Head of Procurement - FMCG
Berkshire / Hampshire | Hybrid (predominantly onsite) (relocation available)
Salary: £80-95,000 + corporate benefits
Overview
A well-established and growing FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a Head of Procurement to lead the transformation of its procurement function.
With annual spend in excess of £80m across raw materials and packaging, the organisation is evolving from a reactive purchasing environment to a structured, strategic procurement model.
This role offers a significant opportunity to define strategy, implement best practice, and drive measurable commercial value.
The Role
You will lead the procurement function, managing a small team and working cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and supply chain stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
* Defining and delivering a clear procurement strategy and operating framework
* Transitioning the function from reactive sourcing to proactive category management
* Driving cost optimisation, value engineering, and improved purchase price performance
* Strengthening supplier strategy, onboarding, and contract management
* Implementing robust processes, governance, and data discipline
* Leading risk management across commodities, supply continuity, and compliance
* Supporting growth plans through scalable sourcing strategies
* Developing and coaching the procurement team to build capability and consistency
Context & Challenges
The current environment is:
* Fast-paced and customer-led, with a high degree of operational reactivity
* Lacking standardised processes, systems, and data consistency
* Managing complex sourcing across ingredients and packaging categories
* Limited in proactive supplier development and market engagement
The successful candidate will bring structure, clarity, and forward planning, enabling the function to operate more strategically and efficiently.
Candidate Profile
Experience:
* Senior procurement leadership experience (Head of / equivalent)
* Background within Food Manufacturing, FMCG or similarly fast-moving, high-volume environments
* Motivated by value creation, not just cost control
* Familiarity with retail customer expectations and audit requirements
* Proven track record of delivering transformation, cost savings, and operational improvements
* Previous experience working in highly matrixed environments
* Experience of creating and delivering balanced scorecards
* Strong understanding of ethical sourcing, supplier standards, provenance and supply chain integrity in Food/FMCG environments
* Ability to balance cost, quality, risk and reputation in sourcing decisions
* CIPS Qualified
* Educated to Degree Level or equivalent
* Experience managing a total spend of circa £60million minimum
* Experience managing complex supplier bases and multiple categories
* Strong exposure to manufacturing or supply chain environments
* Proven exposure to raw materials and ingredient procurement
* Previous experience in packaging desirable
Capabilities:
* Strong commercial acumen with advanced analytical and negotiation skills
* Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments
* Experience implementing processes, governance, and category strategies
* Confident stakeholder engagement across senior and cross-functional teams
Style:
* Hands-on and delivery-focused, with the ability to balance strategy and execution
* Resilient and adaptable within a high-paced and ambiguous environment
* Collaborative but able to challenge and influence effectively
* Being a ‘builder’ not a ‘custodian’
* Confidence and experience to introduce change in a confident and pragmatic way
Opportunity
This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to:
* Build and shape a procurement function
* Deliver tangible commercial and operational improvements
* Play a key role in supporting business growth and supply chain performance
To apply please email your CV to charlotte.mcfadzen@hprtalent.com or call 0115 870 0115 for more details