At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and vendor management in a groundbreaking biotech environment.
- Company: Join Isomorphic Labs, a pioneering company using AI to revolutionise drug discovery.
- Benefits: Enjoy a hybrid work model, competitive salary, and a culture of collaboration and innovation.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to solving diseases with cutting-edge technology.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on global health by building a vital procurement function.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, especially in Biotech/Pharma or Tech/SaaS, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
Isomorphic Labs is applying frontier AI to help unlock deeper scientific insights, faster breakthroughs, and life-changing medicines with an ambition to solve all disease. The future is coming. A future enabled and enriched by the incredible power of machine learning. A future in which diseases are curtailed or cured starting with better and faster drug discovery. Come and be part of an interdisciplinary team driving groundbreaking innovation and play a meaningful role in contributing towards us achieving our ambitious goals, while being a part of an inspiring and collaborative culture.
About Iso
Isomorphic Labs (IsoLabs) was launched in 2021 to advance human health by building on and beyond the Nobel-winning AlphaFold system. Since then, our interdisciplinary team of drug discovery experts and machine learning specialists has built powerful new predictive and generative AI models that accelerate scientific discovery at digital speed. Our name comes from the belief that there is an underlying symmetry between biology and information science. By harnessing AI’s powerful capabilities, we can use it to model complex biological phenomena to help design novel molecules, anticipate how drugs will perform and develop innovative medicines to treat and cure some of the world’s most devastating diseases. We have built a world-leading drug design engine comprising AI models that are capable of working across multiple therapeutic areas and drug modalities. We are continually innovating on model architecture and developing cutting-edge capabilities to advance rational drug design. Every day, and with each new breakthrough, we’re getting closer to the promise of digital biology, and achieving our ambitious mission to one day solve all disease with the help of AI.
Your impact
We have an exciting opportunity for a strategic, hands-on and analytical Procurement Lead to build our sourcing function from the ground up. Reporting directly to the Finance Director, you will lead on building and implementing a durable, value-driven sourcing strategy. We are looking for a builder; this role offers the unique challenge of establishing a function within a rapidly scaling, mission-driven environment. Your leadership will bridge the gap between commercial discipline and groundbreaking science, ensuring our operational engine is as innovative as our AI models.
What you will do
- Your primary focus will be on managing RFPs, vendor selection and strategy, negotiation, and vendor onboarding.
- Strategy & Architecture: Design and implement the company’s first formal procurement policy and strategy.
- Vendor selection and negotiation: Partner with Function Leads, Technical Program Managers and Operating Partners to lead the selection, negotiation, and onboarding of vendors.
- Category Management: Oversee spend across G&A software, licenses and databases, IT/SaaS, and Professional Services.
- Cost Optimisation: Identify and execute cost-saving initiatives (e.g., volume discounts, preferred vendor programs) to stretch our capital further and empower a commercial mindset across relevant stakeholders. Benchmark supplier quotes and negotiate with vendors on price and other key terms.
- Risk Mitigation: Ensure all vendors understand and meet stringent compliance, quality, and data security standards. Implement multisourcing to introduce redundancy for business critical situations.
- Vendor onboarding: Manage the vendor onboarding process including Vendor Security Assessments and Finance systems enrollment.
Skills and qualifications
- Depth of experience in procurement, ideally within the Biotech/Pharma or Tech/SaaS industry.
- Proven track record of building, scaling, or significantly transforming a procurement function from the ground up, including writing policies and establishing governance.
- Deep understanding of sourcing strategies across critical spend areas, specifically IT infrastructure, enterprise software licenses, data/databases, and professional services.
- Advanced negotiation skills with a strong grasp of commercial contract law, IP considerations, and data security/privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR) relevant to vendor onboarding.
- Ability to work autonomously in a high-growth, venture-backed, rapidly scaling environment.
- Systems: Hands-on experience selecting, implementing or optimising ERP/e-Procurement software (e.g., NetSuite, Coupa, or Jaggaer).
- Exceptional relationship-building skills with the ability to partner with, influence, and educate highly technical and scientific stakeholders.
- Bachelor’s degree in business would be an advantage, but is not essential.
Culture and values
We are guided by our shared values. It's not about finding people who think and act in the same way. These values help to guide our work and will continue to strengthen it.
- Thoughtful: Thoughtful at Iso is about curiosity, creativity and care. It is about good people doing good, rigorous and future-making science every single day.
- Brave: Brave at Iso is about fearlessness, but it’s also about initiative and integrity. The scale of the challenge demands nothing less.
- Determined: Determined at Iso is the way we pursue our goal. It’s a confidence in our hypothesis, as well as the urgency and agility needed to deliver on it. Because disease won’t wait, so neither should we.
- Together: Together at Iso is about connection, collaboration across fields and catalytic relationships. It’s knowing that transformation is a group project, and remembering that what we’re doing will have a real impact on real people everywhere.
Creating an extraordinary company
We believe that to be successful we need a team with a range of skills and talents. We're building an environment where collaboration is fundamental, learning is shared and every employee feels supported and able to thrive. We value unique experiences, knowledge, backgrounds, and perspectives, and harness these qualities to create extraordinary impact. We are committed to equal employment opportunities regardless of sex, race, religion or belief, ethnic or national origin, disability, age, citizenship, marital, domestic or civil partnership status, sexual orientation, gender identity, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding) or any other basis protected by applicable law. If you have a disability or additional need that requires accommodation, please do not hesitate to let us know.
Hybrid working
It’s hugely important for us to share knowledge and build strong relationships with each other, and we find it easier to do this if we spend time together in person. This is why we follow a hybrid model, and would require you to be able to come into the office 3 days a week (currently Tuesday, Wednesday, and one other day depending on which team you’re in). If you have additional needs that would prevent you from following this hybrid approach, we’d be happy to talk through these if you’re selected for an initial screening call.
Head of Procurement, London employer: ISO
Isomorphic Labs is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to be part of a pioneering team at the forefront of AI-driven drug discovery in London. With a strong emphasis on collaboration, innovation, and employee growth, we foster a culture where every voice is valued and contributions are recognised. Our hybrid working model promotes work-life balance while ensuring that our employees are engaged in meaningful projects that aim to transform human health.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement, London
✨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 ISO.
✨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 Head of Procurement, London
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 ISO:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ISO. 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 ISO.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISO
✨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 ISO!
✨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 ISO. 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 ISO's culture.