Head of Procurement

Overview

The Head of Procurement is responsible for developing and executing the procurement strategy to drive value, efficiency, and sustainability across the organisation. This leadership role oversees the procurement function, ensuring alignment with business objectives, managing supplier relationships, and optimising sourcing processes. The Head of Procurement will lead a team of professionals, foster collaboration across departments, and deliver measurable impact on cost savings, quality, and supply chain resilience.

• Develop and implement the organisation's procurement strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business goals and objectives.
• Lead cost-saving initiatives and value-creation programs to optimise procurement spending and improve bottom-line performance.
• Monitor industry trends and market conditions to inform strategic sourcing decisions and mitigate supply chain risks.
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing procurement team, promoting professional growth and collaboration.
• Establish performance metrics for the procurement team, ensuring accountability and excellence in execution.
• Foster a culture of innovation, ethical and commercial procurement practices, and continuous improvement.
• Establish and nurture strong relationships with key suppliers to ensure quality, reliability, and long-term partnership.
• Negotiate terms and pricing with suppliers to achieve favourable outcomes for the organisation.
• Establish and manage supplier onboarding processes, ensuring appropriate checks are performed by Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Information Security.
• As part of developing the function, undertake a full audit of existing suppliers from both a commercial and compliance perspective.
• Implement good practices in procurement operations, including category management and contract management.
• Drive digital transformation initiatives, such as e-procurement platforms, to improve efficiency and transparency in the procurement process (while collaborating with other departments regarding any shared platforms).
• Ensure timely delivery of services while minimising disruptions and optimising working capital.
• Ensure procurement practices and standards are effectively communicated across the business.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, industry and corporate regulations, and ethical standards, in collaboration with Finance, Legal, Compliance, and Information Security.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to supply chain disruptions, geopolitical factors, and supplier performance.
• Promote sustainability through procurement practices that align with Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) goals, in collaboration with the Compliance team which has responsibility for ESG at You Gov.
• Partner with key stakeholders across departments (e.g., Finance, Operations, Legal, Compliance, Data Security, Marketing and Panel) to support strategic initiatives and operational needs.
• Act as a key advisor to the leadership team on procurement-related matters, including cost management and supplier strategy.
• Drive alignment between procurement objectives and overall business priorities.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Supply Chain Management, or a related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in procurement or supply chain management, including leadership roles
• Proven track record in developing and executing successful procurement strategies
• Strong knowledge of procurement best practices, sourcing strategies, and contract negotiation
• Familiarity with procurement tools and platforms
• Understanding of regulatory requirements and compliance standards for procurement activities in a UK listed company environment
• Professional certifications such as CPM, CPSM or CSCP (preferred)

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