At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a high-performing procurement team and shape commercial strategies for critical spend areas.
- Company: Join United Utilities, a FTSE 100 company focused on sustainability and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 26 days annual leave, competitive pension, performance bonuses, and wellness benefits.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and development in a dynamic, supportive environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on environmental outcomes and operational performance in a vital sector.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in procurement, strong leadership skills, and strategic thinking required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 72000 £ per year.
Shape the Future of a Greener, More Resilient North West
About us
United Utilities keeps the North West flowing — delivering essential water services to millions of homes and businesses every day. As we enter a period of major transformation, our Commercial function is playing a critical role in driving sustainability, resilience and long‑term value across our operations. We’re looking for a Head of Procurement to lead a high‑performing team and take ownership of a £300–£350m spend portfolio spanning Bioresources, Scientific Services, Fleet, Chemicals and Energy. This is a strategic, high‑impact role where your decisions will directly influence environmental outcomes, operational performance and the future of our supply chain. Join a FTSE 100 organisation where innovation, inclusion and purpose sit at the heart of everything we do.
Why Join Us?
- A generous annual leave package of 26 days, which increases to 30 days after four years of service (increases one day per year), in addition to 8 bank holidays
- A competitive pension scheme with up to 14% employer contribution, 21% combined, and life cover
- Car cash allowance - £5,000
- Up to 20% performance‑related bonus scheme, as well as recognition awards for outstanding achievements
- A comprehensive healthcare plan through our company‑funded scheme
- MyGymDiscounts - gym and wellness benefit that offers up to 25% off on gym memberships and digital fitness subscriptions
- Best Doctors
- Salary Finance
- Wealth at Work courses
- Deals and discounts
- EVolve Car Scheme
- Employee Assistance Plan
- Mental health first aiders
- ShareBuy
- MORE Choices flexible benefits
- Enhanced parental leave schemes
What you’ll be doing
You’ll lead a talented team of procurement professionals and shape the commercial strategy for some of our most critical spend areas. Your work will drive value, sustainability and innovation across the business. Your key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic leadership across market insights, sourcing and supplier collaboration.
- Building strong, influential relationships with senior stakeholders through a true business partnering model.
- Leading the development of complex, multi‑million‑pound market strategies that are insight‑led, commercially robust and aligned to business priorities.
- Overseeing delivery of sourcing pipelines, supplier collaboration plans and value‑driven commercial outcomes.
- Driving sustainability, innovation and operational resilience across the supply chain.
- Leading annual business planning for your category portfolio, ensuring alignment with long‑term operational needs.
- Ensuring compliance with procurement policy, regulations and governance frameworks.
- Coaching, developing and inspiring a high‑performing commercial team with clear succession planning.
- Acting as a recognised expert in market strategy, sourcing and supplier management across UU.
What we’re looking for?
You’ll bring a blend of strategic thinking, commercial acumen and leadership capability — with the confidence to influence at senior levels and the curiosity to challenge the status quo.
Essential experience:
- Significant experience leading complex, business‑critical procurement categories.
- Strong commercial acumen with expertise in negotiation, risk management and dispute resolution.
- Proven senior stakeholder management and business partnering skills.
- Experience managing strategic supplier relationships and driving performance and innovation.
- Ability to interpret market intelligence and shape strategy.
- Experience delivering sustainability, innovation or resilience outcomes within supply chains.
- Strong problem‑solving capability within large, complex organisations.
- Experience leading and developing teams.
- Knowledge of the utilities sector and relevant regulations.
Nice to have
- Experience working with Bioresource technical supply chains or scientific/engineering‑led environments
- Exposure to technical categories such as chemicals, energy, fleet or scientific services.
- Project management experience.
- Post‑graduate qualifications such as CIPS, RICS, MBA or MSc.
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications: Preferably degree educated, with a relevant post‑graduate qualification (e.g. CIPS, RICS, MBA, MSC).
Make an Impact that Matters
Every colleague at United Utilities plays a vital role in delivering exceptional service to our customers. In return, we’ll support your development, reward your contribution and give you the platform to build a thriving career. If you’re ready to lead with purpose and shape the future of commercial excellence in a major FTSE 100 organisation, we’d love to hear from you.
Locations
Head of Procurement in Cheshire, Warrington employer: United Utilities
At United Utilities, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation, inclusion, and sustainability. As the Head of Procurement, you will lead a talented team in a strategic role that directly impacts environmental outcomes while enjoying generous benefits such as a competitive pension scheme, extensive annual leave, and opportunities for professional growth within a FTSE 100 organisation located in Warrington. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the North West and advance your career in a supportive environment that values your contributions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Cheshire, Warrington
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the hunt for a new role. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching United Utilities and understanding their values and goals. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their mission of sustainability and innovation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to influence and drive value. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at United Utilities.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Cheshire, Warrington
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 leading complex procurement categories and how it aligns with our mission at United Utilities.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:We want to see your leadership style! Share examples of how you've developed high-performing teams and influenced senior stakeholders. This is key for us in this strategic role.
Demonstrate Commercial Acumen:Don’t forget to highlight your commercial skills! Talk about your negotiation successes and how you've driven performance and innovation in previous roles. We love a good success story!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of getting noticed, apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into the process. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Utilities
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Procurement, you'll be dealing with significant budgets. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed large spend portfolios in the past. Prepare specific examples that highlight your impact on cost savings and value creation.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This role requires a strategic mindset. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed and implemented market strategies in previous roles. Think about how you can align procurement strategies with broader business goals, especially around sustainability and innovation.
✨Build Relationships
Strong stakeholder management is key for this position. Come equipped with examples of how you've built influential relationships with senior stakeholders. Highlight your experience in business partnering and how it has led to successful outcomes in your previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
You'll be leading a team, so it's crucial to showcase your leadership capabilities. Prepare to discuss your approach to coaching and developing teams, as well as any succession planning you've implemented. Share stories that illustrate your ability to inspire and motivate others.
