At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and modernise a procurement team to support business growth.
- Company: Employee-owned business in the Mechanical Services sector with ambitious plans.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus scheme, employee ownership, and career progression.
- Other info: Dynamic role with direct exposure to senior leadership and long-term career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by building a future-ready procurement function.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience and strong supplier negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.
UK Staffing Group are recruiting for a Head of Procurement on behalf of a growing, employee-owned business within the Mechanical Services sector. This is not a traditional procurement role. Whilst you'll initially provide leadership and continuity within an established purchasing team, the long-term objective is to build, modernise and develop a procurement function capable of supporting the next phase of business growth.
Working closely with the Commercial Supply Chain Director, you'll have the opportunity to influence strategy, improve supplier relationships, strengthen reporting and create a procurement operation that is fit for the future. If you're looking for a role where you can genuinely make an impact rather than simply maintain the status quo, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.
What You'll Be Doing
- Initially lead and support an established purchasing team
- Understand current purchasing processes, systems and supplier relationships
- Maintain continuity across international supply chains
- Manage supplier performance and commercial relationships
- Navigate duties, tariffs, quotas and regulatory requirements
- Identify quick wins to improve efficiency and reporting
Longer Term
- Develop and implement a strategic procurement roadmap
- Strengthen supplier partnerships across global markets
- Improve systems, reporting and procurement visibility
- Align procurement activities with wider commercial objectives
- Build a scalable procurement function to support future growth
- Coach and develop the wider purchasing team
- Position the business ahead of regulatory and market changes
What We're Looking For
- Essential
- Senior procurement or purchasing experience
- Experience within a distribution, wholesale, manufacturing or product-led business
- Strong supplier negotiation skills
- Commercial awareness around margins, costs and profitability
- Experience managing international supply chains
- Advanced Excel and reporting capability
- Strong leadership and stakeholder management skills
- Highly Desirable
- Exposure to import duties, tariffs and quotas
- Understanding of CBAM or similar regulatory frameworks
- Experience sourcing products internationally
- Experience managing suppliers across Europe, Asia or Turkey
- Purchasing systems and ERP experience
The Type of Person Who Will Thrive Here
You're as comfortable rolling your sleeves up and helping the team as you are sitting in a leadership meeting discussing strategy. You enjoy improving processes, building relationships and challenging the way things have always been done. You bring structure and commercial thinking without the ego. Most importantly, you're excited by the opportunity to build something rather than simply inherit it.
What's On Offer
- £55,000 - £60,000 basic salary
- Bonus scheme up to 10%
- Employee ownership scheme
- Pension scheme
- Laptop and mobile phone
- Genuine progression opportunity
- Direct exposure to senior leadership
- Long-term career development
- Stable and growing business with ambitious plans
UK Staffing Group are acting as an employment agency in relation to this vacancy. We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Head of Procurement employer: Manchester Staff Ltd
Join a dynamic, employee-owned business in Denton, Manchester, where your role as Head of Procurement will not only allow you to lead an established team but also shape the future of procurement within the Mechanical Services sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, a supportive work culture, and genuine opportunities for progression to director level, this is a place where your contributions will be valued and impactful. Enjoy a competitive salary, bonus scheme, and the chance to influence strategy in a stable and ambitious environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. Attend events, webinars, or even casual meet-ups to expand your circle and get your name out there.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its culture. Understand their procurement processes and think about how you can bring fresh ideas to the table. We want you to shine and show them why you're the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of supplier relationships and international supply chains. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your leadership experience, supplier negotiation skills, and any relevant achievements in procurement to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're excited about this role and how you can contribute to building a modern procurement function. Be genuine and let your personality come through.
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact. Whether it's improving supplier relationships or streamlining processes, we want to see how you've made a difference in previous positions.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets into the right hands!
How to prepare for a job interview at Manchester Staff Ltd
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially in areas like supplier negotiation and international supply chains. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your skills and how they align with the company's goals.
✨Show Your Leadership Skills
This role is all about leading a team and driving change. Prepare to share instances where you've successfully led a team or project, highlighting your ability to coach and develop others while also achieving results.
✨Understand Their Business
Do your homework on the company and its position within the Mechanical Services sector. Familiarise yourself with their current procurement processes and think about how you can modernise and improve them. This will show your genuine interest and strategic thinking.
✨Be Ready for Strategic Discussions
Since this role involves influencing strategy, be prepared to discuss your vision for a modern procurement function. Think about how you would align procurement activities with wider commercial objectives and be ready to share your ideas on building scalable systems.
