At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies, manage supplier relationships, and optimise sourcing processes.
- Company: Relay is revolutionising e-commerce logistics with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy equity packages, performance bonuses, hybrid work, and generous leave policies.
- Why this job: Join a fast-growing startup making a real difference in the logistics industry with cutting-edge technology.
- Qualifications: 6-10+ years in procurement; strong negotiation skills and experience in high-growth environments.
- Other info: Work in a dog-friendly office with regular team events and access to AI tools.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Company mission
In the future, commerce will be instant, local, and seamless. What we now call \”e-commerce\” will simply be how we shop . But if we continue on the current path, its growth will come at a cost: more emissions, disconnected communities, and mounting pressure on small businesses.
Relay is building the logistics network that e-commerce should have had from the start. We\’re designed from the ground up for sustainability—environmental, social, and economic. By rethinking both the middle and last mile, we cut miles driven, reduce carbon emissions, lower costs, and return value to local communities.
We\’re also fixing the delivery experience itself. With Relay, shoppers can reschedule deliveries anytime and return items with a tap—we make it as easy to return something as it is to buy it.
Behind the scenes, we orchestrate this with cutting-edge tech: from smart routing and real-time planning to seamless tools that empower our ground teams.
We’re not just building the future, we\’re scaling it fast.
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We just closed a $35M Series A , the largest ever for a logistics tech startup in Europe.
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Brands like Vinted, TikTok, and Temu are choosing Relay to power their UK expansion.
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We\’re growing at a top 0.01% among all European Series A startups.
About the role
We’re looking for a Head of Procurement to work directly with Joshua Brook the CFO. As the Head of Procurement, you will be responsible for establishing and optimising our procurement processes, vendor relationships, and sourcing strategies. You will play a key role in driving cost efficiency, ensuring supply chain resilience, and enabling scalable operations as we grow.
Responsibilities
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Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with business goals
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Build and manage a high-performing procurement function, including systems, policies, and reporting
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Source, negotiate, and manage relationships with key suppliers and partners
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Drive cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing and supplier performance management
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Collaborate with cross-functional teams (Tech, Ops, Finance) to forecast demand and ensure timely procurement of materials, equipment, and services
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Monitor procurement KPIs and continuously improve purchasing efficiency and quality
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Evaluate and mitigate supply chain risks, ensuring compliance and sustainability in procurement practices
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Support international sourcing and logistics as we expand into new markets
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Implement procurement tools suited for scaling
What We’re Looking For
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6–10+ years of experience in procurement, supply chain, or sourcing; ideally including leadership experience at a high-growth startup or dynamic environment
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Proven ability to build procurement processes from scratch
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Strong negotiation skills and experience with contract management
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Ability to work hands-on and strategically in a lean, fast-paced environment
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Analytical mindset with proficiency in Excel, ERP systems, and procurement software
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Excellent communication, relationship management, and cross-functional collaboration skills
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Familiarity with sustainability, ESG, or ethical sourcing practices a plus
The qualifications and experiences above act as a loose guide to what we’re looking for. We’d still love to hear from you if you have more or less experience, so long as the core skills can be demonstrated.
Relay is offering
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Generous equity package
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Performance bonus in the form of equity
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High-performance culture with 2 promotion windows per year
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25 days\’ annual leave, plus bank holidays
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Bupa Global Business Premier health plan – including mental, dental, and optical cover
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Enhanced Parental Leave:
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20 weeks of fully paid maternity leave
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4 weeks of fully paid paternity leave
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Contributory pension scheme
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Friday office lunches
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Access to cutting-edge AI tooling
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Hybrid working from our dog-friendly Shoreditch office
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Free gym membership via our co-working spaces
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Cycle-to-work scheme
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Regular team socials, events, and offsites!!
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Head of Procurement employer: Relay Technologies
Contact Detail:
Relay Technologies Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with Relay's mission and values, especially their focus on sustainability and community impact. This will help you align your procurement strategies with their goals during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the logistics and procurement sectors, particularly those who have experience in high-growth startups. This can provide insights into best practices and may even lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've built procurement processes from scratch. Highlight your negotiation skills and any successful cost-saving initiatives you've led in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends in sustainable sourcing and supply chain management. Being knowledgeable about ESG practices will demonstrate your commitment to Relay's values and enhance your candidacy.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Company Mission: Before applying, take some time to understand Relay's mission and values. Highlight how your experience in procurement aligns with their focus on sustainability and community impact in your application.
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects your relevant experience in procurement, especially in high-growth environments. Emphasise your leadership roles and any specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to build procurement processes from scratch.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, discuss your strategic approach to procurement and how you can contribute to Relay's goals. Mention your negotiation skills and experience with contract management, as these are key for the role.
Showcase Relevant Skills: Highlight your analytical mindset and proficiency in tools like Excel and ERP systems. If you have experience with sustainability or ethical sourcing practices, make sure to include that as well, as it aligns with Relay's values.
How to prepare for a job interview at Relay Technologies
✨Understand the Company Mission
Before your interview, make sure you fully grasp Relay's mission of creating a sustainable logistics network. Be prepared to discuss how your procurement strategies can align with their goals of reducing emissions and supporting local communities.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Highlight your 6–10+ years of experience in procurement or supply chain management. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've built procurement processes from scratch and driven cost savings in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Negotiation Skills
Since the role requires strong negotiation skills, prepare to discuss past negotiations you've led. Share outcomes that showcase your ability to manage supplier relationships and achieve favourable contract terms.
✨Emphasise Cross-Functional Collaboration
Relay values collaboration across teams. Be ready to talk about how you've worked with different departments like Tech, Ops, and Finance to forecast demand and ensure timely procurement. This will show your ability to thrive in a dynamic environment.