At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement for Goods and Services Not For Resale, driving strategy and cost transformation.
- Company: Join Booker, the UK's leading food & drink wholesaler with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy discounts at Tesco, health benefits, flexible working, and a great holiday package.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-stakes role while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement experience and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
We are looking for a senior procurement leader to take full accountability for Goods and Services Not For Resale (GSNFR) across Booker. This is a high-impact role with real scope - shaping strategy, driving cost transformation, and building a strong, compliant procurement function that delivers commercial value at scale.
You will lead end-to-end procurement activity across all GSNFR categories, working closely with senior stakeholders across Booker and the wider Tesco Group. From sourcing and tendering through to contract implementation, supplier management and risk, you will set the standards, lead the conversations and make things happen.
This role suits someone who is comfortable operating at senior level, influencing across complex stakeholder groups, and leading meaningful change in a fast-paced commercial environment.
What is in it for you:
- A Booker colleague card with 10% off purchases at Booker and double discount events up to three times a year.
- After 3 months service, a Tesco colleague discount card with 10% increasing to 15% off most purchases at Tesco for a 4 day period after every four-weekly pay day, ie. thirteen times a year.
- In addition to 10% off at Tesco Cafe and 20% off all F&F purchases.
- 10% off pay monthly & SIM only deals with Tesco Mobile for yourself, along with further great deals throughout the year.
- Up to 30% off car, pet and home insurance at Tesco bank. Terms and conditions apply.
- Free eye test when you spend £50 or more. You can also save 30% when you spend £50 or more on glasses, prescription sunglasses and contact lenses.
- 50% off health checks at Tesco Pharmacy.
- Exclusive access to discounted RAC breakdown cover rates.
- An exclusive deals and discounts website saving you money on everyday purchases including a cycle to work scheme.
- After 3 months service, you can join our annual Save As You Earn share scheme which allows you to buy Tesco shares in the future at a discount.
- Retirement savings plan (pension) - save up to 5% and Booker will match your contribution.
- Life Assurance - You are covered for death in service life cover of up to three times annual pay.
- Health and Wellbeing support and resources including our 24/7, confidential Employee Assistance Programme and Virtual GP for you and your family.
- A great holiday package.
You will be responsible for:
- Owning end-to-end procurement for all GSNFR categories at Booker.
- Setting and delivering category strategies, cost-saving plans and long-term value.
- Leading strategic sourcing activity, including RFIs and RFPs, through to conclusion.
- Building strong partnerships with senior stakeholders across Booker and the Tesco Group.
- Establishing and embedding clear governance, processes and ways of working.
- Managing and developing a small, high-performing team.
- Leading supplier relationships, including strategic suppliers via SRM.
- Ensuring compliance, due diligence, risk management and security of supply.
- Representing Booker/Tesco at senior level with suppliers and in the wider industry.
- Overseeing tools and systems (including GEP, Fusion, Ironclad and SAP) to ensure accuracy and control.
- Preparing for and contributing to internal governance forums and long-term planning cycles.
You will need:
- Extensive experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, ideally across complex or indirect categories.
- Proven success delivering cost transformation and commercial excellence.
- Experience engaging and influencing senior stakeholders and suppliers.
- Strong negotiation skills and sound commercial judgement.
- A track record of leading change, challenging the norm and improving ways of working.
- Experience managing and developing teams.
- A solid understanding of supply chains, markets and risk.
- High standards of ethics, integrity and professionalism.
- CIPS qualification (preferred, not essential).
- At least three years’ experience in a senior/head of procurement role.
About us:
Booker is the UK’s leading food & drink wholesaler. We serve independent retailers, caterers and small businesses from over 190 cash and carry branches, eight distribution centres, five Best Food Logistics sites and six support centre locations across the UK.
Diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) at Booker means that whoever you are and whatever your background, we always want you to feel represented and that you can be yourself at work. In short, we’re a place where Everyone’s Welcome.
We know life looks a little different for each of us. That’s why at Booker we always welcome conversations about flexible working. Some people are at the start of their careers, some want the freedom to do the things they love. Others are going through life-changing moments like becoming a carer, nearing retirement, adapting to parenthood, or something else. So, talk to us throughout your application about how we may be able to support you.
We’re proud that Booker is a Disability Confident Committed employer and we’re committed to providing a fully inclusive and accessible recruitment process.
Head of Procurement in England employer: Tesco
Contact Detail:
Tesco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching Booker and its procurement strategies. Show us you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your understanding of the industry and how you can drive cost transformation and value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a senior procurement leader, you’ll need to influence stakeholders and suppliers. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the Booker team.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in procurement and strategic sourcing, and show how you can drive cost transformation and deliver commercial value at scale.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this is a senior role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence stakeholders. Share specific examples of how you've managed teams and led change in previous roles to make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. Remember, we want to quickly understand why you’re the perfect fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team at Booker.
How to prepare for a job interview at Tesco
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around Goods and Services Not For Resale (GSNFR). Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in strategic sourcing and cost transformation. This will help you speak confidently about how you can shape strategy and deliver commercial value.
✨Stakeholder Engagement is Key
Since this role involves working closely with senior stakeholders, practice how you’ll engage and influence them. Prepare examples of how you've successfully navigated complex stakeholder groups in the past. Show that you can lead conversations and make things happen!
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Be ready to discuss your experience in managing and developing teams. Think of specific instances where you led change or improved ways of working. Highlight your negotiation skills and sound commercial judgement, as these are crucial for a senior procurement leader.
✨Prepare for Real-World Scenarios
Expect to be asked about real-world procurement challenges. Prepare case studies or examples from your previous roles that showcase your problem-solving abilities and how you’ve handled risk management and supplier relationships. This will demonstrate your readiness for the high-impact nature of the role.