At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for operations and technology, shaping Heathrow's future.
- Company: Heathrow Airport, a world-renowned hub with exciting career opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, generous leave, and private health insurance.
- Other info: Hybrid working model and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a major infrastructure project while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within complex environments and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
When it comes to pioneering ambition, there’s no place like Heathrow. Our Heathrow Expansion programme offers a unique and exciting opportunity to play a defining role in one of the UK’s most significant infrastructure projects. You’ll help shape a national legacy that millions will experience for decades to come, as we deliver the third runway, improve passenger experience, stimulate jobs and opportunities across the UK, and strengthen the global connectivity that powers trade and travel.
Modernising and expanding the UK’s only hub airport and critical national infrastructure whilst keeping it fully operational and safe creates a pace and complexity unlike other major programmes. It demands collaboration, resilience, problem solving and a desire to take on challenges that genuinely matter. From securing planning consents to designing a new runway, modernising terminals and improving public transport access, and delivering on environmental and community commitments - the scale is unmatched. You’ll be part of a diverse team of talented colleagues, built on mutual respect and where excellence thrives.
Operations and Technology Procurement Director is a leadership position within our Procurement and Supply Chain team reporting into Commercial and Procurement Director, where you will drive strategic sourcing decisions that directly impact passenger experience, operational resilience, and innovation across Heathrow. You will lead a team of procurement professionals, working closely with senior stakeholders across Operations, IT, and Engineering to deliver value, manage risk, and ensure compliance. Success in this role means building strong supplier partnerships, achieving cost efficiencies without compromising quality, and enabling Heathrow to meet its sustainability and digital transformation goals.
Your role will involve:
- Developing and executing procurement strategies for Operations and Technology categories, ensuring alignment with Heathrow’s business objectives and regulatory requirements.
- Leading, coaching, and developing a high-performing procurement team, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Partnering with senior leaders to understand operational and technology needs, translating them into effective sourcing plans and supplier agreements.
- Negotiating complex, high-value contracts that deliver cost savings, innovation, and resilience for Heathrow.
- Monitoring supplier performance and managing key relationships to ensure service excellence and risk mitigation.
- Championing sustainability and digital innovation within the supply chain, supporting Heathrow’s long-term strategic goals.
These Skills Are Essential:
- Proven experience in leading procurement for operations and/or technology categories within a complex, regulated environment.
- Strong commercial acumen with a track record of delivering cost efficiencies and value through strategic sourcing.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills at senior leadership level.
- Expertise in contract negotiation and supplier relationship management.
- Ability to lead and develop teams, driving performance and engagement.
- Knowledge of sustainability and digital trends impacting procurement.
Ideally Skills:
- Experience in the aviation, transport, or infrastructure sectors.
- Professional procurement qualification (e.g., CIPS or equivalent).
- Background in managing large-scale technology transformation programmes.
There’s something so special about working at the world’s most iconic airport. Its sights. Its sounds. Its constant air of excitement. Heathrow is an amazing backdrop to a career filled with unique opportunities. Every day, you’ll discover a world full of fresh possibilities and end the day buzzing with stories to tell, as you encounter people from all cultures, nationalities and experiences.
A world full of pride for what we do and no end of exciting career prospects to explore. It brings out the best in all of us. And inspires everyone to deliver on our ambitious plans. Together, we’re working to welcome millions more passengers while ensuring aviation can continue to be a force for good by leading global efforts in sustainability. Join us on that journey and we'll help you achieve your ambitions too.
We offer competitive salaries and excellent benefits that will support you now and in the future. As well as performance-based annual bonuses and our longer-term Share in Success Bonus plans, we also offer generous annual leave allowances and market-leading pensions. With family friendly policies, access to private health insurance and a wide range of wellbeing tools, we’ll support you to be at your best inside and outside work. And of course, we’ll provide varied learning and development opportunities too.
Our Hybrid working approach offers the opportunity for colleagues in some roles to work from home for an average of two days a week, providing the flexibility to work in an agile way whilst ensuring we deliver for the operational needs of Heathrow. Working arrangements vary from team to team and will be confirmed during the recruitment process. You’ll need to be based in the UK and within a commutable distance to Heathrow.
As an equal opportunities employer, we encourage applications from all. We believe that diverse talent makes us stronger – not least because we welcome passengers from all corners of the globe, every single day. Heathrow is an accessible place to work. With five diversity networks, we champion inclusivity and celebrate individuality.
Operations and Technology Procurement Director employer: Heathrow
Heathrow is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Strategic People Transformation Lead, you will have the opportunity to drive meaningful change within a globally recognised organisation, supported by a culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to enhancing people processes and technology, Heathrow provides unique advantages such as access to cutting-edge resources and a diverse team dedicated to making a positive impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Operations and Technology Procurement Director
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Heathrow.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Operations and Technology Procurement Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Heathrow:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Heathrow. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Heathrow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Heathrow
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Heathrow!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Heathrow. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Heathrow's culture.
