At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier management across Europe for a global retail giant.
- Company: Join a leading global retail organisation with a dynamic European headquarters in London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and a chance to shape procurement excellence.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career growth and international exposure.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on procurement transformation and sustainability initiatives.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in procurement leadership, strong negotiation skills, and strategic sourcing expertise.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London, United Kingdom (or major European hub)
Reporting To: Global Chief Procurement Officer
About the Company
Our client is a leading global retail organization with operations spanning multiple continents. The European headquarters is based in London and serves as a strategic hub for the region. As part of its continued growth and transformation agenda, the company is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement – Europe to lead procurement strategy, supplier management, and sourcing excellence across the European region.
Position Overview
The Head of Procurement – Europe will be responsible for developing and executing the regional procurement strategy across all European markets. This executive leadership role will oversee strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, cost optimization, sustainability initiatives, and procurement transformation programs while ensuring alignment with global procurement objectives. The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the global procurement leadership team and act as a strategic business partner to regional and country leadership teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy for Europe aligned with global business objectives.
- Drive category management, sourcing excellence, and procurement best practices across all European markets.
- Partner with business leaders to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency initiatives.
- Lead procurement transformation projects, digitalization initiatives, and process optimization programs.
- Sourcing & Supplier Management
- Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships across direct and indirect spend categories.
- Lead complex negotiations and commercial agreements with key regional and global suppliers.
- Develop supplier performance management frameworks, including KPIs, risk assessments, and continuous improvement plans.
- Ensure supply continuity, resilience, and risk mitigation across the procurement network.
- Financial & Commercial Performance
- Deliver annual cost savings, value creation, and working capital improvement targets.
- Optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining quality, service, and sustainability standards.
- Support budgeting, forecasting, and procurement analytics activities.
- Identify opportunities for procurement-led innovation and revenue enhancement.
- Governance, Risk & Compliance
- Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
- Strengthen supplier governance, contract management, and procurement controls.
- Drive ESG and sustainability initiatives throughout the supply base.
- Monitor geopolitical, supply chain, and market risks impacting the European region.
- Leadership & Stakeholder Management
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team across multiple European countries.
- Foster collaboration between procurement, supply chain, finance, operations, and commercial teams.
- Build strong relationships with executive leadership and key external stakeholders.
- Act as the primary procurement representative for Europe within the global procurement leadership team.
Candidate Profile
Experience
- 15+ years of progressive procurement and sourcing experience, including significant leadership responsibility.
- Proven success leading regional or multinational procurement organizations within retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, FMCG, or related sectors.
- Strong experience managing large procurement spend and complex supplier ecosystems across Europe.
- Demonstrated track record of delivering substantial cost savings and procurement transformation initiatives.
- Experience operating within a matrixed, multinational environment.
Skills & Competencies
- Strategic sourcing and category management expertise.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.
- Supplier relationship and contract management expertise.
- Deep understanding of European procurement markets and supply chains.
- Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
- Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication abilities.
- Experience with procurement technologies, ERP systems, and digital procurement platforms.
Education
- Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
- MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
- Professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, ISM, or equivalent) are advantageous.
Leadership Attributes
- Strategic thinker with strong business orientation.
- Results-driven and commercially focused.
- Collaborative and influential leader.
- High level of integrity and accountability.
- Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
Travel
Regular travel across Europe and occasional international travel as required.
Head of Procurement in Slough employer: Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)
As a leading global retail organisation, our client offers an exceptional work environment in London, a vibrant hub for innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a culture that prioritises professional growth, sustainability initiatives, and strategic partnerships, ensuring a meaningful impact on the procurement landscape across Europe. With a commitment to excellence and a focus on employee development, this role provides a unique opportunity to lead transformative projects while working alongside a high-performing team in a dynamic international setting.
Contact Details:
Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their procurement strategies and challenges in Europe. We want to show them that you’re not just another candidate, but someone who truly gets their business.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. We suggest role-playing with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management, as well as any leadership roles you've held. 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 explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to our goals at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your skills in negotiation, stakeholder management, and data-driven decision-making. We’re looking for someone who can lead and innovate, so make sure these skills stand out in your application.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets to the right people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cornerstone Global Partners (CGP Group)
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the company's procurement strategy and how it aligns with global objectives. Be ready to discuss how your experience can contribute to their goals, especially in areas like cost optimisation and supplier management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, managed complex negotiations, and driven procurement transformation initiatives in your previous roles.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the European procurement market and any current trends or challenges. Being able to discuss these insights will show that you're not only knowledgeable but also proactive about the industry.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you manage relationships with various stakeholders. Think of specific instances where you've successfully collaborated with cross-functional teams or external partners to achieve procurement goals.
