Head of Procurement – Europe
Location: London, United Kingdom (or major European hub)
Reporting To: Global Chief Procurement Officer
About the Company
Our client is a leading global retail organization with operations spanning multiple continents. The European headquarters is based in London and serves as a strategic hub for the region. As part of its continued growth and transformation agenda, the company is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement – Europe to lead procurement strategy, supplier management, and sourcing excellence across the European region.
Position Overview
The Head of Procurement – Europe will be responsible for developing and executing the regional procurement strategy across all European markets. This executive leadership role will oversee strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, cost optimization, sustainability initiatives, and procurement transformation programs while ensuring alignment with global procurement objectives.
The successful candidate will serve as a key member of the global procurement leadership team and act as a strategic business partner to regional and country leadership teams.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Procurement Leadership
* Develop and implement a comprehensive procurement strategy for Europe aligned with global business objectives.
* Drive category management, sourcing excellence, and procurement best practices across all European markets.
* Partner with business leaders to support growth, profitability, and operational efficiency initiatives.
* Lead procurement transformation projects, digitalization initiatives, and process optimization programs.
Sourcing & Supplier Management
* Establish and manage strategic supplier partnerships across direct and indirect spend categories.
* Lead complex negotiations and commercial agreements with key regional and global suppliers.
* Develop supplier performance management frameworks, including KPIs, risk assessments, and continuous improvement plans.
* Ensure supply continuity, resilience, and risk mitigation across the procurement network.
Financial & Commercial Performance
* Deliver annual cost savings, value creation, and working capital improvement targets.
* Optimize total cost of ownership while maintaining quality, service, and sustainability standards.
* Support budgeting, forecasting, and procurement analytics activities.
* Identify opportunities for procurement-led innovation and revenue enhancement.
Governance, Risk & Compliance
* Ensure procurement activities comply with company policies, legal requirements, and ethical standards.
* Strengthen supplier governance, contract management, and procurement controls.
* Drive ESG and sustainability initiatives throughout the supply base.
* Monitor geopolitical, supply chain, and market risks impacting the European region.
Leadership & Stakeholder Management
* Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing procurement team across multiple European countries.
* Foster collaboration between procurement, supply chain, finance, operations, and commercial teams.
* Build strong relationships with executive leadership and key external stakeholders.
* Act as the primary procurement representative for Europe within the global procurement leadership team.
Candidate Profile
Experience
* 15+ years of progressive procurement and sourcing experience, including significant leadership responsibility.
* Proven success leading regional or multinational procurement organizations within retail, consumer goods, e-commerce, FMCG, or related sectors.
* Strong experience managing large procurement spend and complex supplier ecosystems across Europe.
* Demonstrated track record of delivering substantial cost savings and procurement transformation initiatives.
* Experience operating within a matrixed, multinational environment.
Skills & Competencies
* Strategic sourcing and category management expertise.
* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capabilities.
* Supplier relationship and contract management expertise.
* Deep understanding of European procurement markets and supply chains.
* Strong analytical and data-driven decision-making skills.
* Excellent stakeholder management and executive communication abilities.
* Experience with procurement technologies, ERP systems, and digital procurement platforms.
Education
* Bachelor's degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, Engineering, Finance, or a related field.
* MBA or relevant postgraduate qualification preferred.
* Professional procurement certifications (CIPS, CPSM, ISM, or equivalent) are advantageous.
Leadership Attributes
* Strategic thinker with strong business orientation.
* Results-driven and commercially focused.
* Collaborative and influential leader.
* High level of integrity and accountability.
* Ability to operate effectively in a fast-paced international environment.
Travel
Regular travel across Europe and occasional international travel as required.