Head of Procurement
Berkshire | Hybrid (predominantly onsite) | FMCG / Manufacturing
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