Global Head of Procurement

GEDU Global Education; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

A global education organization based in Maidstone is seeking a Global Head of Procurement to lead and optimize procurement processes. This role involves managing vendor relationships, overseeing contract lifecycles, and ensuring compliance with policies. Candidates should have extensive experience in procurement and supply chain management, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record of cost optimization. This position offers an opportunity to contribute to global projects and drive operational efficiency.

Qualifications

• In-depth experience in procurement and commercial management.
• Strong knowledge of inventory management systems.
• Experience driving change management and strategic initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement operations ensuring compliance.
• Manage full contract lifecycle including drafting and negotiation.
• Collaborate with suppliers to optimize supply chain effectiveness.

Skills

Procurement management

Vendor management

Cost optimization

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Analytical skills

Education

Bachelor's/Master's degree in Business Administration or related fields

Tools

ERP platforms

Contract lifecycle management

Job description

Overview

The Global Head of Procurement will lead, enhance, and optimize procurement, commercial, and operational processes across the organization. This role requires a seasoned leader with a proven track record in IT and real estate procurement, supply chain management, commercial contracts, and global operations. The role demands strategic oversight of vendor management, ERP-driven procurement transformation, cost optimization, and risk management, while also ensuring compliance with company policies and regulations. The candidate will play a critical role in supporting global projects, driving commercial efficiency, and contributing to the organization's long-term growth.

Responsibilities

• Procurement Management & Transformation
  • Lead end-to-end procurement operations with strong compliance to policies, regulations, and governance.
  • Drive real estate-focused procurement, including campus setup and construction-related categories.
  • Implement procurement transformation initiatives, including ERP development and digitization.
  • Develop and enforce procurement best practices, policies, and reporting standards.
  • Oversee vendor onboarding, evaluation, and long-term supplier relationship management.
• Commercial & Contract Management
  • Manage full contract lifecycle: drafting, negotiation, awarding, monitoring, and compliance.
  • Oversee insurance and health cover contracts, as well as employee services procurement.
  • Ensure adherence to ethical, sustainable, and regulatory procurement practices.
  • Maintain a comprehensive contract register and lead continuous improvements in commercial governance.
• Supply Chain Management
  • Collaborate with suppliers and logistics partners to strengthen supply chain effectiveness and resilience.
• Cost Optimization & Risk Management
  • Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities across procurement and operational functions.
  • Conduct analytics-driven reviews of procurement performance and spend efficiency.
  • Drive cost control initiatives across capex projects and serve as an active Capex Committee Member.
  • Optimize facility and administration management to reduce downtime and operational overheads.
• Project & Global Business Support
  • Provide procurement and commercial support for global projects, including K-12 school set-up and expansion initiatives.
  • Partner with business development and project teams on large-scale, cross-border transactions.
  • Align procurement strategies with global business priorities.
• Operations & Administration
  • Collaborate with the CEO, CXOs, and senior leadership to shape and deliver operational strategy.
  • Develop and implement systems, processes, and tools to improve organizational efficiency.
  • Manage budgets, capital investment, and expenses to achieve growth and profitability goals.
  • Build trusted relationships with stakeholders, customers, and partners.

• Qualifications
  • Bachelor's/Master's degree in Business Administration, Supply Chain Management, Engineering, Construction Management, or related fields (Master's preferred).
  • In-depth experience in procurement, commercial management, supply chain, and operations, with exposure to:
    • Real estate-focused procurement & campus setup projects.
    • Insurance & employee health cover contracts.
    • Procurement of employee services and administration contracts.
  • Demonstrated experience as part of a Capex Committee.
  • Proven track record of vendor management, cost optimization, ERP implementation, and compliance.
  • Expertise in procurement systems, ERP platforms, contract lifecycle management, and supply chain tools.
  • Familiarity with construction and real estate procurement practices.
  • Strong knowledge of inventory management systems.
  • Analytical: Proficient in spend analytics, cost-benefit analysis, market benchmarking, and performance evaluation.
  • Leadership: Strong leadership with ability to inspire, mentor, and manage large cross-functional teams.
  • Experience driving change management, transformation projects, and strategic initiatives.
  • Communication & Stakeholder Engagement: Excellent verbal and written communication. Skilled in negotiation, conflict resolution, and stakeholder management.
  • Decision-Making & Problem Solving: Ability to make informed decisions under pressure; strong risk identification and mitigation planning capability.
  • Organizational & Adaptability: Exceptional time management with ability to handle multiple priorities; agility to adapt in a fast-paced, evolving environment.