Head of Procurement - Indirect Goods and Services

Sysco GB (Whose operating companies are made up of Brakes, Fresh Direct, kff, Medina, Fairfax Meadow & Campbells Prime Meat) are recruiting a Head of Indirect Goods and Services who will lead sourcing initiatives for indirect goods and services which include amongst others diverse categories such as fuel, commercial vehicles, healthcare, company cars, utilities, stationery, uniforms, leases and services. This role will identify and deliver cost‑effective sourcing opportunities for indirect goods and services across GB, optimising supplier relationships and supporting strategic projects, while balancing regional priorities with local market and regulatory requirements through effective change management and data‑driven insights.

Reporting directly to the GB Merchandising Director and part of the GB Merchandising Leadership team, you’ll be responsible for developing/maintaining a cost optimisation strategy across multiple categories for sourcing indirect goods and services across Sysco GB. Building strong relationships across the organisation to drive cost of goods improvements through strategic supplier/provider choice and negotiation strategy excellence whilst taking account of supply chain considerations. This is a critical role in supporting operational excellence and cost management, working closely with senior stakeholders and central functions across the organisation to identify indirect sourcing opportunities, implement best practices, and support cross‑functional projects as required.

This role will have direct management responsibility for a team of three Purchasing Managers, three Purchasing Specialists plus a Vendor data Coordinator. This role is primarily home‑based, with flexibility required for travel to Ashford, Kent, to collaborate with the team who are all Hybrid to Ashford.

Accountabilities:

• Strategic Sourcing Leadership: Develop and execute sourcing strategies for indirect goods and services across Sysco GB. Align sourcing initiatives with broader category strategies and business priorities.
• Supplier Management: Build and maintain strategic supplier partnerships, leveraging commercial advantage for Sysco. Negotiate terms and contracts to deliver cost savings, improved service levels, and risk mitigation.
• Data-Driven Decision Making: Use insights and analytics to support negotiations and identify opportunities for improvement. Monitor market trends (e.g., inflation, regulatory changes) to proactively adjust sourcing strategies.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Work with functional areas across the organisation to ensure alignment and compliance.
• Governance & Compliance: Work closely with the Sysco Legal team to ensure robust contractual agreements across all areas. Ensure adherence to Sysco’s policies, sustainability standards, and CSR commitments. Manage and Improve Vendor P2P interaction across Sysco GB.
• Reporting & Performance: Provide regular reporting on sourcing performance, savings achieved, and supplier risk assessments.

Skill & Experience: You will bring extensive experience in indirect procurement and strategic sourcing, with a strong focus on compliance, control and commercial negotiation. You’ll have a proven track record of running multiple tenders simultaneously, delivering cost avoidance, sustainable savings and value for money across a broad range of indirect categories. This role requires the ability to balance strategic improvement with hands‑on delivery, continuously strengthening procurement processes, systems, governance and visibility of spend. You will be fully competent in managing complex supplier relationships and developing joint business plans, with a strategic, long‑term mindset to build future‑proof sourcing strategies. Strong stakeholder engagement skills are essential, including experience influencing senior leadership across multiple markets, supported by an analytical, data‑driven approach to decision‑making and a solid understanding of CSR, compliance and risk management within procurement.

You can expect to receive a competitive base salary, attractive car allowance (or company car), annual incentive schemes, private healthcare for you and your family, an additional holiday purchase scheme, award‑winning products at virtually cost price and a range of perks through our online benefits platform.