Head of Procurement Optimisation

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); Preston; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading social enterprise in Preston seeks a Head of Procurement Optimisation who will refine the Procurement Strategy and lead supplier management. The ideal candidate should have significant procurement experience, strong leadership skills, and be CIPS qualified. The role offers a hybrid work model with competitive salary and benefits, including a yearly salary review and an annual bonus.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car Allowance

Pension with matched contributions

36 days annual leave

Private Medical

Annual Bonus

Training and development

Discounts from shops and cinemas

Qualifications

• Experience in a senior procurement role.
• Ability to implement procurement controls across a large organization.
• Proven track record in reducing supplier costs.

Responsibilities

• Shape and refine the Procurement Strategy.
• Lead supplier onboarding and manage procurement processes.
• Build strong internal and external relationships.

Skills

Leadership skills

Knowledge of procurement controls

Negotiation skills

Supplier management

Data analysis

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent experience

Tools

Spend analytics tools

Contract management platforms

Job description

Overview

Places for People, we hire People, not numbers. So, if you like the sound of one of our jobs, please apply - you could be just who we're looking for. Of course, experience and track record are important, but we're more interested in hiring someone that embodies our People Promises. That's someone that does the right thing, is enthusiastic and motivated to grow, believes in Community spirit, is respectful and enjoys their work. As the UK's leading Social Enterprise, we're dedicated to creating inclusive and thriving Communities for both our Customers and colleagues.

So, what are you waiting for? Join a community that cares about you!

More about your role

Due to an internal promotion, we are now looking for a Head of Procurement Optimisation to join us at PfP. We are looking for someone with new ideas who can challenge how we do things and continuously seeking smarter, more effective ways of working to drive greater value, efficiency, and impact across procurement.

You will be a key part of shaping and refining the Procurement Strategy to align with Group objectives while driving operational efficiency. You\'ll lead supplier onboarding, streamline the supply base, and embed supplier management frameworks that maximise value. Strengthening controls, you\'ll ensure compliance, value for money, and effective procurement processes. You will support operational needs with practical sourcing tools, harness data and technology for better insights, and build strong internal and external relationships. As a key ambassador, you\'ll uphold regulatory standards and position the organisation as a sector leader.

This role offers a hybrid working arrangement, with the expectation that you will be present in the South Rings, Preston office 1 to 2 days per week to collaborate with the team and support key business activities. The remaining time can be worked remotely. To be considered for this role you will need to be within a commutable distance of our Preston office.

Essential Criteria

• Proven leadership skills with significant experience in a senior procurement role
• In-depth knowledge of procurement controls, compliance, and end-to-end processes, with the ability to implement consistent and efficient practices across a large, complex organisation
• Previous experience in a similar sized organisation to PfP.
• Skilled in using procurement data and technology to drive insights, support decision-making, and deliver measurable value
• Experience with spend analytics tools and/or supplier or contract management platforms
• Proven ability to reduce supplier costs through a range of strategies, including, but not limited to sourcing, negotiation, consolidation, and ongoing value optimisation.

More About you

As our Head of Procurement Optimisation you bring significant senior procurement experience, with strong leadership, commercial acumen, and the ability to drive value through effective negotiation and supplier relationships. You understand procurement controls, compliance, and end-to-end processes, and can embed consistent, efficient ways of working across a large organisation. You're confident influencing senior stakeholders and building strong relationships. Ideally, you've led teams, used supplier data and technology to drive decision making, and worked with procurement technology platforms. CIPS qualified (or with equivalent experience), you're ready to lead with impact.

Benefits

We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.

We know that there's always more we can do to make you smile, that's why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:

• Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
• Car Allowance
• Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
• Excellent holiday package - 36 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
• Private Medical - single cover
• Annual Bonus
• Training and development
• Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.