Procurement Organisation Design & Set-Up Lead (Day Rate Interim, 6–9 Months)
Location: Remote (with periodic travel within the UK)
Contract: Project-based / Interim Assignment
Reporting To: Chief Executive Officer
Overview
A global engineering and manufacturing group with a highly decentralised structure is embarking on a major business transformation programme. A new enterprise-wide system is being deployed and there is a strategic imperative to professionalise and elevate procurement across a diverse, international footprint.
The organisation operates across multiple specialist markets, with over 60 sites worldwide and a significant spend profile. Procurement activities are currently executed locally with varied levels of maturity. A central transformation initiative has begun, and spend data has recently been consolidated into a group-wide analytics platform.
To support the next phase, we are seeking an experienced Procurement Organisation Design & Set-Up Lead—a senior practitioner who has built and run high-performing procurement functions, not just advised on them. This person will design the future operating model and lead the implementation of a modern, effective procurement capability that fits a decentralised, complex business.
Key Responsibilities
* Conduct a full assessment of the current procurement landscape, including organisational structures, capabilities, spend categories, processes, and supporting systems.
* Design an optimal procurement operating model tailored to a diversified, multi-business environment.
* Assess and propose staffing requirements (internal and external), based on capability evaluations of current teams.
* Develop a detailed implementation roadmap for establishing the new function.
* Define and implement procurement policies, governance, and standards to ensure consistency, transparency, and ethical practice.
* Select and deploy suitable procurement tools, systems, and analytics solutions.
* Establish KPIs and reporting mechanisms to drive procurement performance and continuous improvement.
* Lead the roll-out of the new organisation design and ensure successful adoption.
* Deliver early, tangible results and outline a clear trajectory for future phases of improvement.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Significant leadership experience in procurement, supply chain, or a closely related field.
* Demonstrated success delivering complex organisational change programmes.
* Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, policy frameworks, and best practice.
* Exceptional stakeholder management and communication skills—comfortable influencing senior executives.
* Strategic and analytical thinker with strong problem-solving skills.
* Hands-on experience implementing procurement technology and systems.
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop diverse teams.
Desirable Background
* Degree or professional qualification in procurement, business, or a related field.
* Membership of a recognised professional body (e.g., CIPS).
* Experience building procurement functions within large, complex, or decentralised organisations.