Overview
A market leading national Building Material Supplier with depots throughout the UK are recruiting a Head of Procurement to be based in Woolpit, Suffolk.
The Head of Procurement will oversee all procurement and supplier management activities across the business. This is a group-level leadership role responsible for ensuring efficient, cost-effective sourcing and supply of core products including reinforcement steel, geosynthetics, concrete accessories, and construction consumables across the UK.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement a centralised procurement strategy.
- Lead supplier selection, onboarding, and commercial negotiations across core categories
- Drive cross-company procurement initiatives
- Optimise pricing, reduce duplication, and leverage group buying power.
- Lead negotiations with UK and international suppliers to secure best-in-class commercial terms, rebates, and contract performance.
- Ensure continuity of supply, especially for high-demand items and project-critical products.
- Establish strategic partnerships with key manufacturers, mills, and global suppliers.
- Work closely with yard managers, stock controllers, and logistics to ensure stock availability
- Support the planning of stock profiles across the group.
- Reduce overstocking and excess holding costs through demand planning and supplier-led JIT
- Lead, mentor, and grow a small team of buyers and procurement coordinators
- Drive adoption of group-wide procurement processes, contracts, and supplier audit protocols.
- Support implementation of procurement software/ERP systems
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with group policies
- Monitor global material price trends and mitigate risk
- Oversee supplier vetting, compliance certifications and insurance coverage.
- Report monthly procurement KPIs - cost savings, supplier OTIF, rebates, price fluctuations.
Skills and Experience
- Significant procurement leadership experience in the building materials, civil engineering, or construction supply sector.
- An understanding of rebar supply chains, geosynthetics, or construction accessories would be an advantage
- Proven negotiation and contract management skills with both UK and overseas suppliers.
- Familiarity with UK logistics, customs/import requirements, and depot stock management.
- Strong commercial acumen, cost control, rebate tracking, and margin impact.
Package
- Competitive salary (based on experience)
- Car allowance
- Private healthcare
- 25 days holiday + statutory bank holidays
- 5% employer pension contribution
- Full range of Benefits.
This role would suit an experienced Procurement or Purchasing professional with Supply Chain Management experience within the construction or Technical Manufacturing industries