Overview
Head of Procurement role at Arriva Group
Arriva Rail London (ARL) is an industry-leading train operating company, responsible for running the London Overground network under a Concession Agreement with Transport for London (TfL) and is part of the Arriva group.
Location: Southwark, London (Hybrid)
Employment type: Permanent
Closing date: 10th September 2025
Here at Arriva, we are on our way to becoming the leading passenger transport partner across Europe, delivering more than 2.2 billion passenger journeys across 14 different European countries every year. We have a vision to help shape a future where passenger transport is the best choice, through digitisation, sustainability, and continuous improvement, we want you to join us at the forefront of the passenger transport industry!
Arriva Rail London is seeking a strategic leader to take ownership of its Procurement function, reporting directly to the Finance Director. In this pivotal role you will shape and deliver procurement strategy, drive commercial value, embed sustainable practices and ensure robust contract management across the organisation.
You will lead and inspire the procurement team, develop long term supplier partnerships, and play a key role in major contract mobilisations and demobilisations. As part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will contribute to the overall success of Arriva Rail London while building strong connections with the wider Arriva Group.
This is an outstanding opportunity for an accomplished Head of Procurement to take on a high-profile role with real strategic influence. It will also appeal to senior procurement professionals with proven leadership experience who are ready to step into a broader remit. The role is ideal for someone who combines commercial acumen with strong stakeholder management skills and who is motivated to shape long term procurement strategy in a complex and dynamic environment.
What You’ll Be Doing
* Lead the development of our Procurement Strategy to maximise value and buying power
* Act as the key connection between ARL and the wider Arriva Group to ensure collaboration and alignment
* Inspire, support and guide the procurement team, fostering a high-performance culture
* Own supplier relationships and contracts from mobilisation through renewal and performance review
* Drive sustainability and social value in procurement practices
* Ensure compliance with UK and EU legislation and Concession Agreement commitments
* Provide commercial insight and proactive risk management to support decision making
* Build strategic partnerships with suppliers to strengthen ARL’s long-term success
* Uphold high standards of health, safety and compliance across procurement activities
* Provide senior leaders with clear, meaningful reporting to shape decisions
* Participate in the Senior Leadership Team to help shape ARL’s wider strategy
Qualifications
* Degree qualified or significant relevant experience in procurement; MCIPS or equivalent accreditation is highly advantageous
* Strong experience leading a procurement function, managing service contracts and supplier relationships, with understanding of UK and EU procurement legislation
* Demonstrated leadership and team development capabilities; senior leadership experience with strong negotiation skills in complex scenarios
* Experience in a regulated industry (ideally railway) with robust stakeholder management
* Experience in contract mobilisation/demobilisation and handling major contractual changes
* Knowledge of sustainability and ethical procurement practices; familiarity with purchasing and finance systems
* Excellent communication across all levels; professional integrity, analytical mindset and data-driven decision making
What You’ll Get
* Free travel for you and a nominated person on the TfL network
* Discounts on European rail services after 1 year of service
* Free travel on Arriva branded rail services
* 75% discount on season tickets on other Train Operating Companies
* Arriva Village web-based discounts on various products/services
* Employee Assistance Programme – 24/7 helpline
* Entry into the discretionary Arriva Group bonus scheme
* Private healthcare
At Arriva we acknowledge the importance of our people's diverse experiences, talents, and cultures. Embracing diversity and creating inclusion is a key component of our talent strategy. The creation of a diverse, inclusive workforce is central to our ability to unlock potential and enhance our success.
If you require any reasonable adjustments to be made to the application or interview process, please don’t hesitate to let us know.
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