At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement across a leading independent hospital, driving value and efficiency.
- Company: Join a top-tier independent hospital with a commitment to excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive pension scheme, health benefits, and free parking.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse backgrounds and offering excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in healthcare by optimising procurement processes.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement within healthcare and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced procurement professional ready to take the lead in delivering a best-in-class procurement function within a leading independent hospital?
About the role
Reporting into a Director, you will take overall responsibility for procurement across the hospital, driving value, efficiency, and compliance. You will develop and implement a forward-thinking procurement strategy aligned to the hospital’s strategic plan and commercial vision, while building strong partnerships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers. This is a strategic and hands-on leadership role, requiring the ability to influence at all levels, deliver measurable savings, and embed best-practice procurement processes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead all procurement activity across the hospital, ensuring value, quality, and compliance.
- Develop and deliver a procurement strategy that supports organisational objectives.
- Build and manage strategic supplier relationships, negotiating high-value contracts.
- Implement robust procurement policies, governance, and performance frameworks.
- Drive cost efficiencies and continuous improvement across procurement operations.
- Support budget planning and provide expert commercial advice to senior stakeholders.
- Lead, develop, and inspire the procurement team.
- Oversee supplier performance, risk management, and contract compliance.
Skills and Experience Required
About You
You will be a confident and experienced procurement leader with a strong track record of delivering value within a healthcare or similar regulated environment. You will bring:
- Proven experience in a procurement role within a hospital or healthcare setting.
- Demonstrable leadership of a procurement or purchasing function.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen.
- Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
- Experience managing high-value contracts and tender processes.
Benefits
- Defined contribution pension scheme with employer contribution up to 10%.
- Membership to Benenden Health, offering a wide range of benefits, discounts, and activities.
- Excellent life assurance benefit.
- Free parking.
- Subsidised eye tests.
- Free flu vaccinations.
- Subsidised on-site restaurant.
We’re an inclusive employer and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and walks of life, including those with disabilities, people from all gender identities, individuals from all ethnic backgrounds, and those who are neurodivergent. We actively encourage applications from groups that may be under-represented within our workforce. All our vacancies are therefore subject to either a Standard or an Enhanced Disclosure Application to the Disclosure and Barring Service as well as satisfactory reference checks. These procedures need to be completed before all new members of staff can join the hospital.
Closing Date: 7 July 2026
Head of Procurement employer: Benenden Hospital Trust
Join a leading independent hospital that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a dynamic work culture where your expertise in procurement can truly make an impact. With a comprehensive benefits package including a generous pension scheme, health membership, and various wellness initiatives, you will thrive in an environment that values inclusivity and continuous improvement. This role not only allows you to lead a strategic procurement function but also provides opportunities for personal development and collaboration with diverse teams dedicated to delivering exceptional healthcare services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨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 Benenden Hospital Trust.
✨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
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 Benenden Hospital Trust:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Benenden Hospital Trust. 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 Benenden Hospital Trust.
How to prepare for a job interview at Benenden Hospital Trust
✨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 Benenden Hospital Trust!
✨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 Benenden Hospital Trust. 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 Benenden Hospital Trust's culture.
