At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop a high-performing procurement team in the food and beverage industry.
- Company: Join a leading procurement consultancy based in Milton Keynes, working with top UK brands.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, 33 days holiday, hybrid work, and private healthcare.
- Why this job: This role offers growth potential and the chance to make a significant impact in procurement excellence.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in senior procurement roles, strong negotiation skills, and excellent stakeholder management experience required.
- Other info: Work in a friendly environment with on-site restaurant and free parking.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 65000 £ per year.
The University of West London (UWL) is ranked the best modern* university (non-specialist) in London in the Complete University Guide 2025.
We are ranked 30th university in the UK in The Guardian University Guide 2025, Number 1 London university for overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey 2024 and Best university for Student Experience and Teaching Quality in the UK in The Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2024.
The UWL community is a diverse body of students and staff who work together to create an environment of success and achievement. We celebrate the diversity of our staff and promote our values in practice through our commitment to inclusivity, progression, and success.
*University status awarded in or after 1992
The Department
The Finance Department supports the University\’s strategy to enhance the student experience by delivering financial sustainability through financial leadership, strategic planning and informed procurement. We ensure the long-term financial sustainably of UWL, maximising efficiency and effectiveness of available resources. The University of West London has won the award for \’Outstanding Financial Performance\’ at \’The Times Higher Education Awards\’ 2019.
The Role
Strategic Procurement is part of the Finance Department. We are looking to recruit an experienced Head of Procurement to lead its core function to:
- Provide optimum Value for Money (VFM) for all aspects of University expenditure;
- Introduce and embed category management for all strategic non-pay expenditure;
- Improve best practice awareness and use throughout the University at all levels of expenditure;
- Encourage and promote co-operation and communication between devolved procurement expertise and Strategic Procurement;
- Improve, embed and monitor overall procurement performance;
- Promote collaboration by pursuing and developing co-operative relationships between the University and external procurement stakeholder bodies;
- Embed sound ethical, social and environmental policies within the procurement function;
- Monitor and reduce any risk associated with external expenditure and the appointment of third party suppliers.
The Person
We are seeking an experienced procurement leader who is MCIP and holds an honours degree or equivalent. Experience of working in higher education would be desirable.
How to Apply
To apply click on \’Apply Online\’ and fill out the application form. Further information about the application process can be found here: Application Process .
Please email if you need any assistance with the application process.
Interviews are expected to be held in the week commencing 7th April 2025.
Additional Information
Read more about working at the University of West London at Why Work at UWL .
Our department/school is under-represented in terms of staff from minority ethnic backgrounds, of LGBT+ identities, and with disabilities. UWL is committed to having a diverse and inclusive workforce, supports the gender equality Athena SWAN Charter, and is a Disability Confident Employer. We welcome applications from all sections of the community, particularly those mentioned above to increase diversity in our workforce.
Candidates must be able to demonstrate their eligibility to work in the UK in accordance with the Immigration, Asylum and Nationality Act 2006.
This position does not meet the University criteria for Skilled Worker sponsorship.
Please be advised that it is expected that appointment within a grade will normally be at the minimum point.
We will intermittently review the applications as part of this open advert, therefore if successful, you will be shortlisted and contacted at any time.
The University of West London reserves the right to close the role prior to this date should a suitable applicant be found. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Procurement employer: Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Make sure to highlight your experience in the food and beverages industry during networking events or conversations. This will help you connect with industry professionals who can provide insights or referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Engage with procurement communities on platforms like LinkedIn. Share your thoughts on procurement strategies and trends in the food sector to showcase your expertise and attract attention from potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in procurement within the food industry. Being knowledgeable about current challenges and innovations will demonstrate your commitment and readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Consider reaching out to current or former employees of StudySmarter to gain insights into the company culture and expectations for the Head of Procurement role. This can give you a competitive edge during the application process.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in procurement, especially within the food and beverages industry. Emphasize your leadership roles and any achievements that demonstrate your ability to deliver value through procurement excellence.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, clearly articulate why you are interested in this role and how your background aligns with the key accountabilities mentioned in the job description. Use specific examples to showcase your experience in managing procurement teams and stakeholder relationships.
Highlight Key Skills: Focus on showcasing your strong negotiation skills, financial acumen, and ability to communicate effectively at all levels. Mention any relevant IT competencies, particularly with Microsoft Excel, as these are essential for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Experience: Since this role involves leading a procurement team, be sure to include details about your previous leadership experiences. Discuss how you have developed teams and driven procurement strategies in past positions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll be leading a team. Be prepared to discuss your leadership style and provide examples of how you've successfully developed and supported procurement teams in the past.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Make sure to highlight your experience within the Food and Beverages Industry. Discuss specific challenges you've faced and how you overcame them, as well as any strategic supply plans you've developed.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about your experience with senior stakeholders, including C-level executives. Be ready to share examples of how you've effectively managed relationships and ensured procurement objectives were met.
✨Emphasize Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in procurement. Prepare to discuss your negotiation strategies and provide examples of successful negotiations that delivered significant value for your clients.