Head of Procurement – Focus Markets

LIPTON Teas and Infusions is the biggest tea business in the world, with world class purpose driven brands such as Lipton, PG Tips and Pukka. As Lipton Teas and Infusions we are united in one purpose: growing a world of wellbeing through the regenerative power of plants.

In July 2022, CVC Capital Partners Fund VIII took over the full ownership of the LIPTON Teas and Infusions (formally ekaterra) business from its previous owner, Unilever. As a standalone entity with a dedicated single-category focus, Lipton T&I is positioned to lead the tea industry, delivering higher growth and value, and a greater impact on the wider world. With 11 production factories in four continents and tea growing estates in three countries, LIPTON Teas and Infusions operates in over 100 countries.

At LIPTON Teas and Infusions, we work alongside people who put consumer love at the heart of every decision. Diverse minds who celebrate new ideas, share our values and the commitment we have for the wellbeing of all. In return, we create an environment that gives our people space and freedom, where they can grow as leaders. A connected community where ideas can thrive.

Where you explore new challenges. Learning all you need to master your field, and even more about yourself.

Be part of this amazing blend. Join our collective and help us grow a better world of wellbeing and a better you.

Job Title: Head of Procurement – Focus Markets

Job Status: Full-time, permanent

Your Role

As Head of Procurement – Focus Markets at Lipton Teas and Infusions, you hold a pivotal strategic leadership role, overseeing the full spectrum of technical and commercial procurement across tea, raw materials, and packaging for North America, Europe, and the UK.

You are accountable for managing the total cost of ownership, while ensuring product excellence through best-in-class quality, tea blend performance, cost, cash, and sustainability performance. You will lead a team of Tea buyers and blenders covering Lipton Focus Markets.

Acting as a key bridge between regional priorities and the Global Procurement function, you align local strategies and goals with global objectives to drive competitive advantage across the value chain.

Leading a high-performing procurement team and working closely with R&I, Finance, Supply Chain, and Quality, you play a central role in delivering business growth, financial results, and responsibly sourced, market-leading products across your regions.

Your Key Responsibilities

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Develop regional sourcing strategies (where it is required), aligned with global procurement objectives and goals.
• Co-create and execute global material sourcing strategies in your regions.
• Lead cost optimization, cash improvement, supplier consolidation, and value engineering initiatives.
• Bring market, supplier, and competitor insight into the business units, providing optimum forecast pricing and trends while supporting strategic stocking decisions for both tea buying and blending.
• Lead the team in weekly correct tasting and classification of Teas in relevant channels, including executing buying plans to deliver efficiency as per plan.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with strategic suppliers to ensure consistent quality, service, and innovation.
• Negotiate contracts and terms with key regional and local suppliers.
• Ensure supplier compliance with food safety, regulations, sustainability, and ethical sourcing standards.

Cross-functional & Regional Alignment

• Collaborate with operations, R&I, Supply Chain, and Finance teams to align procurement plans with production, innovation, and financial targets.
• Be the key decision-maker and advisor, serving as the primary point of contact for direct procurement in the North American market.
• Collaborate with the Global Tea, Herbal, and Packaging network to provide demand requirements for raw and packaging materials, working with relevant SAP/Icron tools.

Risk & Supply Chain Management

• Identify and mitigate supply risks (e.g., geopolitical, climate, commodity price volatility).
• Lead business continuity planning and supplier diversification strategies.
• Ensure inventory optimization and OTIF (On…