At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop procurement strategies to optimise value and efficiency across operations.
- Company: IES Utilities Group Ltd, a leading UK utility provider focused on innovation and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team committed to ethical procurement and operational excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a critical role that drives commercial efficiency and supply-chain resilience.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience in utilities or construction; strong negotiation and strategic sourcing skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
Reporting to: Operational Support Director. Location: Manchester.
About IES
IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility provider delivering end‑to‑end infrastructure solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, supporting survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. Headquartered in Manchester, we are committed to innovation, safety, quality, commercial excellence, and sustainable delivery across all operations. Procurement plays a critical role in enabling our operational performance, ensuring that goods, materials, subcontractors and strategic suppliers support the safe, efficient and cost‑effective delivery of our projects.
Purpose of the Role
The Head of Procurement is responsible for leading and developing the Group's procurement strategy, governance framework and commercial buying activity. The role ensures that sourcing decisions, supplier relationships, commercial agreements and category strategies deliver optimal value, compliance and reliability across IES operations. This position provides strategic leadership for procurement, strengthening supply‑chain resilience, driving commercial efficiency, embedding controls, and ensuring procurement services effectively support project delivery, operational teams and business growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Leadership & Strategy
- Lead and develop the Procurement function, including category managers, buyers and supply‑chain coordinators.
- Define and implement procurement strategy aligned with business growth, operational priorities and sustainability goals.
- Establish category plans covering materials, subcontractors, fleet/plant, services and frameworks.
- Embed a culture of commercial discipline, value creation, collaboration and ethical procurement.
- Lead innovation in procurement, including digital procurement tools, demand forecasting and supplier‑led improvements.
- Governance, Compliance & Assurance
- Ensure compliance with internal procurement policies, financial controls, contractual governance and audit requirements.
- Maintain the Procurement Management System, including processes for tendering, evaluation, approvals and contract award.
- Ensure adherence to legal and regulatory obligations, including contract law, modern slavery, anticorruption, data protection and ethical sourcing standards.
- Chair procurement reviews, audit sessions and commercial governance forums.
- Provide assurance reporting on procurement compliance, risk, spend and performance.
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Lead procurement planning, strategic sourcing and competitive tendering for key spend categories.
- Manage supplier selection, qualification, onboarding and due‑diligence processes.
- Develop long‑term category strategies to optimise cost, quality, sustainability and supply‑chain resilience.
- Oversee contract drafting, negotiation and award ensuring robust commercial terms, risk allocation and performance requirements.
- Maintain category pipelines, supply‑market analysis and cost‑saving initiatives.
- Supplier Management & Performance
- Develop and manage strategic supplier relationships to improve quality, reliability and innovation.
- Lead supplier performance management, KPIs, service‑level agreements and improvement plans.
- Support resolution of supplier performance issues, disputes and risk events.
- Conduct regular supplier reviews, audits and commercial assessments.
- Strengthen supply‑chain resilience through dual‑sourcing, risk mapping and proactive planning.
- Commercial & Financial Management
- Manage procurement budgets, cost‑saving targets, rebate programmes and commercial performance reporting.
- Conduct cost analysis, value‑engineering assessments and total‑cost‑of‑ownership evaluations.
- Lead commercial negotiations, framework agreements and major contract renewals.
- Support accurate commercial reporting for forecasting, business cases and tender submissions.
- Drive continuous improvement in cost efficiency, value extraction and supply‑chain optimisation.
- Systems, Data & Digital Procurement
- Lead the development and use of digital procurement platforms, e‑tendering tools, contract repositories and spend analytics systems.
- Ensure robust data management, traceability and version control across all procurement activities.
- Use data‑driven insights to support decision‑making, category reviews and commercial risk management.
- Support integration between procurement systems and finance, asset, inventory and project‑management platforms.
- Operational Support & Stakeholder Engagement
- Work closely with Operations, Commercial, Finance, SHEQ and Project Delivery to ensure procurement meets operational needs.
- Provide commercial and procurement support during tendering, mobilisation, project planning and delivery.
- Engage with clients, auditors and partners on procurement‑related matters.
- Support incident investigations, root‑cause analysis and commercial improvements where supply‑chain issues contribute to service failures.
Professional Qualifications & Experience
- Extensive procurement experience in utilities, infrastructure, construction or engineering environments.
- Strong knowledge of procurement governance, contract law, sourcing strategies and supply‑chain management.
- Proven track record in strategic sourcing, category management and commercial negotiations.
- Experience managing high‑value contracts, major suppliers and complex commercial portfolios.
- CIPS qualification (Level 5/6) desirable.
- Experience with digital procurement systems and spend analytics tools.
- Strong commercial, financial and contractual acumen.
Leadership & Behavioural Competencies
- Strategic Leadership: Able to set procurement strategy, build capability and lead a high‑performing team.
- Commercial Acumen: Strong focus on cost control, risk management and value creation.
- Operational Excellence: Disciplined approach to governance, compliance and commercial delivery.
- People Leadership: Able to coach and develop procurement and commercial professionals.
- Decision Making: Analytical, evidence‑based and proactive in managing commercial risk.
- Communication: Influential communicator able to engage stakeholders across all levels.
Technical Competencies
- Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Contract Law & Commercial Negotiation
- Supplier Relationship & Performance Management
- Procurement Governance & Assurance
- Cost Analysis & Value Engineering
- Procurement Systems & Digital Tools
- Risk Management & Commercial Controls
- Market Intelligence & Supply‑Chain Strategy
Head Of Procurement in Stockport employer: IES Utilities Group Ltd.
IES Utilities Group Ltd is an exceptional employer located in Manchester, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises innovation, safety, and sustainability. With a strong commitment to employee development, we provide ample opportunities for growth within the procurement function, fostering a culture of collaboration and ethical practices. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your professional journey in the utilities sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Procurement in Stockport
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant LinkedIn groups, 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
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with hiring managers or recruiters, make sure to highlight your experience in strategic sourcing and supplier management. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've driven commercial efficiency and improved supplier relationships.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement strategies. Understand their operational priorities and sustainability goals so you can tailor your answers to show how you can contribute to their success. This will set you apart from other candidates!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals to join our team. Make sure your application stands out by showcasing your leadership skills and experience in procurement governance. Let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head Of Procurement in Stockport
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at IES Utilities Group!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how you've driven commercial efficiency in previous positions. Let your personality shine through!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Head of Procurement, leadership is key! Use your application to demonstrate your ability to lead teams, develop strategies, and foster collaboration. We’re looking for someone who can inspire and drive results.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at IES Utilities Group!
How to prepare for a job interview at IES Utilities Group Ltd.
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in utilities and infrastructure. Understand the latest trends in digital procurement tools and how they can enhance efficiency. Be ready to discuss your experience with strategic sourcing and category management.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, developed procurement strategies, and fostered a culture of collaboration and ethical procurement. Highlight any successful projects where your leadership made a difference.
✨Be Ready for Commercial Discussions
Expect questions around commercial negotiations and contract management. Have specific examples ready that showcase your ability to manage high-value contracts and navigate complex supplier relationships. Discuss how you've driven cost efficiencies and value creation in previous roles.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Communication is key! Prepare to talk about how you've engaged with various stakeholders, from operations to finance. Think of instances where your communication skills helped resolve issues or improve procurement processes. Show that you can influence and collaborate effectively across all levels.
