At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for major capital projects across EMEA.
- Company: Join DayOne, a fast-growing leader in high-performance data centres.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data centre development with sustainability and innovation at the forefront.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in procurement with leadership experience in CAPEX and large-scale projects.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 120000 £ per year.
Day One is a global leader in the development and operation of high-performance data centers.
As one of the fastest-growing companies in the industry, we’ve built a robust presence across Asia and Europe — and we’re just getting started.
About The Role
As EMEA Head of Procurement at Day One, you will lead the regional procurement function across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with a primary focus on CAPEX, capital investment programmes and large-scale data centre development.
You will define and execute procurement strategies that enable Day One’s rapid international growth, ensuring that major capital projects are sourced, contracted and delivered with commercial discipline, strong governance and measurable value.
Key Responsibilities
- Define and lead the EMEA procurement strategy for CAPEX, construction, engineering, professional services, equipment, MEP, facilities and other project-related spend categories.
- Own end-to-end procurement for major capital investment programmes, from early project planning and market engagement through tendering, negotiation, contract award, delivery governance and supplier performance management.
- Establish scalable regional sourcing models, supplier frameworks, preferred vendor panels and rate-card structures that support rapid multi-country data centre expansion.
- Partner with Development, Construction, Engineering, Finance, Legal and Operations teams to align procurement strategies with project timelines, budgets, technical specifications, risk appetite and investment objectives.
- Lead complex sourcing events, including RFI, RFQ and RFP processes, technical and commercial evaluation, negotiation strategy and award recommendations for high-value CAPEX packages.
- Negotiate robust commercial agreements, including master service agreements, framework agreements, construction contracts, equipment supply agreements, statements of work and service-level commitments.
- Drive cost competitiveness through total cost of ownership analysis, benchmarking, should-cost modelling, value engineering, market intelligence and disciplined change-order management.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers, contractors, OEMs, engineering partners, consultants and service providers across EMEA.
- Implement supplier governance, KPI dashboards, QBRs and performance improvement plans to ensure quality, delivery, safety, sustainability, compliance and commercial performance.
- Provide executive-level reporting on procurement pipeline, committed spend, savings, risks, supplier performance, claims exposure, budget variance and CAPEX forecast accuracy.
- Strengthen procurement policies, approval workflows, tender governance, contract controls and audit readiness across the EMEA region.
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing regional procurement team, embedding a culture of commercial excellence, accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
Qualifications & Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Business Administration or a related field; Master’s degree or MBA is preferred.
- Minimum 15+ years’ progressive procurement experience, including significant leadership experience in CAPEX, capital projects, construction, infrastructure, data centres, real estate development, energy, utilities, logistics or other asset-intensive environments.
- Proven experience leading procurement for large-scale capital investment programmes, ideally across multiple countries in EMEA.
- Strong track record in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier governance, contract negotiation and commercial risk management for high-value project spend.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders in Development, Construction, Engineering, Finance, Legal and Operations, with the ability to influence executive decision-making.
- Professional procurement accreditation such as CIPS, MCIPS, ISM, CSCP or equivalent is preferred.
Skills & Attributes
- Deep commercial acumen with the ability to balance cost, speed, quality, risk, sustainability and long-term supplier value.
- Strong understanding of CAPEX procurement, construction contracts, MEP packages, equipment sourcing, professional services, technical scopes and project delivery lifecycles.
- Excellent negotiation skills, with proven ability to structure complex agreements and manage claims, variations, change orders and supplier performance issues.
- Strategic and analytical mindset, with experience using spend analytics, market intelligence, benchmarking and total cost of ownership models to inform decisions.
- Highly effective stakeholder engagement skills, with confidence operating at executive level and influencing across matrixed, multi-country environments.
- Strong leadership capability, with experience building teams, setting operating rhythms, developing talent and driving procurement transformation.
- Sound understanding of procurement systems, ERP tools, contract management platforms, governance frameworks and financial controls.
- Fluency in English is required; additional European languages are advantageous.
- Why Joining Day One
At Day One, we’re redefining how data centres are built and operated — with sustainability, innovation and precision at our core.
As EMEA Head of Procurement, you will play a critical role in shaping how we source, contract and deliver major capital investments across the region.
You will have the opportunity to build scalable procurement capability, influence strategic supplier partnerships and support the delivery of mission-critical infrastructure in some of the world’s most dynamic markets.
Day One is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.
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EMEA, Head of Procurement employer: DayOne
At DayOne, we are not just a leader in high-performance data centres; we are an employer that prioritises innovation, sustainability, and employee growth. As the EMEA Head of Procurement, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and excellence, with ample opportunities for professional development and leadership. Join us in shaping the future of data centre operations while enjoying a supportive environment that celebrates diversity and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land EMEA, 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 DayOne.
✨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 EMEA, 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 DayOne:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to DayOne. 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 DayOne.
How to prepare for a job interview at DayOne
✨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 DayOne!
✨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 DayOne. 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 DayOne's culture.