Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation
Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation

Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation

Southampton Full-Time 54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement for rail and aviation, ensuring efficiency and sustainability.
  • Company: M Group Services is a trusted employer in infrastructure services across the UK and Ireland.
  • Benefits: Enjoy remote work, 25 days annual leave, private healthcare, and a company car allowance.
  • Why this job: Join a collaborative team driving innovation and sustainability in procurement.
  • Qualifications: 8+ years in procurement with leadership experience; Master's degree preferred.
  • Other info: Flexible working arrangements available to support your needs.

The predicted salary is between 54000 - 84000 £ per year.

Location

Southampton, South

Advertised Department

Procurement

Advertising Salary

Competitive plus benefits

About The Role

We are looking to offer a Head of Procurement the opportunity to join our expanding Procurement team covering the South of England.

About the team

The Procurement function reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supports the M Group Business by working collaboratively as one procurement group to accelerate sustainable benefits delivery, providing solutions that meet the needs of our businesses and clients, enhanced by technology and scalable for future growth.

About the role

As the Head of Procurement for Rail and Aviation you will oversee and manage all procurement activities for the rail and aviation division, ensuring that sourcing strategies align with the organization’s goals for efficiency, sustainability, safety and cost-effectiveness to meet our client expectations.

You will lead a team responsible for acquiring goods and services essential to the operation, working closely with the Commercial function and Operational teams to deliver sustainable value from the supply chain whilst maintaining excellent delivery for our clients.

You will also be a strategic leader, adept at stakeholder management, supplier engagement, contract negotiations, and process optimization, with a pivotal role in ensuring the division meets its operational goals while driving innovation, sustainability, and cost savings.

This role will be based remotely but the ideal candidate will be based in the South of England, due to travelling needing to be around this area.

As the Head of Procurement you’ll get the opportunity to:

  1. Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for the rail and aviation division that ensure value for money, quality, and sustainability.
  2. Drive cost optimization initiatives by identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for cost savings, without compromising on quality or safety.
  3. Lead high-value contract negotiations with suppliers, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards.
  4. Manage, mentor, and develop the procurement team, promoting best practices in procurement processes, supplier management, and negotiation.
  5. Work closely with the commercial and operational teams in the division and other key stakeholders to align procurement activities with the company’s overall business goals.
  6. Manage and develop good relationships with senior management within the Rail and Aviation division.
  7. Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including disruptions, cost fluctuations, and regulatory changes specific to the rail and aviation sectors.
  8. Lead the procurement team through transformational change, ensuring a smooth transition and buy-in from key stakeholders.

What you’ll bring?

  1. CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply) or similar procurement certification.
  2. Bachelor’s degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, or a related field; a Master’s degree is a plus.
  3. 8+ years of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within industry.
  4. Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and contract management.
  5. Experience managing complex supply chains, preferably in transportation, engineering, or infrastructure environments.
  6. Proven track record of achieving cost savings and negotiating high-value contracts.
  7. Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
  8. Ability to analyse data and make strategic procurement decisions.
  9. Familiarity with procurement technologies (e.g., ERP, Oracle, or other procurement software).
  10. Knowledge of industry regulations and standards related to rail and aviation procurement is preferred.
  11. Experience with sustainability and green procurement initiatives.

What’s in it for you?

  1. 25 days’ annual leave plus statutory holidays
  2. Discretionary annual bonus
  3. Contributory Pension scheme
  4. Life Assurance
  5. Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
  6. Cycle to work scheme
  7. Access to a wide range of discounts and special offers through our online rewards platform
  8. Private health care
  9. Company car/car allowance and fuel card

About The Company

M Group Services delivers a range of essential infrastructure services within the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors in the UK & Ireland. We have built and maintained relationships with our clients over a number of years and have a strong culture that continuously focuses on safety, operational delivery, efficiency and customer service. We are committed to profitable growth both organically and through acquisitions.

At M Group Services we recognise and value the benefits from our workforce diversity. We work hard to build and maintain inclusive environments and develop a culture where our people feel included and valued.

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Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation employer: M Group Services

M Group Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters growth and collaboration within the expanding Procurement team in the South of England. With a strong emphasis on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower our team members to drive innovation and achieve meaningful results. Join us to be part of a trusted organization that values communication, teamwork, and the well-being of its employees.
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Contact Detail:

M Group Services Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarize yourself with the latest trends in procurement, especially within the rail and aviation sectors. Understanding current challenges and innovations will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement field, particularly those who have experience in rail and aviation. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to build connections that could lead to valuable insights and opportunities.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed teams in the past. Highlight specific examples of how you've driven cost savings and improved procurement processes in previous roles.

✨Tip Number 4

Research M Group Services thoroughly, including their values and recent projects. Tailoring your discussions to align with their goals for sustainability and innovation will demonstrate your genuine interest in the role.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation

Strategic Procurement Management
Contract Negotiation
Stakeholder Engagement
Supplier Relationship Management
Cost Optimization
Risk Management
Leadership and Team Development
Data Analysis for Procurement Decisions
Knowledge of Procurement Technologies (e.g., ERP, Oracle)
Sustainability and Green Procurement Initiatives
Understanding of Rail and Aviation Industry Regulations
Excellent Communication Skills
Collaboration with Commercial and Operational Teams
Change Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement, especially in rail and aviation. Emphasize leadership roles and any achievements related to cost savings and contract negotiations.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for sustainable procurement and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've driven innovation and efficiency in previous roles.

Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your educational background, including your Master's degree and any certifications like CIPS. This will demonstrate your commitment to the procurement profession and your expertise in the field.

Showcase Stakeholder Management Skills: Provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with stakeholders in past roles. This is crucial for the Head of Procurement position, so make sure to highlight your communication and negotiation skills.

How to prepare for a job interview at M Group Services

✨Showcase Your Strategic Vision

As the Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've aligned sourcing strategies with organizational goals in previous roles.

✨Highlight Your Leadership Experience

With at least 5 years in a leadership role required, it's crucial to share your experiences in managing and mentoring teams. Discuss how you've fostered a positive culture and promoted best practices in procurement processes.

✨Prepare for Contract Negotiation Scenarios

Expect questions about high-value contract negotiations. Prepare to discuss your approach to ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory standards while achieving cost savings without compromising quality or safety.

✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills

Stakeholder engagement is key in this role. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships with senior management and collaborated with cross-functional teams to align procurement activities with business goals.

Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation
M Group Services
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  • Head of Procurement - Rail & Aviation

    Southampton
    Full-Time
    54000 - 84000 £ / year (est.)

    Application deadline: 2027-02-08

  • M

    M Group Services

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