At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategy and develop high-performing teams to optimise indirect spend.
- Company: Join Nexthink, a leader in digital employee experience management software.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, diverse culture, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Work in a dynamic, multicultural environment with over 75 nationalities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a pioneering tech company shaping the future of work.
- Qualifications: 12+ years in procurement with strong leadership and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 56250 - 68750 £ per year.
Nexthink is the leader in digital employee experience management software. The company provides IT leaders with unprecedented insight allowing them to see, diagnose and fix issues at scale impacting employees anywhere, with any application or network, before employees notice the issue. As the first solution to allow IT to progress from reactive problem solving to proactive optimization, Nexthink enables its more than 1,200 customers to provide better digital experiences to more than 15 million employees. Dual headquartered in Lausanne, Switzerland and Boston, Massachusetts, Nexthink has 9 offices worldwide.
We are looking for an experienced Director, Global Procurement to lead and further develop Nexthink’s global Procurement function. Based in Madrid with a global remit, this role will define and execute Nexthink’s procurement strategy across indirect spend and develop a high-performing category management organization. The Director will partner with senior leaders across Finance, Legal, IT, Security, HR, Marketing, Sales, Engineering, Customer Success and Workplace to deliver sustainable value, strengthen supplier performance, manage risk and support Nexthink’s continued growth. This is a highly visible leadership role requiring strong commercial judgment, executive influence and the ability to develop both procurement capabilities and people.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Strategy & Category Management
- Define and execute Nexthink’s global procurement strategy, operating model and multi-year roadmap.
- Develop a strategic category management approach across Software/SaaS, Cloud, Technology, Professional Services, Marketing, HR, Workplace and other indirect spend.
- Establish category strategies, sourcing priorities and a global pipeline aligned with business objectives.
- Use spend, market and supplier insights to identify opportunities for cost optimization, demand management, supplier consolidation and innovation.
- Lead or oversee major global sourcing initiatives and strategic supplier negotiations.
- Drive measurable savings, cost avoidance and broader commercial value.
- Leadership & Category Manager Development
- Lead, coach and develop a high-performing team of Category Managers, building strong commercial, strategic sourcing and stakeholder-management capabilities.
- Establish clear category ownership, objectives and accountability across the team.
- Develop Category Managers into trusted business partners capable of independently engaging senior stakeholders and leading complex sourcing strategies and negotiations.
- Create common category management methodologies, tools and best practices to raise the maturity and consistency of Procurement globally.
- Build succession, talent development and future leadership capability within the Procurement function.
- Stakeholder & Supplier Management
- Act as a trusted commercial advisor to senior and executive stakeholders across Nexthink.
- Ensure Procurement is engaged early in strategic purchasing and investment decisions.
- Develop strategic supplier relationships, performance frameworks and executive business reviews.
- Partner with Legal, Finance, Security, Privacy and other functions on commercial agreements and third-party risk.
- Drive supplier performance, innovation, resilience and sustainability.
- Procurement Operations & Governance
- Develop scalable global procurement policies, governance and processes.
- Drive the evolution of Nexthink’s Procure-to-Pay framework and procurement capabilities within NetSuite and related systems.
- Improve spend visibility, purchasing compliance, supplier onboarding, contract management and renewal governance.
- Identify opportunities for automation and procurement technology to improve efficiency and user experience.
- Performance & Executive Reporting
- Establish procurement KPIs and executive reporting covering savings, cost avoidance, spend under management, sourcing pipeline, supplier performance, risk and compliance.
- Conduct regular business reviews with Finance leadership and key executives.
- Use data and market intelligence to identify emerging commercial risks and opportunities.
Qualifications
- 12+ years of progressive Procurement, Strategic Sourcing or Category Management experience, ideally within SaaS, software or technology.
- Significant experience leading global indirect procurement categories and complex commercial negotiations.
- Proven experience leading and developing Category Managers and building high-performing procurement teams.
- Demonstrated ability to develop procurement capabilities, operating models and category management maturity.
- Strong executive presence with experience influencing C-suite and senior business leaders.
- Deep expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier management and commercial negotiation.
- Strong analytical and financial acumen with a track record of delivering measurable business value.
- Experience with ERP and procurement systems; NetSuite experience is desirable.
- Experience working across international and multicultural organizations.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder-management skills.
- Professional procurement qualification such as CIPS, CPSM, CPM or equivalent is an advantage.
- Fluent English required; additional European languages are an advantage.
Director, Global Procurement in London employer: Nexthink
Nexthink is an exceptional employer that champions a diverse and inclusive work culture, providing employees with the flexibility of a hybrid work model and generous benefits such as unlimited vacation and comprehensive health insurance. Located in Greater London, Nexthink prioritises professional growth, ensuring that team members have ample opportunities to develop their skills while contributing to innovative solutions in digital employee experience management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director, Global 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 Nexthink.
✨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 Director, Global 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 Nexthink:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Nexthink. 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 Nexthink.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nexthink
✨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 Nexthink!
✨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 Nexthink. 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 Nexthink's culture.
