Job Title: Head of Procurement
Location: Portsmouth
Join Wightlink as Head of Procurement and play a pivotal role in keeping one of the UK's most vital transport links moving. This is an opportunity to lead procurement at the heart of a complex, operationally critical business. As Head of Procurement, you will drive sourcing strategy, lead key commercial negotiations and oversee Marine Stores, ensuring continuity of supply while delivering value, sustainability and operational excellence across Wightlink.
What you’ll be doing
- Develop, own and deliver Wightlink’s procurement strategy, operating model, policies and annual workplan, aligned to business priorities, budgets and company values
- Partner with key stakeholders to define requirements, challenge demand, plan sourcing activity and ensure procurement is involved early in projects and contract renewals
- Support business planning, major projects – including re-tonnage for new vessels, insurance and risk reviews, audits and executive decisions with clear commercial advice and recommendations
- Lead competitive tenders, quotations, supplier selection and commercial evaluations for high-value, high-risk or strategically important requirements
- Maintain and enhance a robust database of supplier contracts, alongside a sourcing pipeline and contract renewal programme. Review and test existing arrangements and renegotiate them where necessary
- Lead supplier relationship and performance management, including service reviews, corrective actions and continuous improvement
- Identify, assess and mitigate commercial, operational, financial, cyber, ethical, environmental and continuity risks within the supply chain
- Provide strategic oversight of Marine Stores, including stock policy, critical spares, inventory accuracy, storage, distribution, obsolescence and service levels to vessels and sites
- Management of the company’s car fleet and associated lease contracts
- Lead, coach and develop procurement and Marine stores direct reports, setting clear objectives and holding bi-annual PDRs
What we’re looking for
- MCIPS Qualified status
- Relevant degree or postgraduate qualification is desirable
- Evidence of ongoing professional development in procurement, commercial management or a related discipline
- Strong knowledge of strategic sourcing, category management, tendering, contract lifecycle management, supplier relationship management and purchase-to-pay controls
- Understanding of supply-chain risk, business continuity, ethical and sustainable procurement, modern slavery obligations and proportionate supplier due diligence
- Knowledge of inventory management, warehousing and distribution principles
- Excellent negotiation & influencing skills with the confidence to challenge constructively at all levels
- Commercially astute, pragmatic and outcome-focused while able to maintain strong ethical standards and sound governance
- A credible and collaborative leader who builds trust, develops others and works effectively as part of the wider leadership team
- Experience in a marine, transport, engineering or safety-critical environment would be an advantage
Who we are
We are Wightlink. We are Captains, Baristas, Accountants, Engineers, Cleaners, Port Operators Technicians and many more
We’ve been carrying people across the Solent for over 160 years and things have changed a lot in that time. Bigger ferries, more passengers, quicker crossing times - but some things remain the same; not least our dedication to providing the best service possible and our passion for the Isle of Wight.
Our mission is to be the easiest way to cross the Solent with outstanding customer service and we’re always looking for outstanding people who can help us deliver on it. We’re an equal opportunities employer with a strong focus on diversity and inclusion. Safety is at the heart of everything we do, and we’re backed by some of the world’s leading investors.
We take our commitment to the environment seriously and you can play a part in helping us achieve our goals. We already operate England’s first hybrid energy ship, Victoria of Wight, and have implemented a wide range of initiatives to protect the sea, land and air that surround us. With big plans for the future, it’s a great time to join us – we’ve pledged to further reduce our carbon emissions significantly over the next decade.
We’re often asked why it’s so great to work at Wightlink. Perhaps it’s because we offer:
- A competitive salary
- 33 days pro-rata annual leave
- Clear and supported career progression
- A generous pension scheme
- Concessionary ferry travel for you and your family
- Discount on food & drink as well as exclusive discounts at a range of Island and Mainland businesses
- Free parking
- A chance to make a difference to the communities that depend on our lifeline service
