At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform our Procurement function, partnering with senior leaders to drive commercial value.
- Company: Join the Press Association, a trusted news agency with over 150 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days' holiday, Wellbeing Day, and exclusive discounts in Leeds.
- Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of Procurement while working in a modern, vibrant office environment.
- Qualifications: Significant procurement experience, especially in technology, and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The PA is a beacon of trust for news, content and data.
At the heart of our group is the Press Association, the UK and Ireland's national news agency, trusted for its impartiality, accuracy and speed for more than 150 years.
We bring these standards to everything we do, from news and sports data to content creation and communications.
We're combining AI and emerging technology with the expertise, judgement and originality of our people; helping us work smarter, explore new ideas and create greater value for our customers.
Now, we're beginning an exciting new chapter at West Village in Leeds city centre and looking for talented people to help shape what comes next.
The opportunity
We're looking for an experienced and commercially minded Head of Procurement to lead and transform our Group procurement function.
Reporting directly to our CFO and leading a team of six, this is an opportunity to shape how Procurement partners with the business: moving beyond traditional, process-led procurement towards a proactive, commercially focused business-partnering model that influences decisions and creates measurable value.
You’ll develop our Group procurement strategy, strengthen the capability of the team and build trusted relationships with senior leaders across the organisation.
Technology is a significant area of spend and transformation for The PA, so previous experience of technology procurement is essential, although your wider industry background is less important.
You’ll also be our Global Process Owner for Procure-to-Pay, with the scope to simplify processes, strengthen controls and make better use of SAP S/4HANA, automation and technology.
This is a broad and influential role with the opportunity to leave a lasting mark on Procurement at The PA.
What you'll do
- Lead and develop our Procurement team, building its capability as a commercially focused and credible business partner.
- Develop and deliver a Group-wide procurement strategy aligned with our commercial and operational priorities.
- Partner with senior leaders and budget holders, providing commercial insight and constructively challenging requirements, spend and supplier decisions.
- Lead strategic procurement across key areas of spend, including technology, delivering sustainable savings, cost avoidance and working-capital improvements.
- Strengthen our approach to strategic sourcing, negotiation, supplier relationship management and contract management.
- Improve visibility and control of third-party spend, contractual commitments, supplier performance and commercial risk.
- Own the end-to-end global Procure-to-Pay process, driving simplification, automation, stronger controls and systems development.
- Build effective cross-functional relationships across Procurement, Finance, Technology and our operating businesses.
- Oversee our corporate insurance renewal and Group travel arrangements.
- What you'll bring
- Significant procurement and commercial leadership experience, ideally including leading Procurement Business Partners or developing a business-partnering model.
- A track record of transforming or evolving a procurement function to become more commercially focused, proactive and influential.
- Strong technology procurement experience, with the credibility to partner effectively with Technology leaders and navigate complex technology spend and supplier relationships.
- Evidence of delivering measurable commercial value through strategic sourcing, negotiation, supplier management and contract management.
- Strong commercial judgement and the confidence to challenge, influence and build trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Experience leading and developing a high-performing procurement team.
- A strong understanding of end-to-end Procure-to-Pay and experience of improving people, processes and systems.
- Experience of SAP S/4HANA, workflow automation and electronic invoicing.
Experience as a Global Process Owner, supporting acquisitions or integrations, or managing corporate insurance would be an advantage.
Your sector background is less important to us than your ability to transform Procurement, build strong business partnerships and bring credible technology procurement experience.
What we offer
- 25 days' holiday plus public holidays, with a holiday purchase scheme.
- A yearly Wellbeing Day and eight hours of paid volunteering time.
- Pension, life assurance, Wellhub access, learning opportunities and a Bupa Health Cash Plan through salary sacrifice.
- A modern workplace at West Village in the heart of Leeds city centre, just a seven-minute walk from Leeds station.
- Rooftop terraces, collaborative spaces, a wellness studio, showers and extensive cycle storage.
- Exclusive discounts across Leeds, including offers on food and drink, fitness, entertainment and accommodation.
This is a hybrid role, minimum three days a week from our Leeds office, with travel to London Paddington as required.
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Head of Procurement in Leeds employer: Press Association
The Press Association is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of Leeds city centre, where innovation meets tradition. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, professional development, and a collaborative culture, we empower our team to lead transformative procurement strategies while enjoying modern workplace amenities and exclusive local discounts. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a role that not only shapes our procurement function but also contributes to the future of news and content delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Leeds
✨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 Press Association.
✨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 Leeds
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 Press Association:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Press Association. 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 Press Association.
How to prepare for a job interview at Press Association
✨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 Press Association!
✨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 Press Association. 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 Press Association's culture.
