Head of Procurement

KARL STORZ SE & Co. KG; Slough; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading medical equipment supplier in the UK is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement to lead end-to-end procurement activities, ensuring best value and supplier management. The successful candidate will drive sustainable procurement practices and support operational objectives. Required qualifications include a degree in Supply Chain or Business and significant experience in a senior procurement role. This position offers a full-time, permanent contract with competitive benefits including private medical and generous leave policy.

Benefits

34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)

Private Medical

Company sick pay

Life Assurance

Critical illness and income protection

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level procurement experience in a leadership role.
• Proven contract negotiation and commercial governance expertise.
• Strong analytical, financial, and reporting capability.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement activity.
• Develop and implement procurement strategy and policies.
• Ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards.

Skills

Procurement strategy development

Supplier management

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Communication skills

Leadership

Education

Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, or Business

Tools

ERP systems (e.g. SAP)

Job description

At KARL STORZ, we take pride in helping patients
through some of the toughest journeys of their lives.
We are making contributions that matter.
Regardless of your role, YOU improve patients’ lives every day.

Get to know us and join our teamas

Head of Procurement

Job Function: Supply Chain & Procurement

Location:

Slough, GB, SL1 4TQ

Work Flexibility: Onsite (Office/ Production)

KARL STORZ is one of the world’s leading suppliers of medical equipment for minimally invasive surgery. Since its beginnings in 1945, KARL STORZ has established itself worldwide as an international and highly regarded company in the production and sale of medical instruments and devices.

The family-owned company KARL STORZ applies tradition and experience to think about tomorrow, today. The company caters for future trends with sophisticated products, services and processes that systematically support our global activities. Our commitment to performance and professionalism means we can guarantee both user and patient the ideal solution. In doing so, we secure and create top-quality jobs in all our corporate locations.

Job Summary

We are looking for an experienced Head of Procurement to lead and manage the organisation’s end-to-end procurement activity, ensuring best value, effective supplier management, strong governance, and compliance with ethical, legal, and regulatory standards. The role will drive sustainable procurement practices, manage risk, and support the organisation’s operational and strategic objectives.

Your responsibilities will include:

Strategic leadership & governance

• Develop and implement a robust, organisation-wide procurement strategy, policies, and frameworks
• Centralise procurement activity, including contracts, quotations, renewals, and supplier negotiations
• Ensure procurement practices align with business objectives, legal requirements, and ethical standards
• Lead, coach, and motivate the procurement function
• Identify and mitigate procurement and supply-chain risks
• Drive process optimisation, including e-procurement tools and automation

Category management & sourcing

• Lead indirect procurement across operational goods and services
• Conduct market research and strategic sourcing to achieve best value
• Run tenders, evaluate bids, and make supplier recommendations
• Forecast demand and assess market trends and pricing impacts
• Build and maintain strong supplier partnerships
• Lead contract negotiations to secure favourable commercial terms
• Manage disputes, complaints, and corrective actions
• Ensure suppliers meet compliance and sustainability expectations
• Oversee the full procure-to-pay (P2P) lifecycle
• Ensure purchasing activity aligns with budgets and approval controls
• Deliver spend analysis, KPI reporting, and value-for-money reviews
• Produce reports and insights for senior leadership and the Board
• Work closely with internal teams to understand demand and business needs
• Provide procurement guidance and best-practice training across the organisation
• Stay informed on market trends, regulation, and emerging procurement technologies
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to improve cost, performance, and resilience

Qualifications and Experience:

• Degree in Supply Chain, Procurement, Business, or related field (CIPS preferred or equivalent experience)
• Significant senior-level procurement experience in a leadership role
• Strong experience across indirect procurement, strategic sourcing, and supplier management
• Proven contract negotiation and commercial governance expertise
• End-to-end P2P process knowledge, including ERP/procurement systems (e.g. SAP)
• Experience managing procurement risk, compliance, and supplier performance
• Strong analytical, financial, and reporting capability
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
• Ability to influence at senior and Board level
• Strong leadership, organisational, and decision-making skills

Job Types: Full time/ Permanent

Schedule:

• 35 hour shift
• Monday-Friday

Work Location: Office based in Slough

• 34 days holiday (inclusive of public holidays)
• Private Medical
• Medical cash back scheme
• Company sick pay
• Life Assurance
• Critical illness and income protection (service requirements apply)