UK Head of Procurement in Slough

UK Head of Procurement in Slough

Slough Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
KARL STORZ

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for a top medical equipment company.
  • Company: KARL STORZ, a global leader in minimally invasive surgery equipment.
  • Benefits: 34 days holiday, generous pension, private medical, and life assurance.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact 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.

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.

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.

Responsibilities
  • 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
  • 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
  • Monitor supplier performance using KPIs
  • 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
Essential Skills & Competencies
  • 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 Details
  • Job Types: Full time/ Permanent
  • Schedule: 35 hour shift; Monday-Friday
  • Work Location: Office based in Slough
Your Benefits
  • 34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)
  • Generous Pension
  • Private Medical
  • Medical cash back scheme
  • Company sick pay
  • Life Assurance
  • Critical illness and income protection (service requirements apply)
  • Perkbox benefits platform

UK Head of Procurement in Slough employer: KARL STORZ

KARL STORZ is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Slough where innovation meets tradition in the medical equipment sector. With a strong commitment to employee growth, the company provides extensive benefits including 34 days of holiday, private medical care, and a generous pension scheme, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Join us to lead impactful procurement strategies that not only enhance operational efficiency but also contribute to the well-being of patients worldwide.
KARL STORZ

Contact Detail:

KARL STORZ 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 the company and its procurement practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of their needs and how you can drive sustainable procurement strategies.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to showcase your ability to secure favourable terms. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and boost your confidence.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!

We think you need these skills to ace UK Head of Procurement in Slough

Procurement Strategy Development
Supplier Management
Contract Negotiation
Risk Management
Compliance Knowledge
Category Management
Market Research
Spend Analysis
KPI Reporting
Stakeholder Management
Leadership Skills
Decision-Making Skills
ERP/Procurement Systems Knowledge (e.g. SAP)
Commercial Acumen
Communication Skills

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 needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in procurement and how they relate to our goals at KARL STORZ.

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior-level position, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. Make sure to highlight your experience in leading teams, driving process optimisation, and managing supplier relationships effectively.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!

How to prepare for a job interview at KARL STORZ

✨Know Your Procurement Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around strategic sourcing and supplier management. Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in the industry and be ready to discuss how you can apply them at KARL STORZ.

✨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 successfully led teams, managed conflicts, and driven process improvements in previous roles.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and decision-making process. Think about past experiences where you had to negotiate contracts or manage supplier relationships, and be ready to share those stories.

✨Align with Company Values

KARL STORZ values ethical standards and sustainability. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to these values through your procurement strategies. Show that you understand the importance of compliance and risk management in procurement.

UK Head of Procurement in Slough
KARL STORZ
Location: Slough

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