At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and develop high-performing teams in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Established MEP engineering business with a focus on innovation and growth.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel allowance, and opportunities for strategic impact.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to make a genuine impact.
- Why this job: Shape procurement strategies and influence business performance in a key leadership role.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement leadership within construction or engineering sectors.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Procurement to take ownership of and develop a procurement function within an established and growing Mechanical, Electrical and Public Health (MEP) engineering business. This is a newly created senior leadership position, offering the opportunity to shape procurement strategy, influence business performance and build a high-performing procurement team. Working closely with senior leadership, commercial, operational and finance teams, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the business achieves best-value purchasing, strengthens its supply chain and delivers sustainable commercial efficiencies.
The business operates across complex residential and commercial environments, delivering mechanical, electrical and public health installation, upgrades and maintenance services. With a diverse portfolio of projects and planned and reactive maintenance contracts, procurement plays a critical role in supporting operational delivery and continued growth.
As Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for leading the procurement function, developing strategic supplier relationships and ensuring that procurement activities consistently deliver the right balance of commercial competitiveness, product quality and service excellence. You will take responsibility for the day-to-day management and strategic development of procurement, ensuring robust processes, financial controls and full audit traceability from initial enquiry through to delivery.
A key part of the role will involve developing and managing a capable supply chain that can support complex M&E projects, framework agreements and ongoing maintenance requirements. You will also identify opportunities to improve procurement performance, introduce efficiencies and implement innovative commercial arrangements.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and implement the overall procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with business objectives and commercial targets.
- Lead, manage and develop the procurement team, setting clear objectives and driving performance.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors and strategic supply chain partners.
- Negotiate competitive pricing, framework agreements, rebates, volume incentives and favourable contractual terms.
- Identify and deliver measurable cost savings and procurement efficiencies across projects and maintenance operations.
- Manage complex supply chains supporting M&E installation, construction and maintenance contracts.
- Support commercial and operational teams in the preparation and successful delivery of complex construction tenders.
- Ensure suppliers and subcontractors are appropriately assessed, approved and onboarded in line with company procedures and ISO requirements.
- Monitor supplier performance, quality, service levels, capability and commercial competitiveness.
- Develop processes to assess supplier capacity, identify potential supply chain risks and support effective tender planning.
- Oversee inventory management, stock control, purchasing activity and associated financial reporting.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with internal financial controls, commercial procedures and relevant regulatory requirements.
- Work closely with technical, operational, commercial, finance and legal teams to ensure procurement strategies support project delivery.
- Review and improve existing procurement processes, identifying opportunities for greater efficiency and control.
- Introduce new procurement systems, technologies and reporting tools where appropriate.
- Provide regular procurement performance reports, market intelligence and commercial analysis to senior leadership.
- Influence senior stakeholders and contribute to wider business strategy and decision-making.
About You
We are looking for a commercially driven procurement leader with a strong background in the M&E, building services, construction or engineering sectors. You will have demonstrable experience managing complex supply chains, leading procurement teams and delivering significant commercial savings within a project-led or maintenance-focused environment. You will be confident operating at senior management level, influencing key stakeholders and developing procurement strategies that deliver tangible business benefits.
You will ideally bring:
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent relevant professional experience.
- CIPS Level 4 or above desirable; MCIPS membership advantageous.
- Significant experience in a senior procurement or supply chain leadership position.
- Proven experience managing and developing procurement teams.
- Strong knowledge of M&E procurement and complex construction supply chains.
- Experience supporting major project tenders and framework agreements.
- A track record of delivering cost efficiencies across planned and reactive maintenance procurement.
- Excellent commercial awareness and contract negotiation skills.
- Experience developing supplier relationships and managing supplier performance.
- Understanding of inventory management, stock control and purchasing systems.
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, financial controls and compliance.
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional to take ownership of a function, make a genuine strategic impact and play a key role in supporting the future growth of an established M&E business.
Head of Procurement - Construction in London employer: Cedar
Join a dynamic London-based organisation that values innovation and collaboration, offering a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have access to continuous training and growth opportunities while working on prestigious M&E projects. The supportive work culture encourages teamwork and creativity, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement - Construction 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 Cedar.
✨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 - Construction 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 Cedar:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cedar. 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 Cedar.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar
✨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 Cedar!
✨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 Cedar. 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 Cedar's culture.
