Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement

Location: Exeter, UK (with UK & International Travel)

Global Services Ltd supplies a comprehensive range of tools, spare parts, equipment and consumables to the superyacht, commercial shipping and cruise line industries worldwide.

As we continue to grow our UK and EU (Rotterdam) hubs, we are now seeking a Head of Procurement to lead, shape and elevate our global procurement and supplier strategy.

This is a leadership role responsible for building strategic supplier partnerships, strengthening our position within the maritime supply chain, and driving commercial advantage across the business. The successful candidate will represent Global Services at industry procurement events, maritime trade shows and supplier visits internationally, helping us move further upstream with manufacturers and key distribution partners.

The Role

The Head of Procurement will lead the procurement function, set strategic direction while ensuring operational excellence across buying, supplier management and supply chain development.

You will be responsible for

Strategic Leadership

• Define and deliver the company’s long-term procurement and supplier strategy
• Develop direct manufacturer relationships to improve margin, access and competitive positioning
• Identify opportunities to consolidate spend and increase buying power
• Drive initiatives that move the business further up the supply chain
• Represent the company at maritime procurement exhibitions and industry events
• Conduct strategic supplier visits across the UK and internationally

Supplier & Commercial Management

• Lead contract negotiations, framework agreements and SLAs, including financial and legal considerations
• Establish strategic partnerships with key manufacturers and distributors
• Develop and implement supplier performance frameworks
• Analyse supplier spend, risk exposure and opportunity areas
• Ensure robust risk management across the supply chain
• Drive sustainability and responsible sourcing initiatives

Operational Oversight

• Oversee purchasing operations and ensure best pricing, terms and delivery performance
• Support the buying team with escalation management and supplier development
• Ensure procurement processes align with company objectives and growth strategy
• Monitor KPIs and deliver regular reporting to senior leadership

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with Sales and Operations to ensure optimal product availability and commercial positioning
• Educate internal teams on procurement strategy and supply chain best practice
• Communicate the value of strategic sourcing across the business

Experience & Qualifications

We are looking for a commercially minded procurement leader with experience in:

• Maritime, shipping, superyacht or related industries
• Senior-level supplier negotiation and contract management
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies
• Supply chain consolidation and strategic sourcing
• Managing supplier performance and risk frameworks
• CIPS (or recognised equivalent) qualifications

Experience attending industry procurement shows and building relationships at senior supplier level would be highly advantageous.

Personal Attributes

• Strong strategic mindset with commercial awareness
• Confident operating at senior level with suppliers and stakeholders
• Excellent negotiation and influencing skills
• Clear and effective communicator
• Strong financial understanding
• Analytical with the ability to interpret spend and KPI data
• Comfortable travelling internationally
• High accountability and decisive leadership style
• Relationship focused with a collaborative approach

Working Hours & Package

• Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
• Based at our Exeter office (Sowton Industrial Estate)
• Regular UK and international travel required
• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Performance-linked bonus
• 25 days’ holiday plus Bank Holidays and your birthday off
• Company pension
• FREE gym membership
• Social events and team activities
• On-site parking

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits

• Additional leave
• Free flu jabs
• Free parking
• Gym membership
• Referral programme

Work Location: In person