample opportunities for professional development and a collaborative culture that values diverse perspectives. Working from our London or Sunderland office, you'll be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to shaping the future of passenger transport across Europe.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement 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 Arriva Rail London.
✨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 London
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 Arriva Rail London:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arriva Rail London. 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 Arriva Rail London.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arriva Rail London
✨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 Arriva Rail London!
✨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 Arriva Rail London. 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 Arriva Rail London's culture.
