(Tax free) Head of Strategic Procurement – Energetic Materials and Chemicals

Firstaff Personnel Consultants Ltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job description

(Tax free) Head of Strategic Procurement – Energetic Materials and Chemicals

The Head of Strategic Procurement is a senior leadership role responsible for developing and executing the overarching category strategy for direct categories and engineering requirements. This role will oversee a team of professionals focused on strategic sourcing, establishing long-term contracts and framework agreements, and ensuring alignment with the company’s goals and programs plans. This role is ideal for a strategic and results-oriented procurement professional who thrives in a dynamic environment and is committed to driving excellence in category management and strategic sourcing.

Key Accountabilities:

Category Strategy Development:

Lead the development and implementation of comprehensive category strategies that drive value creation, cost savings, and risk mitigation.

Analyze market trends, supplier landscapes, and industry benchmarks to inform strategy and decision-making.

Team Leadership and Development:

Manage, mentor, and develop a high-performing team of procurement professionals focused on strategic sourcing and category management.

Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages continuous improvement and professional growth.

Strategic Sourcing and Execution:

Oversee the end-to-end strategic sourcing process, including supplier selection, RFQ/RFP, contract negotiation, and establishing strategic framework agreements for direct requirements and engineering categories.

Ensure that all procurement activities align with the programs plans and support the company’s long-term objectives and customers’ commitments.

Contract Negotiation:

Lead the negotiation and establishment of long-term contracts and strategic framework agreements, ensuring they support the strategic goals of the organization.

Collaborate closely with engineering, operational, and other relevant departments to set up contracts that facilitate seamless execution by the respective teams.

Stakeholder Engagement:

Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including engineering, finance, and operations teams, to ensure alignment on procurement strategies and objectives.

Act as the primary point of contact for senior management regarding category strategy and procurement performance.

Performance Monitoring and Reporting:

Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to assess the effectiveness of procurement strategies and team performance.

Provide regular updates to senior management on procurement activities, achievements, and areas for improvement.

Key Qualifications and Skills:

• Master’s Degree (Preferred): A master’s degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related field; advanced degree or professional certification (e.g., CIPS, CPSM) is preferred.
• 12+ years of experience in a senior procurement role with a focus on strategic sourcing and category management.
• Strong leadership skills with a track record of managing and developing high-performing teams.
• In-depth knowledge of procurement processes, contract negotiation, and supplier relationship management.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to drive change and deliver measurable results.