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: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with industry leaders.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on the UK's ambitious connectivity goals while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement and vendor strategy, ideally in telecoms or infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ 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 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.
Head of Procurement in Reading 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 intersection of telecoms and infrastructure, Freshwave provides a dynamic environment where strategic leaders can make a meaningful impact while enjoying the support of an experienced leadership team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Reading
✨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 mission and values, especially around their Project Reach initiative. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨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.
✨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 their exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your procurement strategy experience and any relevant projects you've led, especially in telecoms or infrastructure.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for Freshwave. Share specific examples of how you've driven value in previous roles and how you can contribute to our ambitious connectivity programmes.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this is a leadership role, emphasise your ability to manage teams and influence stakeholders. We want to see how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations and built high-performing supplier partnerships.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity at Freshwave!
How to prepare for a job interview at Freshwave
✨Know Your Procurement Strategies
Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of procurement strategies, especially in service-based environments. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and embed a vendor strategy that aligns with Freshwave's goals, particularly for Project Reach.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of major contracts you've structured and negotiated, ideally using NEC frameworks or similar. Highlight your approach to supplier negotiations and how you ensure alignment with both programme and long-term strategies.
✨Understand the Industry Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the telecoms, infrastructure, and rail sectors. Being able to speak knowledgeably about current trends and challenges in these areas will demonstrate your expertise and show that you're well-prepared for the role.
✨Emphasise Stakeholder Management
Think of specific instances where you've successfully influenced stakeholders across technical, commercial, and delivery teams. This is crucial for the Head of Procurement role, so be ready to share how you build relationships and resolve commercial issues effectively.
