At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and mentor a high-performance team.
- Company: Respected member-owned buying group in Norfolk with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Executive salary package, supportive work environment, and direct board engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity for digital transformation and career advancement in a dynamic sector.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategy and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement leadership experience and MCIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: Norwich, Norfolk (preference for onsite working 4 days onsite/1 wfh)
Salary: Executive level package
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.
Procurement Executive / Officer in Norwich employer: Atkinson Moss
Join a highly respected, member-owned buying group in Norwich, Norfolk, where you will play a pivotal role as Chief Procurement Officer. This executive position offers a unique opportunity to lead strategic procurement initiatives within a supportive and collaborative workplace culture that values employee contributions and fosters professional growth. With a focus on world-class procurement strategy and a commitment to digital transformation, this role is ideal for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in a dynamic environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Executive / Officer in Norwich
✨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 Atkinson Moss.
✨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 Procurement Executive / Officer in Norwich
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 Atkinson Moss:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Atkinson Moss. 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 Atkinson Moss.
How to prepare for a job interview at Atkinson Moss
✨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 Atkinson Moss!
✨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 Atkinson Moss. 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 Atkinson Moss's culture.
