At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and supplier management for a member-owned buying group.
- Company: Respected multi-million-pound buying group based in Norfolk.
- Benefits: Executive salary package, supportive culture, and direct board engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and digital transformation initiatives.
- Why this job: Shape vital business strategies and make a real impact in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Proven senior procurement leadership and MCIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk (preference for onsite working)
Salary: Executive level package to attract the right candidate
The Opportunity: Strategic Procurement Leadership
Atkinson Moss Leadership recruitment have been engaged on behalf of a highly respected, multi-million-pound member-owned buying group based in Norfolk, to search for an exceptional Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) to join their Senior Leadership Team. This executive position has been introduced to focus purely on world-class procurement strategy, supplier governance, and volume optimisation across the group. This is a high-impact role inheriting a dedicated team, designed for a commercially driven executive who can balance macroeconomic strategy with hands-on operational delivery.
The Ideal Profile: The position ideally requires an executive with deep roots within the agricultural / agri-business sector, allowing them to immediately understand regional and national supply chain challenges. However, applications are equally welcome from heavyweight procurement executives from other complex, regulated, or high-volume industries (such as Financial Services, Insurance, or Commercial Services). If you possess a professional MCIPS qualification (or equivalent) and a track record of transforming supplier performance, this role offers an exceptional platform.
Key Responsibilities:
- Executive Strategy: Shape and execute a comprehensive procurement and supplier management strategy aligned directly with the group's long-term commercial growth ambitions.
- High-Stakes Negotiation: Lead high-value supplier negotiations to secure optimal value, robust risk management, and service continuity across complex product categories.
- Team Leadership: Strengthen and mentor a procurement team of varying experience levels, fostering a high-performance culture of accountability, commercial urgency, and continuous improvement.
- Digital Evolution: Collaborate with the wider executive team to drive digital transformation initiatives, including the optimisation of modern procurement and Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM) tools.
- Governance & Performance: Oversee robust supplier segmentation frameworks, performance scorecards, KPIs, and SLAs to guarantee operational excellence.
- Member-First Focus: Ensure all procurement activities are translated into tangible value, sharp pricing, and outstanding service delivery for a loyal, member-based network.
What You Bring:
- Proven Leadership: A verifiable track record as a senior procurement leader, comfortably navigating executive stakeholder management and organisation-wide transformation.
- Commercial Acumen: A data-driven decision-maker who combines financial astuteness with the ability to identify cross-selling and margin-optimisation opportunities.
- Coaching Mentality: A leadership style defined by collaboration, empowerment, and a proactive approach to addressing capability gaps within a team.
- Cultural Alignment: A professional who champions core corporate values centred around care, curiosity, collaboration, and constructive challenge.
Why Apply? This is a rare executive-level appointment in the East Anglian market, offering the chance to work directly with the board and CEO to shape a vital business division. The organisation prides itself on a supportive, collaborative workplace culture where colleagues genuinely feel valued and enjoy coming to work.
Chief Procurement Officer employer: Atkinson Moss
Join a highly respected, member-owned buying group in Norwich as the Chief Procurement Officer, where you will lead strategic procurement initiatives in a supportive and collaborative workplace. This executive role offers an exceptional platform for professional growth, with opportunities to mentor a dedicated team and drive digital transformation while ensuring member-focused value delivery. Experience a culture that prioritises care, curiosity, and collaboration, making it a truly rewarding environment for impactful leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chief Procurement Officer
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your field. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Ace the Informational Interview
Set up informal chats with people already working in procurement or related sectors. This is your chance to learn about their experiences and get advice on breaking into the role of Chief Procurement Officer. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the field!
✨Showcase Your Expertise
When you get the chance to meet potential employers, make sure to highlight your achievements in procurement. Share specific examples of how you've transformed supplier performance or led successful negotiations. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can deliver real value.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to check out our website for the latest job openings! Applying directly through us not only streamlines the process but also gives you a better chance of being noticed by hiring managers who are looking for top talent like you.
We think you need these skills to ace Chief Procurement Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Chief Procurement Officer. Highlight your experience in procurement strategy and team leadership, especially in sectors like agriculture or other complex industries. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how you’ve driven transformation in previous roles. Let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Leadership Style:We’re looking for someone who can lead and mentor a diverse team. In your application, give us a glimpse of your coaching mentality and how you foster a high-performance culture. We want to know how you empower others to succeed!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Atkinson Moss
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies, especially those relevant to the agricultural sector. Be ready to discuss how you would shape and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy that aligns with the company's long-term goals.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of high-stakes negotiations you've led in the past. Highlight how you secured optimal value and managed risks effectively. This will demonstrate your capability to handle complex product categories and ensure service continuity.
✨Emphasise Team Leadership
Think about your leadership style and how you've mentored teams in the past. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've fostered a high-performance culture and addressed capability gaps within your team.
✨Align with Company Values
Familiarise yourself with the core corporate values of the organisation. During the interview, express how your professional ethos aligns with their focus on care, curiosity, collaboration, and constructive challenge. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
