Head of Procurement in London

This is a rare opportunity to shape procurement at one of the world’s leading scientific and conservation organisations. At Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, our work protects biodiversity, supports global research and welcomes millions of visitors each year.

As Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in supporting this work by making sure our spending is well managed, delivers value for money and supports our wider goals. You will also lead and develop the procurement team, building skills and ensuring a consistent, high-quality service.

Reporting to the Director of Finance & Corporate Planning, you will lead a strategic, organisation-wide procurement service, advising on complex and high-value procurements across goods, services and works. You will work closely with teams across Kew, building strong relationships and helping colleagues make informed, compliant decisions. Using spend data and insight, you will identify opportunities to improve value, manage risk and support better commercial outcomes. You will also lead improvements to how procurement works in practice, in line with the Procurement Act 2023, while strengthening contract management and supporting more consistent, effective ways of working.

Educated to degree level (or equivalent experience), you will have substantial experience working in a procurement or commercial role within a complex organisation, ideally within the public or not for profit sector. You will have a strong working knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance, and experience of leading or managing complex procurement exercises across goods, services and works.

You will be an effective people manager with experience of leading teams through competing priorities. Strong stakeholder management skills are essential, with the ability to advise, influence and challenge budget holders and project teams. Experience of contract management, supplier performance and supporting audit or assurance activity is also important.

Join us and help ensure that Kew’s resources are used to maximum impact; supporting a global mission to understand and protect the world’s plants and fungi.

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work‑life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interview disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.