At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement transformation and develop strategies for a £500m budget.
- Company: Join London Gatwick, a dynamic airport with a focus on innovation and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, discounts, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values your voice and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement in a pivotal leadership role at a major airport.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic procurement and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Competitive salary, £12,000 flex allowance, up to 40% discretionary bonus + benefits. Great journeys happen at London Gatwick. Where will your career take you? London Gatwick is looking for a Head of Procurement to shape our commercial future. Reporting to the Deputy CFO, you'll lead the transformation of Procurement into a strategic, value-creating function across capital and operational procurement, responsible for around £500m of annual third-party expenditure and the full lifecycle of every contract.
This role takes an office first hybrid approach here at London Gatwick, with three days a week in the office, two days remote, managed around the needs of the business.
What is the role?
- You'll define and deliver our long-term Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy, ensuring Procurement is embedded in business planning, investment decisions, commercial strategy and major programme delivery.
- You'll bring together capital and operational procurement into one high-performing function, with clear governance, stronger commercial leverage, greater consistency and improved business outcomes.
- This is a pivotal senior leadership role where your influence will be felt across the airport.
- Working closely with executive leadership and senior stakeholders, you'll position Procurement as a trusted strategic partner that drives value, manages risk, improves supplier performance, strengthens market relationships to ensure we are seen as a customer of choice and supports the delivery of Gatwick's long-term ambitions.
- The role will lead a Procurement team of c. 16 FTE.
What will you do?
- Develop and execute a long-term Procurement and Supply Chain Strategy aligned with Gatwick's corporate objectives.
- Lead the integration and development of a unified Procurement function across capital and operational spend categories.
- Build category strategies that maximise value for money, drive efficiency and support business performance.
- Strengthen governance, assurance and procurement compliance while simplifying processes and improving the user experience.
- Develop strategic supplier relationships that drive innovation, resilience, sustainability and long-term value and ensure we are seen as a customer of choice in the market.
- Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing Procurement team with clear career pathways and strong commercial capability.
- Represent Gatwick externally with suppliers, industry bodies and strategic partners, influencing market practice and strengthening the airport's commercial position.
- Work collaboratively across the VINCI Airports, GIP businesses and regional airport network (Edinburgh and Belfast International) to identify opportunities for procurement optimisation, innovation and value creation.
Do you have what we're looking for?
- A strong track record in large, complex operational environments, with demonstrable experience of developing and implementing strategic procurement and delivery frameworks/models.
- Deep experience leading category strategy, sourcing, contract negotiation and supplier relationship management across operational procurement.
- Deep experience leading procurement of significant capital works across diverse capital portfolios (>£200m pa) as well as major projects (individual projects >£100m in value), with strong understanding of the NEC suite of contracts, and associated extensive knowledge of the UK Construction Supply Chain.
- Proven ability to drive value for money, cost optimisation and measurable commercial outcomes.
- Experience working with senior leaders, shaping strategy and supporting capital, operational procurement and operational delivery.
- Strong people leadership credentials, with the ability to build capability, motivate teams and create clear development pathways.
- Chartered membership of CIPS, RICS or similar (highly desirable).
- Proven procurement and supply chain leadership across complex operational and capital settings (desirable).
- Extensive demonstrable technical knowledge of both operational and capital procurement best practice.
- Strong continuous improvement mindset, with clear experience of driving change to improve business outcomes is desirable.
What's in it for you?
Our employees tell us that working here is something special and no day is like another. Along with a competitive salary, employees enjoy a range of personal, health and financial benefits, including:
- Performance-based bonus scheme.
- High street shops and restaurant discounts.
- Discounted rail and bus travel to work.
- Free staff parking.
- 2 paid volunteer days per year.
- And so much more as we offer a rewarding world of flexible benefits you can personalise around what matters most to you.
At London Gatwick we're also very well connected, just 30 minutes from central London and directly linked to over 100 towns and cities. Whether you prefer to travel by cycle, electric car, or train, we aim to make your journey to work as convenient and cost-effective as possible.
What's it like to work at London Gatwick?
At London Gatwick, our people are our biggest asset. We want our people to thrive and have the best experience while working with us. We know we are all at our best when we feel comfortable and included. We are a workplace that places diversity, equity and inclusion at its heart. Our aim: to create a place where everyone belongs and has a voice, and we recognise we all play an important role in our success.
You can find out more about what it's like to work at London Gatwick, visit our careers site Careers at London Gatwick.
AI tools can be helpful when preparing your application or getting ready for interviews, but it's important that what you share reflects your own experience, skills and thinking. Use of AI-generated content during the recruitment process may not give an accurate picture of your abilities and could impact our assessment. Our process is designed to understand how you would perform in the role and the perspective you would bring. London Gatwick supports an inclusive recruitment process, enabling you to perform at your best. Please make us aware as part of your application should you require any reasonable adjustments.
Applications close 24th September 2026.
Head of Procurement employer: London Gatwick
Gatwick Ground Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment at one of the UK's busiest airports. With a strong focus on employee development, comprehensive training, and a commitment to safety and customer service, team members enjoy competitive salaries, generous benefits including discounted flights, and opportunities for career progression. The inclusive culture fosters diversity and encourages all employees to contribute their unique perspectives, making it a rewarding place to build a career in the aviation industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨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 London Gatwick.
✨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
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 London Gatwick:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to London Gatwick. 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 London Gatwick.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Gatwick
✨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 London Gatwick!
✨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 London Gatwick. 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 London Gatwick's culture.
