Operational Procurement Leader in Stafford

Job Description Summary

Role Purpose
The Operational Procurement Leader is responsible for driving procurement execution, operational performance and continuous improvement across the assigned business area. The role provides subject-matter expertise, data-driven insight and practical leadership to ensure procurement activities are delivered effectively, consistently and in line with business objectives.
The position requires a strong combination of procurement knowledge, analytical capability, stakeholder management and problem-solving skills, with the ability to operate independently while collaborating across functions and supporting developing or underperforming teams.

Job Description

Roles and Responsibilities

• Develop and apply in-depth knowledge of operational procurement processes, systems and business requirements to support effective execution of functional strategy and priorities.
• Act as a key operational procurement advisor, providing expertise and guidance to teams and stakeholders on procurement processes, systems, data and best practices.
• Drive operational performance across assigned areas, identifying risks, gaps and improvement opportunities and ensuring appropriate actions are implemented.
• Provide targeted support to newly established, developing or underperforming teams, helping to identify root causes, establish effective ways of working and improve overall performance.
• Analyse complex procurement and operational data to identify trends, risks and opportunities, translating findings into clear recommendations and actionable improvement plans.
• Provide in-depth systems and data support, ensuring information is accurate, reliable and effectively utilised to support operational and business decision-making.
• Lead and support troubleshooting activities relating to procurement processes, systems and operational performance, working cross-functionally to achieve sustainable resolution.
• Share knowledge, expertise and best practices across teams and business areas, supporting capability development and greater consistency in operational execution.
• Identify, recommend and support the implementation of process improvements, simplification and standardisation opportunities.
• Challenge existing ways of working constructively and confidently, using data, experience and professional judgement to recommend better and more efficient solutions.
• Support complex projects and business initiatives, coordinating activities across multiple stakeholders and ensuring actions, risks and deliverables are effectively managed.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and cross-functional partners, communicating complex information clearly and adapting communication to different audiences.
• Provide informal coaching, guidance and knowledge transfer to colleagues and newer team members, supporting the development of wider organisational capability.
• Operate with a high degree of autonomy and professional judgement while recognising when escalation or senior-level guidance is appropriate.
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, continuous improvement and operational excellence.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university or college, or equivalent relevant professional experience within procurement, supply chain, operations or a related discipline.
• Demonstrable experience within operational procurement, supply chain and sourcing
• Strong understanding of procurement processes, systems, data and operational performance management.

Desired Characteristics

• Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills, with the ability to build effective relationships across different functions, cultures and organisational levels.
• Demonstrated ability to analyse complex information, identify root causes and develop practical solutions.
• Strong data and systems capability, with confidence using information to support decision-making and performance improvement.
• Ability to document, plan, coordinate and execute complex projects and improvement activities.
• Established project-management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Collaborative problem-solving approach with a strong continuous-improvement and Lean mindset.
• Confident, approachable and able to work effectively with a wide range of personalities and working styles.
• Comfortable constructively challenging the status quo and influencing stakeholders towards improved solutions.
• Strong team player with a clear focus on overall business objectives and the ability to balance functional and cross-business priorities.
• Able to work independently, exercise sound professional judgement and take ownership through to resolution.
• Demonstrates leadership through expertise, influence, accountability and knowledge sharing.
• Champion of the GE Vernova Way, demonstrating its principles through day-to-day behaviours, decision-making and collaboration.

Additional Information