At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and mentor a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Major player in the UK's operationally critical infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, car allowance, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Fully hybrid role with travel expenses covered and significant career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape innovative procurement strategies and make a real impact on business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with experience in process or manufacturing sectors.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: National Hybrid
Salary: £115,000 + 25% Bonus & Car Allowance
Working Model: Fully Hybrid (Travel expenses covered)
About the Opportunity
Our client is a major player in the UK’s operationally critical infrastructure and process sector. They are looking for a strategic and commercially sharp Head of Procurement to lead their established procurement function. This is a high-impact role reporting directly to the COO, sitting at the heart of a business that views procurement as a critical enabler of growth and operational excellence. Managing an annual spend of over a million pounds, you will be responsible for evolving procurement from a functional level to a strategic powerhouse. This is a unique chance to shape strategy from the ExCo level down to plant operations, ensuring the business remains fast-moving while strengthening governance and risk management.
The Role
As Head of Procurement, you will lead a dedicated team of four, with a primary focus on maturing the team structure and developing buyers into high-performing category managers. Your remit will be broad, covering everything from day-to-day operational expenditure to complex outage-related spend and large-scale contractor management.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Leadership: Shape and execute a national procurement strategy that aligns with the business’s long-term growth and ExCo-level objectives.
- Team Development: Mentor and lead a team of four direct reports, building capability and fostering a culture of continuous professional development.
- Operational Excellence: Strengthen source-to-pay discipline and evolve procurement policies and procedures across multiple sites.
- Contractor & Risk Management: Manage contractor risk at scale, specifically supporting labour planning for outages and CDM contractors.
- Commercial Negotiation: Lead high-value negotiations and drive significant cost control initiatives to deliver large-scale savings.
- Supplier Strategy: Enhance Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) and maintain tight control over commercial contracts coming up for renewal.
What’s on Offer?
- Competitive Salary: £115,000 (with flexibility for the right candidate).
- Performance Bonus: Up to 25% bonus based on personal performance and company EBITDA.
- Executive Benefits: £5,000 car allowance and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Flexibility: A fully hybrid role with travel expenses covered for visits to key sites across the UK.
- Impact: The autonomy to lead a self-sufficient team and implement innovative procurement strategies in a fast-growing business.
Requirements
- Sector Experience: A proven background in process, operations, or manufacturing environments where procurement is closely integrated with daily business running.
- Leadership Track Record: A credible leader with a strong history of team development and building internal capability.
- Commercial Sharpness: Confident in high-stakes negotiations with a track record of delivering measurable commercial improvements.
- Stakeholder Management: Exceptional ability to influence senior stakeholders and plant managers to drive adoption of procurement initiatives.
- Risk Expertise: Experience managing complex third-party and contractor risk in operationally critical environments.
How to Apply
If you are a strategic procurement leader with Utilities, manufacturing or waste management experience, looking for a role with significant scope and the opportunity to drive innovation within a major UK operation, please submit your CV for consideration.
Head of Procurement in Maidstone employer: Procurement People
As a leading player in the UK's operationally critical infrastructure sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment that prioritises strategic innovation and professional growth. With a fully hybrid working model, competitive salary, and a strong emphasis on team development, employees are empowered to shape procurement strategies that drive significant impact. Join us to be part of a dynamic culture that values excellence, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Maidstone
✨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 People.
✨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 Maidstone
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 People:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement People. 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 People.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement People
✨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 People!
✨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 People. 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 People's culture.
