Head of Procurement in Leeds

Head of Procurement in Leeds

Leeds Full-Time 45000 - 55000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and optimise supplier relationships for global projects.
  • Company: Join Sulzer, a top engineering company with a legacy of innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, discounts, and continuous learning opportunities.
  • Other info: Be part of a diverse team recognised as a Top Employer 2026.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a modern, collaborative environment focused on sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Strong procurement background in engineering or manufacturing; leadership skills required.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation.

Grow your expertise and develop innovative solutions that enable a prosperous and more sustainable society.

About the role

We’re looking for a Head of Procurement to join the Senior Leadership team for our Leeds facility.

In this key role, you’ll drive strategic procurement initiatives, optimise supplier relationships, and ensure seamless delivery of large scale global projects, critical to our world-class pumping solutions.

Your main tasks and responsibilities

  • Develop and execute procurement strategies to ensure cost-effective and timely sourcing of components, raw materials, and factored items.
  • Lead a team of buyers, driving operational excellence and supplier performance to meet customer requirements.
  • Manage key supplier relationships, negotiate agreements, and implement KPIs for continuous improvement.
  • Collaborate with internal teams, including operations, quality control, commercial, and production, to align procurement with business goals.
  • Ensure compliance with Sulzer’s procurement policies and industry standards, maintaining a strong focus on quality, safety, and sustainability.

To succeed in this role

  • A CIPS/MCIPS qualification is preferred, but experience is more important – you must be able to demonstrate a strong background in procurement within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
  • Strong background in procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiation with an understanding of the procurement challenges associated with large-scale, complex customer projects.
  • Experience in castings and raw materials procurement.
  • Leadership and team management skills, with a track record of driving performance.
  • Commercial acumen, problem-solving ability, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

What we offer you

  • Confidential support through our Employee Assistance Programmes
  • Access to a wide range of discounts on everyday shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle
  • Discounted personal car leasing available for you, your family, and friends
  • Long Service Awards to celebrate employee longevity
  • Continuous learning and development through Sulzer Learning Pathways
  • Flexible working hours that allow you to balance your work and personal life
  • Our Leeds site has undergone a major redevelopment, creating a modern, state-of-the-art working environment designed to inspire collaboration and innovation.
  • This is an exciting time to join us and experience the benefits of a refreshed, future-ready workplace.

Sulzer is an equal opportunity employer.

We believe in the strength of a diverse workforce and are committed to offering an inclusive work environment.

We are proud to be recognized as a Top Employer 2026 in Brazil, Canada, China, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Switzerland, South Africa, the UK and the USA.

Sulzer is a leading engineering company with a proud heritage of innovation.

By supporting water and energy security, enabling the energy transition and driving the use of circular technologies, we help our customers build a better world.

With more than 13’000 employees and 160 world-class production facilities and service centres across the globe, we are a globally diverse team.

We value the uniqueness of all our colleagues, and we appreciate the contributions that each of us makes to the company’s success.

We prioritize your health and safety and are committed to offering a work environment in which you can thrive.

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Head of Procurement in Leeds employer: E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.

At Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd., we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises sustainability and compliance. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and the chance to lead impactful environmental initiatives across our UK & Ireland sites. Join us in making a meaningful difference while enjoying a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.

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Contact Details:

E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd. Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Leeds

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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd..

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 in Leeds

Strategic Procurement
Supplier Management
Contract Negotiation
Leadership Skills
Team Management
Commercial Acumen
Problem-Solving Skills

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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.. 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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd..

How to prepare for a job interview at E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.

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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.!

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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.. 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 E262 Sulzer Pumps (UK) Ltd.'s culture.