At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead global procurement strategy and build strong supplier partnerships.
- Company: Innovative manufacturer in construction, industrial, and rail sectors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £100k, profit-related bonus, and negotiable perks.
- Other info: Dynamic role with international travel and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Join a purpose-led business and drive impactful growth on a global scale.
- Qualifications: Senior procurement experience with a track record in cost savings and supplier performance.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Fareham, Hampshire, UK, with travel to North America, Europe and Southeast Asia
Salary: Up to £100k (negotiable) with profit-related bonus
Description: Our client is an innovative, industry-leading manufacturer serving the construction, industrial, and rail sectors. They are seeking a Head of Procurement to join their growing team and align with their 5-year growth strategy. This is a newly created role offering the chance to work with cutting-edge products in a purpose-led business that values integrity, passion, excellence, and respect. You will be primarily based in their offices in Fareham; however, the role does require global travel.
Reporting to the COO, the Head of Procurement will build and lead a strategic, globally aligned procurement function to support their growth ambitions. This role will transform procurement into a core strategic capability, enabling the business to scale to £70m+ supply chain capacity with strong cost control, supplier resilience, and operational reliability. The successful candidate will develop a data-led, commercially driven procurement model, aligned to product strategy and global expansion across the UK, Europe, and North America. As the business enters a significant growth phase, there is a need to build on the current procurement foundations to support future scale and complexity.
Key Responsibilities:
- Strategic Sourcing and Supplier Partnerships: Develop and deliver a global sourcing strategy aligned to growth; build long-term, strategic supplier relationships; implement dual sourcing across key product categories; partner with R&D to optimise product cost, design, and scalability.
- Commercial, Contracts and Cost Optimisation: Lead commercial negotiations to deliver cost and margin improvements; own supplier contracts, terms and conditions, and commercial frameworks; protect IP, tooling, and manufacturing rights; drive a commercial procurement culture focused on value.
- Supply Chain Capacity and Planning: Develop a supply chain model capable of supporting £70m+ output; ensure supplier capacity aligns with business growth; balance cost, capacity, and risk across regions.
- Inventory and Logistics Strategy: Own global inventory strategy (stock days, availability vs working capital); oversee inbound logistics and freight; improve visibility of stock, supply flow, and lead times.
- Data, Systems and AI: Build a data-led procurement function; own the procurement side of ERP/MRP (e.g. NetSuite); develop reporting across cost, supplier performance, and stock; embed data and AI tools to improve decision-making.
- Risk, ESG and Compliance: Manage supply chain risk and resilience; reduce dependency on single suppliers or regions; ensure procurement aligns with ESG and compliance standards.
- Team Leadership and Cross-Functional Alignment: Lead and develop the procurement team; build a high-performance, commercially focused culture; work closely with R&D, Finance, Sales, and Operations to ensure alignment.
- Indirect Procurement (Phased): Introduce structure and control across non-product spend (e.g. energy, fleet, insurance); identify opportunities to improve commercial outcomes; implement a phased approach alongside core priorities.
Requirements:
- Senior procurement or strategic sourcing leadership experience.
- Track record of delivering cost savings and supplier performance improvement.
- Experience operating across international supply chains.
- Background in manufacturing or product-based environments.
- Strong commercial negotiator.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to build scalable supply models.
- Data-driven, with interest or experience in AI-enabled decision making.
- Able to operate at both strategic and hands-on levels.
- Proactive, solution-oriented, and commercially driven.
- Challenges constructively and raises standards.
- Collaborative, with strong stakeholder management skills.
- Comfortable operating in a growing, evolving business.
Benefits:
- Salary: Up to £100,000 (Negotiable).
- Profit-related bonus.
- Other benefits are negotiable.
Head of Procurement (Global) in Fareham employer: Workable
Join an innovative and purpose-led manufacturer in Fareham, Hampshire, where you will play a pivotal role as the Head of Procurement in a dynamic and growing team. With a strong focus on integrity, passion, and excellence, the company offers competitive salaries, profit-related bonuses, and opportunities for global travel, all within a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth and strategic development. This is your chance to lead transformative procurement initiatives in a supportive environment that values your contributions and fosters professional advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement (Global) in Fareham
✨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 Workable.
✨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 (Global) in Fareham
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 Workable:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Workable. 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 Workable.
How to prepare for a job interview at Workable
✨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 Workable!
✨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 Workable. 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 Workable's culture.
