Head of Procurement in Thame

Join a leading hospitality franchise with a footprint of over 600 hotels across the UK, Ireland, and Europe. Based within a collaborative UK head office of 120 employees, the business operates a hybrid working model, with three days per week onsite. The Role As the business looks ahead to 2026, we’re seeking a Head of Procurement – IT & Professional Services to play a pivotal role in shaping and driving a modern, efficient, and sustainable procurement function. This is a high-impact leadership role offering real scope to influence category strategy, supplier performance, and commercial outcomes at scale. You’ll partner closely with senior stakeholders and suppliers to simplify sourcing, drive agility, and deliver operational and supply chain excellence, with a clear focus on long-term value creation. Key Responsibilities * Build strong, trusted relationships with senior stakeholders to drive commercial excellence. * Lead category strategy, planning, and pipeline delivery across one or more category families (e.g. IT, Marketing, Corporate Services, Customer Services, Food & Beverage, Property & FM). * Define success measures, benefits tracking, and savings targets to optimise spend and security of supply. * Own commercial negotiations, contracts, KPIs, and SLAs across your categories. * Maximise the use of eProcurement tools to ensure governance, knowledge management, and continuous improvement. * Establish and manage governance, risk, escalation, reporting, and benefits realisation. * Champion procurement policies and compliance across the business. * Lead, coach, and develop team members, setting clear objectives and development plans. * Support the Commercial Procurement Director in delivering transformation roadmap outcomes. Requirements: * Proven experience developing and maturing procurement environments and driving best practice. * Strong stakeholder engagement, influencing, and communication skills. * Strategic and commercial mindset with innovative approaches to cost and value management. * Confident negotiator with strong numeracy and analytical skills. * Demonstrated success in category management, supplier management, and supply chain optimisation within large, multi-site organisations. * Experienced people leader with the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver results at pace. Desirable: * Degree qualified and CIPS member (or working towards). * Experience managing and developing procurement teams. * Background in the travel or hospitality sector. Reward & Benefits: * £85,000 base salary + bonus up to 20% * 25 days’ holiday, increasing with service * Pension: 8% employer / 5% employee * Life assurance (1x salary) * Car allowance * 50% hotel discounts plus friends & family rates * Hybrid working (minimum 60% office or supplier-based) Further details will be shared upon successful application