Head of Procurement

As Head or Procurement you will be Fera's senior procurement subject-matter expert and functional lead, responsible for delivering a high-performing, best-in-class procurement service across the business. You will play an important role in helping Fera successfully deliver its five-year Growth Plan by securing value, managing supplier and supply-chain risk, strengthening governance and supporting business growth, including the integration of acquired businesses.

A proactive and influential business partner, you will work closely with Executive members, Heads of Business Unit and other senior stakeholders, while leading and developing the Procurement Assistant.

• Develop and deliver Fera's procurement strategy, policies, governance and annual priorities, aligned to the five-year Growth Plan, wider business objectives and recognised leading procurement practice.
• Act as the senior procurement subject-matter expert, providing authoritative, commercially pragmatic advice and constructively challenging stakeholders to achieve optimum procurement outcomes.
• Build strong relationships and ensuring regular and pro-actively communications with Executive members, Heads of Business Unit and key stakeholders, ensuring procurement is engaged early in strategic, operational and investment decisions.
• Pro-actively lead strategic sourcing, competitive tendering and complex supplier negotiations, securing best whole-life value while appropriately managing commercial, contractual and operational risk.
• Working with the Heads of Business Units, develop effective category management, spend analysis and demand management to identify opportunities for sustainable savings, cost avoidance, improved service, innovation and wider value creation. Ensuring this is communicated on a regular basis.
• Establish strong supplier relationship and performance management, including oversight of strategic suppliers, service performance, continuous improvement and supply-chain resilience.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with Fera's governance framework, delegated authorities, ethical standards and applicable legal and regulatory requirements.
• Provide procurement leadership for strategic projects, mergers & acquisitions and business integration, including supplier due diligence, synergy identification and the adoption of consistent procurement standards.
• Line manage, coach and develop the Procurement Assistant, setting clear objectives, supporting professional development and ensuring effective delivery of day-to-day procurement priorities.
• Drive continuous improvement through better procurement data, systems, processes, market insight and proportionate use of digital tools and automation; maintain clear reporting of procurement performance and benefits.

• Substantial procurement experience in a complex commercial organisation, with a strong track record of operating as a senior procurement professional and subject-matter expert.
• MCIPS or an equivalent recognised professional procurement qualification, or demonstrably equivalent senior-level procurement expertise.
• Strong expertise in strategic sourcing, category management, supplier relationship management, negotiation, procurement governance and third-party risk management.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering measurable value through procurement, including savings, cost avoidance, service improvement, supplier innovation and risk reduction.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills, with the credibility to engage and challenge Executive Leadership Team members, Heads of Business Unit and other senior stakeholders.
• Strong…