At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement, improve processes, and develop a high-performing team in a growing SME.
- Company: Family-run business supplying medical packaging and equipment to the healthcare sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, profit share bonus, free lunch, and holiday purchase scheme.
- Other info: Opportunity for real ownership and influence in a supportive, evolving business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by shaping the future of procurement in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong negotiation skills, and a hands-on leadership approach.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
- Head of Procurement
- Stafford | £70,000-£85,000 depending on experience + profit share bonus
Build the function. Drive the change. Shape the future.
Are you a commercially minded procurement professional who thrives in a growing SME?
Someone who has helped build and develop a purchasing function, introduced structure and better ways of working, and led a team through change?
We're recruiting a hands-on Head of Procurement for a growing, family-run business supplying medical packaging, consumables and equipment to the healthcare sector.
This is an opportunity to lead the purchasing team, strengthen supplier relationships and help shape the next stage of the business's growth.
The business understands that great procurement is about more than buying at the right price.
It's about reliable supply, strong supplier partnerships, protecting margins and creating the foundations for sustainable growth.
This is an opportunity to make a genuine impact, bringing commercial focus, fresh thinking and a continuous improvement mindset to a business where you can see the difference your work makes.
The role
You'll take ownership of the procurement function, balancing day-to-day purchasing with the longer-term work needed to improve performance and prepare the department for growth.
Working closely with the Operations Director and wider business, you'll develop the team, strengthen supplier relationships, improve processes and identify opportunities to increase efficiency, protect margins and optimise stock availability.
This is a genuinely hands-on leadership role, with approximately 60% of your time spent working alongside the team and 40% focused on strategy, projects and continuous improvement.
- What you’ll be doing
- Building for growth: introduce the structure, processes and accountability needed to create a more efficient, scalable purchasing function.
- Leading change: challenge existing ways of working, implement improvements and bring the team with you as the business evolves.
- Developing the team: set clear objectives, coach colleagues and establish consistent working practices and performance measures.
- Driving commercial performance: negotiate supplier terms, improve purchasing costs and identify opportunities to increase margins.
- Strengthening supplier relationships: improve supplier performance; quality, reliability and continuity of supply.
- Optimising stock and availability: use data, pricing trends & lead times to make better purchasing decisions and ensure products are available when customers need them.
- Staying hands-on: support day-to-day purchasing, sourcing, ordering and supplier enquiries while delivering key improvement projects.
Requirements
We're particularly interested in someone who has worked in a growing SME operating a buy/sell, wholesale or distribution model , and who has played a key role in structuring and developing a purchasing function to support business growth and change.
You'll ideally bring
- Proven experience in procurement or purchasing within a product-led, trading or distribution business.
- A track record of building structure, improving processes and preparing a department for growth.
- Experience leading teams through change and creating a culture of ownership and accountability.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills, with a focus on costs, margins, supplier performance and stock availability.
- A data-driven approach to decision-making and continuous improvement.
- A practical, hands-on attitude, with the ability to balance operational detail and strategic thinking.
Above all, you'll be proactive, adaptable and comfortable working in an evolving business where you can influence decisions, challenge the status quo and make a tangible impact.
Benefits
- £70,000-£85,000 salary , depending on experience.
- Profit share bonus scheme , giving you the opportunity to share in business success.
- Free lunch.
- Holiday purchase scheme , giving you the flexibility to buy additional annual leave.
- The opportunity to shape and develop a key business function within a growing, family-run business.
- Real ownership, influence and the chance to see the results of your work.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Procurement in Stafford employer: UBT
Join a dynamic and ambitious retail business as the Interim Head of Sales, where you'll have the opportunity to lead a high-performing sales team and shape the commercial direction during a transformative period. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company fosters a collaborative culture that values accountability and results, while offering flexible hybrid working arrangements to support work-life balance. Enjoy competitive benefits including a car allowance and generous holiday entitlement, making this an excellent employer for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the retail sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Stafford
✨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 UBT.
✨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 in Stafford
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 UBT:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to UBT. 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 UBT.
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨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 UBT!
✨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 UBT. 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 UBT's culture.
