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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to enhance operational efficiency.
- Company: Join KARL STORZ, a global leader in medical equipment for minimally invasive surgery.
- Benefits: Enjoy 34 days holiday, private medical care, and life assurance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in healthcare while driving sustainable procurement practices.
- Qualifications: Degree in Supply Chain or related field with significant senior-level procurement experience.
- Other info: Office-based role in Slough with excellent career growth opportunities.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
At KARL STORZ, we take pride in helping patients through some of the toughest journeys of their lives. We are making contributions that matter. Regardless of your role, YOU improve patients’ lives every day. Get to know us and join our team as UK Head of Procurement.
KARL STORZ is one of the world’s leading suppliers of medical equipment for minimally invasive surgery. Since its beginnings in 1945, KARL STORZ has established itself worldwide as an international and highly regarded company in the production and sale of medical instruments and devices. The family-owned company applies tradition and experience to think about tomorrow, today. The company caters for future trends with sophisticated products, services and processes that systematically support our global activities. Our commitment to performance and professionalism means we can guarantee both user and patient the ideal solution. In doing so, we secure and create top-quality jobs in all our corporate locations.
Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced UK Head of Procurement to lead and manage the organisation’s end-to-end procurement activity, ensuring best value, effective supplier management, strong governance, and compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. The role will drive sustainable procurement practices, manage risk, and support the organisation’s operational and strategic objectives.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Strategic leadership & governance
- Develop and implement a robust, organisation-wide procurement strategy, policies, and frameworks
- Centralise procurement activity, including contracts, quotations, renewals, and supplier negotiations
- Ensure procurement practices align with business objectives, legal requirements, and ethical standards
- Lead, coach, and motivate the procurement function
- Identify and mitigate procurement and supply-chain risks
- Drive process optimisation, including e-procurement tools and automation
- Category management & sourcing
- Lead indirect procurement across operational goods and services
- Conduct market research and strategic sourcing to achieve best value
- Run tenders, evaluate bids, and make supplier recommendations
- Forecast demand and assess market trends and pricing impacts
- Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships
- Lead contract negotiations to secure favourable commercial terms
- Manage disputes, complaints, and corrective actions
- Ensure suppliers meet compliance and sustainability expectations
- Oversee the full procure-to-pay (P2P) lifecycle
- Ensure purchasing activity aligns with budgets and approval controls
- Deliver spend analysis, KPI reporting, and value-for-money reviews
- Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and the Board
- Work closely with internal teams to understand demand and business needs
- Provide procurement guidance and best-practice training across the organisation
- Stay informed on market trends, regulation, and emerging procurement technologies
- Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, performance, and resilience
Qualifications and Experience:
- Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related field (CIPS preferred or equivalent experience)
- Significant senior-level procurement experience in a leadership role
- Strong experience across indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management
- Proven contract negotiation and commercial governance expertise
- End-to-end P2P process knowledge, including ERP/procurement systems (e.g. SAP)
- Experience managing procurement risk, compliance, and supplier performance
- Strong analytical, financial, and reporting capability
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
- Ability to influence at senior and Board level
- Strong leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills
Job Types: Full time/ Permanent
Schedule: 35 hour shift Monday-Friday
Work Location: Office based in Slough
Benefits:
- 34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)
- Private Medical
- Medical cash back scheme
- Company sick pay
- Life Assurance
- Critical illness and income protection (service requirements apply)
UK Head of Procurement in Slough employer: KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
Contact Detail:
KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land UK Head of Procurement in Slough
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KARL STORZ and their procurement practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their mission of improving patients' lives.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a future Head of Procurement, you’ll need to demonstrate your ability to secure the best deals. Role-play with a friend or mentor to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of Procurement in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the UK Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management. We want to see how your skills align with our mission to improve patient lives.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about procurement and how you can contribute to our goals at KARL STORZ. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven cost savings or improved supplier relationships. We’re all about results, so let us know what you’ve accomplished.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around strategic sourcing and supplier management. Be ready to discuss your experience with end-to-end procurement processes and how you've driven value in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a potential UK Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, motivated staff, and implemented successful procurement strategies that align with business objectives.
✨Understand the Company’s Values
KARL STORZ is all about improving patients' lives, so make sure you understand their mission and values. Be prepared to discuss how your procurement strategies can support their commitment to quality and sustainability.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of specific situations where you've had to negotiate contracts or resolve disputes, and be ready to explain your thought process and outcomes.