Head of Procurement

Foodbuy; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading procurement organization is looking for a Head of Procurement to manage NHS Supply Chain: Food. This pivotal role involves defining procurement strategy, overseeing supplier management, ensuring compliance, and leading a diverse team. Candidates should have extensive experience in public sector procurement and a strong track record in stakeholder management. Join us to make a real impact across NHS Trusts nationwide while developing your career within a prestigious organization.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Excellent benefits

Opportunity to impact NHS

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in supplier, distributor, and client stakeholder management.
• Proven expertise in public sector procurement and compliance.
• Strong track record of leading high-performing commercial teams.
• Excellent commercial acumen and decision-making ability.

Responsibilities

• Define and lead the procurement strategy for NHS Supply Chain: Food.
• Oversee supplier management across multiple food categories.
• Ensure compliance with public contract regulations and NHS policies.
• Work with various departments to deliver overall value.
• Build relationships with NHS stakeholders.
• Lead and develop a diverse team.

Skills

Supplier management

Public sector procurement

Commercial acumen

Analytical skills

Stakeholder influence

Job description

Overview

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.