At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Procurement Performance team and drive digital procurement strategy.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the aviation sector focused on innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model and competitive daily rate.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of business transformation and automation in procurement.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in procurement systems, with strong SAP Ariba experience required.
- Other info: This role offers a chance to influence key business decisions and work with senior stakeholders.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 110000 £ per year.
A leading organisation in the aviation sector is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement Systems & Performance to lead the Procurement Performance team. This hybrid role will drive the digital procurement strategy, lead the development of reporting and analytics, and manage the Procurement & Contracts systems landscape—primarily SAP Ariba and the wider Source-to-Pay (S2P) process. You will champion the business transformation, help to digitise the supply chain and procurement interactions, automating business processes and providing solutions to some of the most demanding business challenges. Working closely with the technology provider (SAP Ariba), and the wider technology team, you will guide solution thinking and create and prioritise backlogs based on value. As well as being a hands-on delivery person, you will also play a key role in leading your team. You’ll need to co-ordinate people so they’re all clear on the direction and roadmap, challenge them to make sure the adoption of the new technology remains on course.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Procurement Performance team, delivering end-to-end support to Procurement & Contracts (P&C) and business stakeholders.
- Own and drive the strategy, performance, and transformation of the P&C systems landscape, with a focus on SAP Ariba and S2P.
- Act as the SME for procurement systems, tools, and data analytics, working cross-functionally to improve automation, compliance, and value delivery.
- Manage the Ariba Business Network relationship and oversee the integration of digital buying channels.
- Define and track business benefits, KPIs, and outcomes aligned to transformation objectives.
- Develop and maintain strong internal relationships with senior stakeholders across all spend categories.
- Oversee the P&C BI and reporting strategy, ensuring outputs support informed, data-driven decision-making at the executive level.
- Maintain the preferred supplier list, material codes, system change logs, and support user adoption and training across platforms.
- Collaborate with Finance, Centre of Excellence, Supply Chain, and other technical teams to align systems, processes, and policy.
Key Skills & Experience
- Extensive experience in SAP Ariba, S2P processes, procurement systems, and performance management.
- Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and managing large-scale digital procurement transformation projects.
- Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with executive leadership.
- Sound understanding of procurement processes, contract management, UK procurement regulations, and commercial models.
- Demonstrated ability to blend people, process, and technology into operational outcomes.
- Deep understanding of procurement and BI platforms, with strong data analysis and presentation skills.
- Proficient communicator with the ability to simplify and convey complex or technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
- Adaptable, collaborative team player comfortable working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
- Degree educated in a business-related subject (desirable), with 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
Contact Detail:
ECS Resource Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement Systems
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with SAP Ariba and S2P processes. Understanding these systems in depth will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to the role and your ability to hit the ground running.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement and aviation sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues or decision-makers, which can give you insights into the company culture and expectations.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading digital transformation projects. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed change and improved procurement processes in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your relationship management skills by preparing examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders. Highlighting your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly will set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement Systems
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your extensive experience with SAP Ariba and S2P processes. Emphasise your leadership roles and any digital procurement transformation projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, explain why you're the perfect fit for the Head of Procurement Systems role. Discuss your experience in leading high-performing teams and your ability to drive business transformation through technology.
Highlight Key Skills: Clearly outline your relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills. Provide examples of how you've successfully collaborated with executive leadership and other departments to achieve procurement goals.
Showcase Data Analysis Skills: Since the role involves data analytics, include specific examples of how you've used data to inform decision-making. Mention any BI platforms you are familiar with and how you've leveraged them in past roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at ECS Resource Group
✨Showcase Your Expertise in SAP Ariba
Make sure to highlight your extensive experience with SAP Ariba and S2P processes during the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully implemented or managed these systems, as this will demonstrate your capability to lead the Procurement Performance team effectively.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement Systems, you'll need to lead a team. Share examples of how you've previously managed high-performing teams and driven digital transformation projects. This will help the interviewers see your potential to guide and motivate your future team.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement Scenarios
Given the importance of relationship management in this role, be ready to discuss how you've engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Prepare scenarios that showcase your ability to communicate complex concepts clearly and build strong internal relationships.
✨Understand the Business Transformation Goals
Familiarise yourself with the company's digital procurement strategy and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their transformation objectives. Showing that you understand their goals and have ideas on how to achieve them will set you apart from other candidates.