At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement excellence and drive strategic initiatives across a global scale.
- Company: Join Ocado Group, a leader in online grocery automation and technology.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private medical insurance, and flexible work options.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of transforming procurement with cutting-edge technology and innovation.
- Qualifications: Deep experience in procurement systems, data analytics, and risk management required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 £ per year.
About Us
We are Ocado Group, and we're bringing world‑class automation to online grocery.
Our Ocado Smart Platform (OSP) combines cutting‑edge robotics, AI, and Io T within our advanced CFCs (Customer Fulfilment Centres).
We've mastered the single pick, transforming online delivery for our global partners.
Join us and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of retail technology.
About The Role
This role is a fantastic opportunity to elevate Procurement into a true strategic enabler.
Operating on a global scale, you'll lead our procurement enablement strategy as we pursue world class procurement at Ocado.
You'll manage a small, group‑wide Procurement Excellence team and join the Procurement Leadership Team.
You Will Be
Leading a small team across 5 foundational pillars of Procurement.
This is a hands‑on leadership role where you will directly own aspects of the below as well as organising and equipping your team to deliver.
- Procurement Systems
- Develop and lead the overarching systems strategy for procurement, leveraging our best of breed set up
- Oversee the management and continuous development of our core procurement suite, including our market leading Omnea procurement platform, tail spend management partnership, virtual card solution, and Enterprise ERP (Oracle Fusion)
- Ensure our systems work well with our ERP and external data sources to enable end‑to‑end process delivery
- Data & Analytics
- Develop data governance and analytics frameworks to increase transparency and actionable insight
- Own our KPI and Reporting strategy, ensuring we have actionable data from individual category level to exec reporting
- Translate system outputs into clear, actionable insights that improve outcomes
- Ensure our data works for our frontline Procurement Managers
- Supplier Risk Management
- Lead Ocado’s Third‑Party Risk Management (TPRM) programme on behalf of all Procurement
- Lead a functional peer group of risk domain leaders to ensure an effective but proportional risk approach
- Leverage our tech stack to ensure supplier risk management is deeply embedded into procurement decisions
- Policy & Governance
- Own the Global Procurement Policy
- Embed a governance framework for procurement systems, including the control and change management framework
- Ensure wider supplier governance procedures and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) standards are fully integrated into our procurement practices
- Process Excellence
- Drive continuous improvement across our sourcing, negotiation, contract management, supplier management, and supplier risk management processes
- Identify opportunities to optimise procurement systems by automating workflows and improving user experience
- Lead Ocado Procurement in the rapid and wide ranging deployment of new AI tools ensuring a mix of personal productivity, function wide enablers and strategic evolution initiatives
- Shape and deliver the Agentic Procurement agenda at Ocado
About You
- Deep procurement excellence experience in several of the following areas: Procurement Systems, Data & Analytics, Supplier Risk/TPRM, Governance, and Process Excellence
- Strong hands on experience in any category, ensuring a personal understanding of procurement management
- Experience working in a global, ideally matrix procurement organisation
- A sharp commercial mindset, enhanced with deep analytical skills
- Previous experience embedding transformational change within an organisation, far and above a new supplier and way of working, it’s most likely experience of leading an innovation and change agenda for Procurement e. g.
- ESG or systems transformation
- Great project management skills, able to form and own a portfolio of initiatives
- Experience of implementing or running modern Procure Tech (e. g.
Omnea, Zip, Oro, Zycus) is a big advantage, as is a track record of leveraging AI/LLMs for personal productivity, vibe coding and other purposes
- Experience working with both Direct and Indirect procurement is an advantage
What We Offer
We believe in supporting our people with meaningful, flexible benefits that prioritise well‑being and work‑life balance. Here’s a snapshot of what you can expect:
- Time to recharge: 25 days annual leave (rising to 27 after 5 years), plus the option to buy more – and 30 days a year to work from anywhere in the world.
- Health & wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance from your first month, wellbeing support through specialist apps and EAP, plus Income Protection and Life Assurance.
- Family‑first policies: 22 weeks paid maternity/primary carer leave and 6 weeks paid paternity leave
- Financial support: Pension with employer matching up to 7%, share schemes (Sharesave & BAYE), and interest‑free loans for train tickets.
- Commuter perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and free shuttle buses to/from Hatfield and Welwyn Garden City stations.
- Exclusive discounts: 15% off at Ocado. com with free delivery (starting in your first month).
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Procurement Excellence Manager in Welwyn employer: Robotics Jobs UK
LEC Robotics is an exceptional employer that fosters a dynamic and innovative work culture in the heart of Fulham, London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, we offer generous performance bonuses tied to your success, ensuring that your contributions are recognised and rewarded. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values collaboration and creativity in driving B2B sales across diverse sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Excellence Manager in Welwyn
✨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 Robotics Jobs UK.
✨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 Senior Procurement Excellence Manager in Welwyn
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 Robotics Jobs UK:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Robotics Jobs UK. 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 Robotics Jobs UK.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robotics Jobs UK
✨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 Robotics Jobs UK!
✨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 Robotics Jobs UK. 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 Robotics Jobs UK's culture.