At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and transform procurement, modernising processes and enhancing supplier strategies.
- Company: Fast-growing UK distributor in the HVAC sector with a strong reputation for service excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance-linked bonus, and a collaborative work culture.
- Other info: Hands-on leadership role with excellent growth opportunities in a values-driven environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by modernising procurement and driving strategic initiatives.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement transformation, ERP systems, and a collaborative leadership style.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Colchester (with weekly presence in Bedford)
About the Company:
Procurement Heads has been retained by a fast-growing UK-based distributor within the HVAC sector, operating exclusively in the B2B market. With revenues of c. £55m and a workforce of around 170 employees, the business has scaled rapidly and continues to outperform its growth expectations. The organisation has built a strong reputation for service excellence, underpinned by a highly disciplined operational model and robust supply chain capability. It combines high performance with a collaborative, values-led culture - placing strong emphasis on customer focus, commercial integrity, continuous improvement, and accountability.
The Role:
The business is seeking a Head of Procurement to lead and transform its procurement function. Currently, procurement is highly transactional, with significant manual activity and process complexity. This role offers the opportunity to modernise and elevate the function - introducing structure, improving systems utilisation, and driving a more strategic, data-led approach.
Key responsibilities include:
- Developing and implementing a procurement strategy aligned to growth
- Improving the use of ERP systems (NetSuite) and embedding efficient workflows
- Automating transactional processes and reducing manual workload
- Enhancing supplier strategies, including consolidation and sourcing
- Collaborating with operations, sales, and finance to optimise product availability
- Leading and developing a team of six
This is a hands-on leadership role requiring both strategic thinking and operational execution.
About You:
You will be a commercially minded procurement leader, ideally from a distribution, manufacturing, or product-led environment. You will bring:
- Experience of procurement transformation and/or system implementation
- Strong understanding of supply chain and inventory dynamics
- ERP experience (e.g. NetSuite, SAP, Dynamics)
- A pragmatic, solutions-focused mindset
- A collaborative leadership style aligned to a values-driven culture
Cultural fit is critical. This organisation values humility, teamwork, and a “roll your sleeves up” approach.
Package: Bonus (5%–10%) linked to company performance
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Colchester
✨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 Procurement Heads.
✨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 Colchester
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 Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨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 Procurement Heads!
✨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 Procurement Heads. 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 Procurement Heads's culture.
