Group Head of Procurement

The Group Head of Procurement will be responsible for setting the strategic direction, providing visibility on performance and ensuring the operational execution of all procurement activity across the organisation. This includes the development of procurement processes, systems, and the supporting organisational framework to ensure value for money, risk mitigation, and compliance. This role will lead on key group-level procurements, provide expert support to regional and functional teams on complex tenders, and actively promote collaboration and standardisation across the procurement landscape. The role holder will champion eSourcing initiatives and ensure a best-in-class approach to strategic sourcing and supplier management.

ISP Principles

• Begin with our children and students. Our children and students are at the heart of what we do. Their success is our success.
• Wellbeing and safety are both essential for learners and learning. We consistently identify potential safeguarding and Health & Safety issues and act on all concerns appropriately.
• Treat everyone with care and respect. We look after one another, embrace similarities and differences, and promote the well-being of self and others.
• Operate effectively. We focus relentlessly on the things that are most important and will make the most difference.
• Are financially responsible. We make financial choices carefully based on the needs of the children, students, and our schools.
• Learn continuously. Getting better is what drives us.

ISP Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Procurement Leadership: Define and execute the Group Procurement Strategy aligned with organisational goals. Develop and roll out group-wide procurement policies, frameworks, and systems. Identify opportunities to leverage global spend and scale, delivering improved value and cost efficiency.
• Group/central Level Procurement Execution: Lead major group-level tenders and negotiations, particularly in categories such as IT, ESG, Marketing, Facilities, and Capex. Actively manage high-value and high-impact sourcing projects and contractual negotiations.
• Collaboration and Regional Engagement: Provide expert guidance and oversight on divisional and regional procurements. Work collaboratively with regional Procurement Managers to align strategies, share best practices, and drive consistency.
• Policy & Compliance: Own and maintain the Group Procurement Policy and ensure regional policies and practices are aligned. Monitor compliance and implement corrective actions where necessary.
• Technology and eSourcing: Drive the continued implementation and adoption of eSourcing tools across the group. Manage the relationship with the eSourcing technology provider to ensure effective system performance and user support.
• Capability Development: Develop procurement capability across the group through training, mentoring, and best practice sharing. Build and shape the procurement function to meet future business needs.

Skills, Qualifications And Experience

• Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in strategic procurement or purchasing leadership roles.
• Experience in leading change and transformation across multi-national operations is advantageous.
• Proven track record in leading large tenders and delivering significant commercial value.
• Experience implementing procurement systems and driving eSourcing adoption across a decentralised organisation.
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, contract law, and supplier relationship management.
• Understanding of category management, TCO (Total Cost of Ownership) and switching costs principles to support decision making.
• Excellent stakeholder management, able to influence at all levels across functions and cultures.
• Skilled negotiator with strong analytical and project management capabilities.
• Familiarity with ESG-related procurement considerations and responsible sourcing.
• Degree-level education in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement or related field.
• MCIPS (or working towards) preferred but not essential.
• Strategic thinker with a hands-on, pragmatic approach.
• Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
• Strong influencing and persuasion skills; able to support and challenge stakeholders.
• Capable and comfortable being recognised as the expert for all procurement matters.
• Sharp commercial insight; able to identify opportunities and risks and implement best-value, fit-for-purpose solutions.
• High level of integrity and professionalism.
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, evolving organisation.

ISP Commitment to Safeguarding Principles

ISP is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. All post holders are subject to appropriate vetting procedures, including an online due diligence search, references and satisfactory Criminal Background Checks or equivalent covering the previous 10 years’ employment history.

ISP Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging

ISP is committed to strengthening our inclusive culture by identifying, hiring, developing, and retaining high-performing teammates regardless of gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation and gender expression, age, disability status, neurodivergence, socio-economic background or other demographic characteristics. Candidates who share our vision and principles and are interested in contributing to the success of ISP through this role are strongly encouraged to apply.