At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and supplier management across multiple companies in the events sector.
- Company: Join Strata, a dynamic company committed to responsible procurement and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days annual leave, private health insurance, and a hybrid working arrangement.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace culture with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on procurement value while promoting sustainability and ethical practices.
- Qualifications: Experience in supplier management and strong negotiation skills required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
The Group Procurement Lead will play a pivotal role in shaping Strata’s supplier ecosystem across all five operating companies. This is a newly created, group-level role, with a clear commercial mandate: analyse and consolidate group-wide third-party spend, negotiate group-wide terms and rebate agreements, and deliver a step change in procurement value within the first 12 months. The role is equally responsible for embedding ESG and supplier due diligence standards across the group’s supply base, ensuring growth is matched by responsible, well-governed procurement.
Key Responsibilities
- Supplier Strategy & Terms: Conduct a full analysis of group-wide third-party spend across all five operating companies, identifying consolidation opportunities, category overlaps, and quick-win savings. Develop and implement group-wide supplier terms and conditions to ensure clarity, compliance, and commercial protection. Identify and implement supplier segmentation (strategic, preferred, tactical) to optimise spend and supplier relationships. Create and manage a preferred supplier list.
- Negotiation & Contract Management: Lead supplier contract negotiations for key categories, ensuring favourable commercial terms, service levels, and risk mitigation. Secure rebates and retrospective discounts on supplier spend. Own a clear savings roadmap with measurable EBITDA contribution, tracked and reported transparently to the Group CFO, COO and board. Maintain an up-to-date repository of supplier contracts, ensuring renewals and compliance are proactively managed. Collaborate with legal and finance teams to standardise supplier agreements and mitigate contractual risk.
- Supplier Relationship & Performance Management: Establish and maintain strong supplier relationships, acting as the primary point of escalation for performance issues. Implement supplier KPIs and performance scorecards, holding regular reviews to drive accountability and improvement. Identify innovation and joint initiatives with strategic suppliers to enhance value, efficiency, or service delivery.
- Supplier ESG, Risk & Due Diligence: Design and implement a group-wide supplier vetting framework covering ESG standards, modern slavery and ethical trading compliance, data protection, and financial stability. Maintain a risk register for critical and high-spend suppliers, escalating exposure (financial, reputational, or operational) to group leadership. Ensure supplier ESG credentials are positioned as a commercial asset in client pitches, supporting new business and existing account growth.
- Internal Collaboration & Reporting: Partner with internal teams (finance, operations, and project delivery) to align supplier strategy with business needs. Provide regular reporting and analysis on supplier spend, savings achieved, and performance metrics. Support due diligence and integration of suppliers during acquisitions to drive consistency and leverage.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in supplier management, procurement, or partnerships within a multi-entity, project-driven environment, gained within an events agency setting.
- Expert negotiator with a track record of delivering cost savings, rebates, and favourable contractual terms.
- Strong understanding of contract law and supplier agreements, ideally in collaboration with in-house or external legal teams.
- Skilled in data analysis and spend management, identifying trends and opportunities for optimisation.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence at all levels internally and externally.
- Highly organised, strategic, and commercially minded, with a focus on delivering measurable results.
- Working knowledge of ESG and supplier due diligence frameworks (e.g. modern slavery, ethical trading, data protection); CIPS qualification (or equivalent) desirable.
- Comfortable operating at pace in a fast-growing, multi-entity environment, with the gravitas to influence MD and board-level stakeholders across the group.
Employee Benefits
- 25 days annual leave, plus usual Bank Holidays
- Birthday day off
- Private Health Insurance*
- Workplace pension scheme
- Death in service scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Hybrid working arrangement
- Regular social events
*Upon successful completion of a 6-month probation period
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. Recruitment decisions are based solely on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels respected, heard, valued, and empowered. We strive to create an innovative, creative, and inclusive environment where all employees and applicants can thrive. At Strata, we are proud to be a Disability Confident employer, committed to creating an inclusive and accessible workplace where everyone can thrive. We actively promote equal opportunities and support individuals with disabilities throughout their careers. As part of our recruitment process, we encourage candidates to let us know if they require any reasonable adjustments – our team is committed to ensuring a fair, supportive, and inclusive experience from application through to employment.
Group Procurement Lead (Events) employer: Strata Limited
Strata is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and well-being. With a hybrid working model based in London and Brackley, employees benefit from a supportive environment that encourages collaboration and innovation, alongside competitive perks such as private health insurance and generous annual leave. Strata's commitment to responsible procurement and ESG standards not only enhances professional development but also aligns with the values of those seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Procurement Lead (Events)
✨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 Strata Limited.
✨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 Group Procurement Lead (Events)
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 Strata Limited:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Strata Limited. 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 Strata Limited.
How to prepare for a job interview at Strata Limited
✨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 Strata Limited!
✨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 Strata Limited. 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 Strata Limited's culture.
