At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement excellence and drive data-led decision-making across the Group.
- Company: Join Arriva, a leading European passenger transport partner with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, growth opportunities, and a chance to shape procurement strategy.
- Other info: Opportunity for career advancement and to influence procurement practices at a Group level.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a strategic leadership role within a dynamic organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in procurement operations and governance in complex environments.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Arriva is a leading European passenger transport partner, operating in 11 countries and delivering more than 1.5 billion passenger journeys each year. With 35,000 colleagues and a heritage dating back to 1938, Arriva is focused on growth, innovation and sustainability, supported by I Squared Capital since 2024.
We are seeking a highly capable and forward-thinking Head of Procurement Policy, Process, Data & SRM to play a pivotal role in shaping and enabling procurement excellence across the Group.
The Role
This is a strategic leadership opportunity where you will design, embed and continuously improve the procurement operating environment across Arriva. You will be responsible for driving consistency, governance and data-led decision-making across procurement, ensuring teams are equipped with the right frameworks, processes, tools and insights to deliver value at scale.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and maintain the Group Procurement Policy framework, ensuring robust governance, compliance and audit readiness
- Own and optimise end-to-end procurement processes (Source-to-Contract, Purchase-to-Pay, contract lifecycle management)
- Lead the procurement data and analytics strategy, delivering clear insights on spend, savings, supplier performance and risk
- Develop and manage the Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) framework, including segmentation, governance and performance tracking
- Strengthen the procurement control environment, including risk management, compliance and reporting
- Partner with IT and Finance to optimise systems, tools and digital solutions across procurement
- Drive continuous improvement and automation, simplifying processes while maintaining strong controls
- Build capability across procurement teams through training, guidance and best practice tools
About You
You will be a driven and detail-oriented leader with strong experience in procurement operations, governance or transformation within complex organisations. You will bring:
- Deep understanding of procurement policy, governance and end-to-end processes
- Expertise in data, analytics and reporting, with the ability to turn insight into action
- Experience designing and embedding SRM frameworks and structured programmes
- Strong focus on risk, compliance and audit readiness
- Proven ability to influence stakeholders across a matrix or federated environment
- Experience working with procurement systems and tools (ERP, e-sourcing, analytics platforms)
- Excellent communication and organisational skills, with a continuous improvement mindset
Why Join Arriva?
This is an opportunity to shape how procurement operates at a Group level. You will play a key role in driving consistency, efficiency and insight, enabling the function to deliver greater value and impact.
Closing Date
Friday 3rd July 2026
Head of Procurement Policy, Process, Data & SRM employer: Arrivatc
Arriva is an exceptional employer that prioritises growth, innovation, and sustainability, offering a dynamic work environment at its Lacon House location in Doxford. Employees benefit from a strong focus on professional development, with opportunities to shape procurement excellence and drive impactful change across the Group. With a commitment to collaboration and continuous improvement, Arriva fosters a culture where every team member can thrive and contribute to meaningful outcomes in the passenger transport sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement Policy, Process, Data & SRM
✨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 Arrivatc.
✨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 Policy, Process, Data & SRM
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 Arrivatc:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Arrivatc. 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 Arrivatc.
How to prepare for a job interview at Arrivatc
✨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 Arrivatc!
✨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 Arrivatc. 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 Arrivatc's culture.
