Head of Procurement

The role is a position within the business joining our existing team as Head of Procurement. EWC is building a Procurement department that will support our continued growth by ensuring that the business delivers best buying practices to achieve best value purchasing across the group while building relationships with our supply chain. Value is determined by finding the right blend of commercial competitiveness, product quality and excellent service.

The role will require the postholder to ensure that existing and new supply chain members have been appropriately onboarded utilizing the company ISO compliant process and procedures and these standards are maintained. Managing the day‑to‑day operations of the procurement function in line with commercial best practices, compliance with the company’s financial processes and in a manner that provides full audit traceability from source of enquiry through to delivery to the end user.

Qualifications And Experience

• Degree Qualified or Equivalent experience (E)
• CIPS Level 4 (D)
• MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) (D)
• Team management experience (E)
• Experience in managing multi‑faceted supply chains to deliver complex M&E projects (E)
• Demonstrable experience in delivering cost efficiencies in dynamic purchasing for Maintenance both reactive and planned (E)
• Ability to support the successful completion of Complex Construction Bids adding value to bids through innovative approaches to procurement (E)
• Strong commercial acumen aligned with an ability to foster strong relationships with the supply chain (E)

Knowledge

• Full awareness of procurement and framework knowledge (E)
• Full understanding of how to manage an online inventory and the financial implications of stock transactions (E)
• Strong level of market intelligence and supply disruption risk analysis (E)
• A working knowledge of Public Procurement Regulation, and other legal matters such as product and public liability and associated insurances (D)
• A good level of knowledge of Health, Safety and Environmental regulations, monitoring and reporting (D)
• Understanding of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) requirements and the need to keep a register of all PPE issued to workers (D)
• Awareness of the importance of data security e.g. how to make sure company information (D)

Skills

• Excellent planning, leadership and organisational skills (E)
• Advanced influencing and commercial negotiation skills (E)
• Positive mindset, with strong interest in developing relationships with stakeholders (E)
• Some track record of forming good relationships with engineers, project managers or similar (E)
• Ability to influence and negotiate positive outcomes with supervisors, operatives and third parties (E)
• Ability to effectively prioritise competing demands and clearly demonstrate the logic used in the chase approach (D)
• Ability to conduct stock audits (E)
• Able to conduct research, show reporting skills and able to analyse information and present it in a helpful way (D)
• Ability to maintain accurate records and use a range of digital packages (Microsoft 365 or similar) (E)

Other

• The ability to travel to a range of sites, full UK Driving Licence (E)
• Appreciation that there might be out of hours working, agreed in advance (D)
• Positive approach towards learning and development, ability to shape the development and growth of the team (E)

DUTIES

• Responsible for the receipt of all deliveries in accordance with all Environmental and Health and Safety Standards.
• Act as a decision‑maker and key industry contact, attracting supply and construction partners.
• Develop methods to track supplier capabilities, enabling well‑timed tender processes.
• Manage a team of procurement professionals, with a focus on their development.
• Attract top industry talent by clearly communicating field’s vision and goals.
• Be willing to step up and have difficult conversations with third parties on behalf of your team – either in feedback sessions or during tough contract negotiations.
• Negotiate commercially advantageous outcomes for field.
• Collaborate with Legal to refine contract clauses, including liquidated damages, warranties, and liability limitations.
• Work with the technical team to onboard new contractors and refine project requirements, ensuring comprehensive and commercially robust proposals.
• Communicate with senior leadership, regional general manager, and the board to drive optimal outcomes for procurement and supply chain activities.
• Deliver clear, data‑driven presentations tailored to a senior audience, with an openness to iterative feedback.
• Identify process inefficiencies and implement improvements to enhance team performance.
• Consider innovative performance enhancements and cost‑saving measures (e.g., rebate schemes, volume incentives).
• Where appropriate, introduce new systems/software and oversee their adoption across cross‑functional teams.

Meetings

• Attend Quarterly company H&S meetings when required.
• Attend and conduct staff appraisal and performance meetings when required.
• Attend management meetings when required.
• Attend team meetings when required.