At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform procurement strategies to align with business goals and drive efficiency.
- Company: Affinity Water, a forward-thinking organisation focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team dedicated to continuous improvement and high performance.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while collaborating with top executives and driving change.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in procurement leadership and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Develop and deliver Affinity Water’s Procurement & Commercial Strategy in partnership with the CFO and Executive Leadership Team.
Align procurement activity to wider business goals, operational priorities, and financial targets.
Lead procurement transformation initiatives that improve efficiency, resilience, and value creation.
Build trusted relationships across the business, including Executive and Board-level stakeholders.
Act as the organisation’s procurement ambassador, promoting commercial best practice and strategic supplier management.
Lead key supplier negotiations and manage strategically significant commercial relationships.
Own procurement savings targets and deliver measurable commercial benefits across the organisation.
Manage the Procurement & Commercial team budget and oversee category strategies and savings plans.
Drive robust spend analysis, forecasting, reporting, and financial insight to support business planning.
Ensure procurement activity complies with all relevant legislation, including procurement regulations and sustainability obligations.
Identify and mitigate supply chain and sourcing risks.
Improve procurement processes and support efficient purchase-to-pay operations across the business.
Promote innovation and industry best practice to maximise value from the cost base.
Lead, inspire, and develop a high-performing Procurement & Commercial team.
Set clear objectives, monitor performance, and foster a culture of collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Significant experience leading procurement and commercial functions within a complex organisation.
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation expertise.
- Experience developing procurement strategies that deliver measurable savings and operational improvements.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at Executive and Board level.
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, governance, and supplier relationship management.
- A collaborative leadership style with experience developing high-performing teams.
- Passion for sustainability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement and Commercial in Hatfield
✨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 Jobtailor.
✨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 and Commercial in Hatfield
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 Jobtailor:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Jobtailor. 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 Jobtailor.
How to prepare for a job interview at Jobtailor
✨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 Jobtailor!
✨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 Jobtailor. 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 Jobtailor's culture.
