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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and manage high-value tenders across the organisation.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to the success and wellbeing of children and students.
- Benefits: Enjoy a collaborative culture, professional development opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement processes while championing sustainability and innovation.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in strategic procurement; strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills required.
- Other info: Commitment to safeguarding and promoting welfare is essential; diverse candidates are encouraged to apply.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
This role will lead on the 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.
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.
- Work collaboratively with Regional Finance Directors to ensure the right people are involved in procurements.
- Influence procurement behaviours across regions without direct reporting lines.
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.
- Minimum 8–10 years’ experience in strategic procurement or purchasing leadership roles.
- Experience in leading change and transformation across multi-national operation 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 – gets involved.
- Collaborative and inclusive leadership style.
- Strong influencing and persuasion skills; able to support and challenge stakeholders, from developing specifications (business needs) through to negotiations and implementation plans.
- Capable and comfortable being recognised as the expert for all procurement matters.
- Sharp commercially 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.
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Group Head of Procurement employer: ISP Central
Contact Detail:
ISP Central Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in strategic procurement and eSourcing. Being well-versed in these areas will not only help you during interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to staying ahead in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in procurement, especially those who have experience in multi-national operations. Engaging with industry peers can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've led change and transformation in procurement processes. Highlighting your past successes will showcase your capability to drive similar initiatives at StudySmarter.
✨Tip Number 4
Understand the importance of collaboration across different regions and functions. Be ready to share strategies on how you've successfully influenced procurement behaviours in previous roles without direct reporting lines.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, take time to thoroughly understand the responsibilities and expectations of the Group Head of Procurement position. Tailor your application to highlight relevant experiences that align with the strategic procurement leadership and collaboration aspects mentioned in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience: Emphasise your 8–10 years of experience in strategic procurement or purchasing leadership roles. Provide specific examples of how you've led change, managed high-value tenders, and delivered significant commercial value in previous positions.
Showcase Your Skills: Make sure to showcase your skills in stakeholder management, negotiation, and project management. Mention any familiarity with eSourcing tools and procurement best practices, as these are crucial for the role.
Align with Company Values: Demonstrate your commitment to safeguarding principles, diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in your application. Share examples of how you have promoted these values in your previous roles, as this aligns with the company's ethos.
How to prepare for a job interview at ISP Central
✨Understand the Strategic Vision
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the strategic direction of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their procurement goals and how they align with overall business objectives. This will help you articulate how your experience can contribute to their vision.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a Group Head of Procurement, leadership is key. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've led procurement initiatives in the past, particularly in multi-national settings. Highlight your ability to influence stakeholders and drive change across diverse teams.
✨Demonstrate Your Knowledge of eSourcing
Given the emphasis on eSourcing in the role, be ready to discuss your experience with procurement systems and technology. Share examples of how you've successfully implemented eSourcing tools and driven their adoption within an organisation.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking. Prepare to discuss how you would handle complex tenders or negotiations, and be ready to demonstrate your analytical capabilities and commercial insight.
