At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships for cost efficiency.
- Company: Join SBFM, a leading provider of soft facilities management services in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, car allowance, pension scheme, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for growth and influence within the organisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving sustainability and innovation in procurement.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience with strong negotiation and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: Leeds, West Yorkshire
Salary: Competitive DOE
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
SBFM are looking for an experienced Head of Procurement to join our business and take ownership of our procurement strategy. This is a key role within SBFM, responsible for driving cost efficiency, supplier performance and commercial value across the business. You will lead the procurement of goods and services, manage strategic supplier relationships and ensure strong cost control, compliance and operational performance.
Alongside leading the procurement function, you will also have oversight and management responsibility for our warehouse operations, ensuring the safe and efficient end-to-end management of the operation and the on-time-in-full delivery of goods. Working closely with Operations, Legal and other key stakeholders, you will ensure our procurement activity supports the wider business objectives and delivers value for both SBFM and our clients.
What You'll Be Doing
- Own and implement procurement strategies that drive cost savings and operational efficiency.
- Manage supplier selection, negotiation and contracting across our strategic and preferred suppliers, working closely with Legal on contractual matters and Operations on supplier performance.
- Manage supplier relationships and performance, ensuring goods and services are delivered in line with agreed contractual SLAs.
- Run competitive tenders and maintain competitive pricing across procurement categories, using SBFM's buying power to negotiate favourable terms.
- Keep procurement policies and procedures up to date, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards, including COSHH requirements.
- Conduct market analysis to identify trends, risks and opportunities within the supply chain, including identifying lower-cost or innovative alternative products.
- Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand business requirements and ensure procurement activity supports business objectives and customer satisfaction.
- Drive sustainability, ESG and ethical sourcing initiatives across procurement activity.
- Take responsibility for the safe operation of the warehouse, ensuring compliance with company and regulatory standards at all times.
- Oversee the end-to-end management of warehouse operations, ensuring the on-time-in-full (OTIF) delivery of goods.
About You
We're looking for an experienced procurement professional with a strong commercial mindset and the ability to lead and influence across a growing business. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience managing a full procurement function.
- A strong understanding of supply chain and inventory management principles.
- Experience managing supplier relationships, contracts and performance metrics.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen, including experience in budgeting, cost control and managing working capital.
- Excellent leadership and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience in warehouse operations or logistics management would be advantageous.
- A degree in Procurement and Supply Chain Management and/or a CIPS qualification would be highly desirable.
Why SBFM?
At SBFM, we are a leading provider of soft facilities management services, delivering high-quality, commercially efficient and sustainable solutions to clients across the UK. We are a growing and ambitious business, and this is an opportunity to take ownership of a key function, influence how we work and make a real impact across the organisation.
In Return, You Will Receive
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Car Allowance
- Pension Scheme
- Access to training and career development opportunities
Our Values
- Be a Good Person – We give people opportunities and embrace their inherent goodness. We are open-minded and uphold integrity. We are respectful, considerate, kind and appreciative.
- Play as a Team – Community and communication are everything. Together, we grow, retain, execute and make an impact.
- Think Differently – We encourage a growth mindset, innovation and new ideas. We challenge boundaries and look for better ways of doing things.
- Make an Impact – We take ownership, deliver results and challenge the norm. We are passionate about exceeding expectations and achieving results.
About SBFM
SBFM is one of the UK's leading and fastest-growing soft facilities management service providers, delivering professional cleaning and related support services nationwide. We are transforming the commercial cleaning space by combining pioneering technology and innovation with a strong focus on our people, development and progression opportunities.
Head of Procurement employer: SBFM
Join our dynamic team as a Cleaner at our retail location in Heathrow, where we prioritise employee growth and development. With comprehensive training provided, access to educational opportunities, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, we foster a supportive work culture that empowers every team member. Enjoy benefits like 28 days of annual leave, flexible overtime options, and a pension scheme, all while contributing to a company that values excellence and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨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 SBFM.
✨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
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 SBFM:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SBFM. 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 SBFM.
How to prepare for a job interview at SBFM
✨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 SBFM!
✨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 SBFM. 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 SBFM's culture.
