Job Summary
We are looking for an experienced Head of Procurement to lead and manage the organisation's end‑to‑end procurement activity, ensuring best value, effective supplier management, strong governance, and compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. The role will drive sustainable procurement practices, manage risk, and support the organisation's operational and strategic objectives.
Your responsibilities will include:
Strategic leadership & governance
* Develop and implement a robust, organisation-wide procurement strategy, policies, and frameworks
* Centralise procurement activity, including contracts, quotations, renewals, and supplier negotiations
* Ensure procurement practices align with business objectives, legal requirements, and ethical standards
* Lead, coach, and motivate the procurement function
* Identify and mitigate procurement and supply‑chain risks
* Drive process optimisation, including e‑procurement tools and automation
Category management & sourcing
* Lead indirect procurement across operational goods and services
* Conduct market research and strategic sourcing to achieve best value
* Run tenders, evaluate bids, and make supplier recommendations
* Forecast demand and assess market trends and pricing impacts
Supplier relationship management
* Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships
* Lead contract negotiations to secure favourable commercial terms
* Monitor supplier performance using KPIs
* Manage disputes, complaints, and corrective actions
* Ensure suppliers meet compliance and sustainability expectations
Operational & financial oversight
* Oversee the full procure‑to‑pay (P2P) lifecycle
* Ensure purchasing activity aligns with budgets and approval controls
* Deliver spend analysis, KPI reporting, and value‑for‑money reviews
* Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and the Board
Collaboration & continuous improvement
* Work closely with internal teams to understand demand and business needs
* Provide procurement guidance and best‑practice training across the organisation
* Stay informed on market trends, regulation, and emerging procurement technologies
* Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, performance, and resilience
Qualifications and Experience:
* Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related field (CIPS preferred or equivalent experience)
* Significant senior‑level procurement experience in a leadership role
* Strong experience across indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management
* Proven contract negotiation and commercial governance expertise
* End‑to‑end P2P process knowledge, including ERP/procurement systems (e.g. SAP)
* Experience managing procurement risk, compliance, and supplier performance
* Strong analytical, financial, and reporting capability
Essential Skills & Competencies
* Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
* Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to influence at senior and Board level
* Strong leadership, organisational, and decision‑making skills
Job Types:
Full time/ Permanent
Schedule:
* 35 hour shift
* Monday-Friday
Work Location:
Office based in Slough
Your Benefits
* 34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)
* Generous Pension
* Private Medical
* Medical cash back scheme
* Company sick pay
* Life Assurance
* Critical illness and income protection (service requirements apply)
* Perkbox benefits platform
HR Contact: Luke Burr
jobs-uk@karlstorz.com
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