At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier partnerships for a major UK connectivity programme.
- Company: Join Freshwave, a recognised Great Place to Work in telecoms and infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and the chance to shape future connectivity.
- Other info: Collaborate with an experienced team in a fast-growing organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's ambitious 4G/5G connectivity projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and vendor strategy leadership roles.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
About Freshwave
We deliver connectivity where it matters most - across some of the UK’s largest and most complex environments. With over 2,000 connected buildings and 800+ outdoor networks, we play a critical role in enabling seamless mobile coverage in cities, transport hubs and high-demand locations. Backed by DigitalBridge, we combine telecoms expertise with commercial real estate insight to deliver long-term infrastructure solutions—and we’re proud to be recognised as a Great Place to Work.
The Opportunity
Initially a three-month contract, this is a pivotal leadership role combining enterprise-wide vendor strategy with hands-on procurement and commercial delivery for one of the UK’s most high-profile infrastructure programmes. You’ll be shaping how Freshwave partners with suppliers long term, while ensuring the successful, compliant delivery of Project Reach — our multi-year programme with Network Rail and Neos Networks to deliver seamless 4G/5G connectivity across stations, tunnels and key rail routes. Operating at the intersection of strategy and execution, you will play a critical role in enabling scalable infrastructure delivery while building a high-performing, future-ready supply chain.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Developing and embedding a company-wide vendor strategy, driving consistency in supplier segmentation, performance and value creation
- Defining and delivering the procurement strategy for Project Reach, aligned to programme timelines, risks and delivery requirements
- Leading supplier negotiations and transitioning contracts to NEC4 frameworks, ensuring alignment to both programme and long-term strategy
- Structuring Scopes of Work, contracts and commercial frameworks to support efficient, scalable and well-governed delivery
- Driving supplier selection and appointment processes, balancing immediate delivery needs with long-term strategic value
- Establishing robust supplier governance, performance frameworks and reporting, improving visibility, control and accountability
- Leading onboarding, compliance and assurance, embedding Network Rail standards and consistent supplier processes
- Enabling cross-functional teams to convert and deliver supplier-enabled opportunities across Project Reach and wider programmes
- Acting as the key interface between procurement, delivery teams and suppliers, ensuring alignment and resolution of commercial issues
- Leading commercial change, impact assessment and contract close-out, embedding continuous improvement and lessons learned
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience in procurement, commercial or vendor strategy leadership roles
- Experience in service-based procurement environments, not solely the procurement of goods or commodities
- Experience structuring and negotiating major contracts (e.g. NEC frameworks or similar)
- Ability to operate at both strategic and delivery levels, shaping direction while enabling execution
- Strong stakeholder management and ability to influence across technical, commercial and delivery teams
- Experience within telecoms, infrastructure or rail environments would be advantageous
- Experience building or embedding supplier segmentation and performance frameworks
Why Join Freshwave
This is a unique opportunity to play a defining role in delivering one of the UK’s most ambitious connectivity programmes, while shaping how Freshwave partners with its supply chain for the future. You’ll be working at the intersection of telecoms, infrastructure and public sector delivery, collaborating with an experienced leadership team and contributing to a fast-growing, strategically important organisation.
Our Values
- Engineering excellence – delivering high-quality, reliable infrastructure
- Do the right thing – acting with integrity for our people, partners and communities
- Set the pace – moving quickly and raising industry standards
Inclusion at Freshwave
We’re committed to building an inclusive workplace where diverse perspectives are valued. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and will support reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.
Apply
If you’re a strategic procurement leader who can drive value, build high-performing supplier partnerships and influence at senior level, we’d welcome your application.
Head of Procurement employer: Freshwave
Freshwave is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead procurement for one of the UK's most ambitious connectivity programmes. With a commitment to engineering excellence and integrity, employees benefit from a collaborative work culture that values diverse perspectives and fosters professional growth. Located at the heart of the telecoms and infrastructure sectors, Freshwave provides a dynamic environment where strategic leaders can make a meaningful impact while shaping the future of connectivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to potential contacts. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand Freshwave’s role in the telecoms and infrastructure space, especially around Project Reach. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence and refine your approach before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining Freshwave and contributing to our mission of delivering top-notch connectivity solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Head of Procurement. Highlight your experience in procurement and vendor strategy, especially in service-based environments. We want to see how your skills align 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 Freshwave. Mention specific projects or achievements that demonstrate your ability to lead procurement strategies and negotiate contracts.
Showcase Relevant Experience:When detailing your work history, focus on experiences that relate to telecoms, infrastructure, or rail environments. We’re keen to see how you’ve structured and negotiated major contracts in the past!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Freshwave.
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshwave
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around service-based environments. Familiarise yourself with NEC frameworks and be ready to discuss how you've structured and negotiated major contracts in the past.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Mindset
This role is all about balancing strategy with execution. Prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to shape direction while enabling delivery. Think about times when you've developed vendor strategies or performance frameworks and be ready to share those insights.
✨Stakeholder Management is Key
You’ll need to influence across various teams, so think of specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve navigated complex relationships and resolved commercial issues in previous roles.
✨Align with Freshwave's Values
Familiarise yourself with Freshwave’s core principles: engineering excellence, integrity, and setting the pace. During the interview, weave these values into your responses to show that you’re not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.
