Head of Procurement

Are you a strategic procurement leader ready to make a real impact?

Portfolio Procurement is recruiting on behalf of a leading Essex-based organisation seeking an exceptional Head of Procurement to lead their purchasing function and drive supply chain excellence.

About the Role

This is a pivotal leadership position where you'll take full ownership of direct and indirect procurement operations. You'll shape procurement strategy, build high-performing supplier partnerships, and deliver measurable value across the entire supply chain. If you thrive on strategic thinking, influencing stakeholders, and leading teams through transformation, this role offers an outstanding opportunity to make your mark.

What You'll Be Doing

Strategic Leadership

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with business growth plans, driving best-in-class practices that deliver security of supply, cost competitiveness, and operational resilience
• Lead key supply chain infrastructure projects and continuous improvement initiatives

Procurement Operations

• Oversee all direct and indirect procurement including facilities, services, and capital expenditure
• Analyse spend data and execute sourcing strategies to achieve savings targets and implement robust processes and performance metrics

Relationships & Collaboration

• Build strategic supplier partnerships focused on total cost of ownership, quality, innovation, and compliance
• Collaborate closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Engineering, and Finance to ensure seamless integration
• Lead, mentor, and inspire your procurement team, fostering a culture of high performance and professional growth

What You'll Bring

Essential Experience

• Proven track record in senior procurement roles within manufacturing or technology environments, with demonstrated success in both direct and indirect procurement
• Experience delivering significant cost savings, process efficiencies, and complex contract negotiations
• Knowledge of high mix low volume manufacturing with highly engineered, complex products and strong working knowledge of S&OP and integrated business planning

Key Skills & Attributes

• Strategic thinker with exceptional commercial acumen and outstanding communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities
• Collaborative, inclusive leader who can influence and persuade at all levels
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with the ability to perform under pressure and manage competing priorities
• Proficiency in ERP systems and MS Office Suite (including Power BI)

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Operations, Engineering, Business Administration, or related field

Why Apply?

Join a forward-thinking organisation where your expertise will directly influence business success. You'll have the autonomy to shape procurement strategy, the resources to implement meaningful change, and the opportunity to develop your career in a dynamic manufacturing environment.

Ready to lead procurement excellence?