Head of Procurement

Debenhams Group; Manchester; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A renowned fashion retail group is seeking a Head of Procurement to lead a critical function through a transformative period. This role combines strategic oversight with operational detail, focusing on supplier management, governance, and cost optimization. The successful candidate will drive commercial outcomes and partner with executives to enhance procurement value. This position offers a dynamic environment to shape the future of retail and benefits such as competitive bonuses and health coverage.

Benefits

Highly competitive bonus scheme

Company pension

Share schemes

Private medical cover

40% discount across four brands

Wellbeing package

Ongoing learning and development

On-site canteen

Free season ticket loan

Qualifications

• Proven experience in leading procurement strategies.
• Strong negotiation skills and a track record of supplier performance management.
• Experience collaborating with Finance and Legal teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead development and execution of procurement strategies.
• Deliver results through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
• Ensure procurement governance and compliance.

Skills

Strategic sourcing

Supplier negotiation

Financial control

Leadership

Job description

At Debenhams Group, we are a diverse portfolio of five core brands (boohoo, boohooMAN, PrettyLittleThing, Karen Millen, and Debenhams) alongside a dynamic marketplace model and a growing financial services division, it keeps us pretty busy!

We don’t stand still, we lead, evolve, and redefine online fashion. With bold ambitions and big energy, we’re on a mission to be the best, delivering the strongest propositions to our customers in the most engaging, innovative, and efficient ways possible.

We thrive on change, innovation, and pace. Every challenge is an opportunity, and every day is a chance to push boundaries. If you’re someone who embraces the unknown, thrives in a fast-moving, high-growth environment, and is ready to shape the future of retail, you’ll love it here. We want visionaries, disruptors, and doers, people who bring fresh thinking, relentless energy, and the drive to make an impact.

Be brave. Be creative. Be a community.

THE ROLE

As the organisation enters the next phase of its cost transformation programme, we are seeking an accomplished Head of Procurement to lead the function through a period of focused change and delivery.

This role requires a leader who combines strategic capability with operational execution — someone who is equally comfortable shaping direction at board level as they are managing the detail of sourcing, contracts, and supplier performance.

Working closely with Finance, Legal & executive leadership, the Head of Procurement will ensure the function plays a central role in improving commercial performance, optimising spend, and embedding disciplined, value-driven procurement across the business.

WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING

• Lead the development and execution of a group-wide procurement strategy that supports business transformation and long‑term cost optimisation.
• Deliver tangible commercial outcomes through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and performance management.
• Provide clear, pragmatic leadership of the procurement function, ensuring governance, systems, and processes are aligned with transformation goals.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and improved supplier value.
• Establish strong, performance‑focused supplier relationships, supported by robust contractual frameworks.
• Oversee all major procurement activity, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective financial control.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to strengthen end‑to‑end procurement governance and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement through structured performance measurement, benchmarking, and capability development within the function.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

• Lead the development and execution of a group-wide procurement strategy that supports business transformation and long‑term cost optimisation.
• Deliver tangible commercial outcomes through strategic sourcing, supplier negotiation, and performance management.
• Provide clear, pragmatic leadership of the procurement function, ensuring governance, systems, and processes are aligned with transformation goals.
• Partner with business leaders to identify opportunities for cost reduction, risk mitigation, and improved supplier value.
• Establish strong, performance‑focused supplier relationships, supported by robust contractual frameworks.
• Oversee all major procurement activity, ensuring transparency, compliance, and effective financial control.
• Collaborate with Finance and Legal to strengthen end‑to‑end procurement governance and alignment with corporate objectives.
• Drive continuous improvement through structured performance measurement, benchmarking, and capability development within the function.

WHY JOIN US

2025 is a year for making bold moves, delivering real results, and driving forward with unstoppable momentum. If that excites you, then you belong at Debenhams Group.

Let’s lead the change together. 🚀

Benefits Include: (subject to level and eligibility)

• Highly competitive bonus scheme, company pension, share schemes, private medical cover, and life assurance
• Access to an on‑site gym (Techno Equipment) and free weekly yoga and fitness classes
• 40% discount across four brands and 20% off at Debenhams
• A comprehensive wellbeing package to support your health and lifestyle
• Some of our offices are dog‑friendly, so your furry friend can join you at work
• Ongoing learning and development opportunities with great internal career progression
• On‑site canteen serving breakfast, lunch, snacks, and hot drinks daily
• Free season ticket loan