Head of Procurement in Portsmouth

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

We’re guided by three core principles: 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.