Head of Procurement

Foodbuy; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization in the UK is seeking a Head of Procurement to direct strategic procurement and supplier management for NHS Supply Chain: Food. This role involves managing over £200m in spend, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, and leading a talented team. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in public sector procurement and is capable of influencing senior stakeholders. This is a chance to contribute significantly to the NHS and join a FTSE 100 company.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in supplier, distributor, and client stakeholder management.
• Proven expertise in public sector procurement and compliance.
• Track record of leading high-performing commercial teams and delivering measurable results.
• Confidence to influence senior stakeholders.
• Collaborative, innovative, with a long-term vision.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the procurement strategy to achieve savings and growth.
• Oversee supplier management across multiple food categories.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and policies.
• Work closely with Finance, Operations, and Business Development.
• Build relationships with NHS stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a diverse team of 24 colleagues.
• Represent NHS Supply Chain: Food at industry events.

Skills

Supplier management

Public sector procurement

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Decision-making ability

Stakeholder management

Job description

Head of Procurement - NHS Supply Chain: Food

Location: Chertsey or Mobile

Reports to: Business Director - NHS Supply Chain

Salary: Competitive + Excellent Benefits

Are you a senior procurement leader ready to make a real impact on the NHS? We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Procurement to join our NHS Supply Chain: Food team. This high-profile role will shape and deliver procurement and supplier management strategies across multiple food and beverage categories, managing over £200m in spend to drive savings, compliance, and value for NHS Trusts nationwide.

About the Role

As Head of Procurement, you’ll play a pivotal role in delivering the NHS Supply Chain: Food business plan. You will:

• Define and lead the procurement strategy to achieve year‑on‑year savings, retention, and category growth.
• Oversee supplier management and frameworks across fresh food, multi‑temperature solutions, beverages, confectionery, food‑to‑go, vending, and more.
• Ensure full compliance with Public Contract Regulations, Government Procurement Policy Notes, and NHS England policies, including the Net Zero Roadmap.
• Work closely with Finance, Operations, and Business Development to deliver commercial, operational, and Trust‑facing value.
• Build strong relationships with NHS stakeholders to showcase Foodbuy as a trusted category management service provider.
• Lead, inspire, and develop a diverse team of 24 colleagues, fostering a high‑performing culture that attracts and retains top talent.
• Represent NHS Supply Chain: Food at industry events, strengthening our presence and credibility.

About You

We’re looking for a dynamic and resilient leader with:

• Extensive experience in supplier, distributor, and client stakeholder management.
• Proven expertise in public sector procurement and compliance.
• A strong track record of leading high‑performing commercial teams and delivering measurable results.
• Excellent commercial acumen, analytical skills, and decision‑making ability.
• The confidence to influence senior stakeholders and inspire teams across multiple locations.
• A collaborative, innovative approach with the ability to define a long‑term vision while delivering short‑ and medium‑term results.

Why Join Us?

At Foodbuy, we’re proud to support the NHS in delivering safe, sustainable, and value‑driven food solutions. In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to make a tangible difference for Trusts across the country while developing and leading a high‑profile team within a FTSE 100 organisation.