At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and build a high-performing team in a dynamic retail environment.
- Company: Join New Look, a fast-paced omnichannel retailer focused on sustainable growth.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 40% staff discount, private pension, healthcare, and more perks.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence value delivery and develop responsible procurement practices.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by transforming procurement into a strategic partner for the company.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience with strong leadership and negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Overview
As Head of Procurement at New Look, you will shape and deliver a multi-year procurement strategy to drive sustainable cost efficiencies and strong supplier performance.
You’ll elevate procurement from transactional to strategic partner, advising the Executive Team and working with cross-functional colleagues to support growth and operational excellence.
You will build and lead a high-performing team, embedding responsible procurement and governance across the organisation.
This is a chance to influence value delivery at scale in a fast-paced, omnichannel retail environment.
- Pay / Benefits
- 40% staff discount
- Private pension scheme
- Profit related bonus
- Healthcare Private Medical Scheme
- Birthday paid day off
- Cycle2Work scheme
Responsibilities
- Develop and own a multi-year procurement strategy aligned to company plans and priorities
- Optimize ERP investment to automate procurement processes and improve controls and reporting
- Establish spend baseline, category plans and executive reporting for non-trade spend
- Lead category strategies and complex sourcing across multiple functions and services
- Create auditable sourcing processes with clear evaluation criteria and negotiation strategies
- Oversee contract renewals and manage supplier negotiations and performance with Legal support
- Manage supplier risk, resilience, data protection and ESG requirements
- Build supplier relationship management framework with scorecards and improvement plans
- Provide due diligence and governance in collaboration with Legal, Finance, Information Security and ESG teams
- Embed responsible procurement standards (ethics, human rights, environment) across the organisation
- Develop procurement capability and tools for budget holders and contract owners
- Key requirements
- Significant senior procurement and commercial leadership experience in a complex, multi-site consumer/retail environment
- Broad indirect category experience with experience presenting to Executive stakeholders
- Demonstrated category management, strategic sourcing, negotiation and supplier relationship management
- Experience building procurement governance, controls, and reporting for varying maturity levels
- Knowledge of supplier risk, operational resilience, data protection, information security and ESG requirements
- Experience leading and developing teams through change while delivering results
- Commercially rigorous, analytical, and capable of leading programmes and negotiations
- Proficiency in ERP, e-sourcing and digital procurement applications
- Willingness to travel between company locations and supplier sites
- MCIPS, CIPS Level 6 or equivalent qualification is desirable (not mandatory)
- Influential and pragmatic leadership
- Strategic thinking and business partnering
- Strong communication and stakeholder management
- ERP systems
- e-sourcing
- digital procurement applications
Head Of Procurement in London employer: New Look
New Look is an excellent employer that fosters a high-performing work culture where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while enhancing your own skills in a dynamic retail environment. Located in a vibrant area, we offer competitive benefits and a commitment to work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to advance your finance career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head Of Procurement in London
✨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 New Look.
✨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 in London
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 New Look:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to New Look. 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 New Look.
How to prepare for a job interview at New Look
✨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 New Look!
✨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 New Look. 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 New Look's culture.
