Head of Procurement

Role Overview

The Head of Procurement will build and lead a new group procurement function from the ground up. This role is accountable for establishing the strategy, structure, and systems needed to manage product spend globally and deliver measurable value. The position combines strategy, transformation, and hands‑on leadership, developing a category management framework, embedding governance, and driving supplier partnerships that strengthen cost, quality, and service across a diverse global supply base.

Living

Our Values

Passionate - Champion excellence in supplier performance, bringing energy and ownership to improving cost, service, and reliability
Inventive - Create innovative sourcing and commercial solutions that drive value and resilience in the supply base
Accountable - Take full responsibility for procurement outcomes - contracts, performance, and data accuracy - building trust across the organisation
One Team - Partner with Product, Supply Chain, Operations, and Finance to deliver shared business results and continuous improvement
Integrity - Lead with transparency and fairness, ensuring ethical, compliant, and sustainable supplier relationships

Key Responsibilities Leadership & Strategy

• Establish and lead the Group Procurement function, building processes, policies, and team capability from inception
• Develop and execute the Group Procurement Strategy aligned to business goals
• Build, lead and develop a high performing global procurement team, introducing category management and supplier segmentation & Q  process
• Partner with the Supply Chain Director and VP Global Supply Chain to embed procurement within the wider transformation agenda

Supplier & Category Management

• Lead supplier sourcing, selection, negotiation, and contracting for all product categories
• Define strategic supplier partnerships and target 80% of spend under contract
• Consolidate supply base to optimise cost, quality, and delivery; manage supplier risk and continuity

Commercial & Financial Accountability

• Own KPIs covering PPV, rebates, payment terms, MOQ reduction, and OTIF
• Lead commercial negotiations to achieve cost, cash, and service objectives
• Work with Finance to forecast material costs, inflation, and savings delivery

Governance & Systems

• Define policies, approvals, and contract governance
• Standardise procurement processes, tools, and data across regions
• Maintain accurate supplier master data, pricing, lead times, and contract information in ERP systems

Cross‑Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with Product, Supply Planning, Operations, Logistics, and Finance
• Participate in S&OP and business planning with supplier capacity and cost insight
• Support product development, cost‑reduction, and system projects

Transformation & Capability

• Drive procurement transformation and capability development across the global purchasing community
• Mentor team members to create a culture of accountability and improvement

Risk & Global Scope

• Map and mitigate supplier risk, building alternative sourcing plans
• Manage a Global supply base of approximately 1,500 suppliers
• Travel internationally for supplier reviews and leadership meetings (approx. 20‑30%)

Key Performance Indicators

PPV and Rebate Delivery

% Spend Under Contract

Supplier Payment Terms & OTIF

MOQ and Delivery‑Frequency Improvements

Procurement Master Data Accuracy

Supplier Risk Mitigation

Cost and Working‑Capital Impact

Team retention

Skills & Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' procurement experience, including leadership of multi‑site or global teams
• Proven record building and leading procurement structures and category strategies
• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and contracting expertise
• Data‑driven mindset; proficiency across ERP systems and procurement tools
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
• CIPS or Bachelor's Degree required; MBA preferred
• Background in complex, multi‑SKU product environments; aftermarket or automotive experience advantageous

Core Competency Requirements

Communication - Conveys information clearly and effectively across audiences (Expert)
Collaboration - Works effectively with others to achieve common goals (Expert)
Trust & Results - Takes ownership of work and delivers…