Lead Procurement Business Partner

Veolia Environmental Services (Uk) Plc; Cannock Chase; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading environmental services company is seeking a Lead Procurement Business Partner to drive procurement excellence across its Industrial, Water and Energy business. This role involves leading a high-performing team, advising on procurement strategies, and ensuring project delivery aligns with sustainability goals. Candidates should have a strong background in strategic procurement, particularly in engineering and construction, and hold a Bachelor's degree or MCIPS qualification. This permanent full-time position offers a competitive salary between £65,000 and £70,000 per annum, with hybrid working options.

Benefits

Generous bonus scheme

Enhanced company pension scheme

25 days holiday

Discounts on retail

Access to virtual GP

Paid day leave for volunteering

Ongoing training and development

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior strategic procurement roles delivering cost savings.
• Advanced expertise in engineering and construction procurement.
• Experience in managing multi-million-pound projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high-performing procurement team.
• Provide strategic procurement advice for key initiatives.
• Build partnerships with engineering consultancies and contractors.
• Champion sustainability initiatives aligned with ESG goals.
• Negotiate and participate in strategic decision-making.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Cost optimisation

Innovation

Sustainability

Education

Bachelor’s degree or MCIPS qualification

Job description

About the role

Are you a strategic procurement leader ready to make a real impact? Veolia is seeking an exceptional Lead Procurement Business Partner to drive procurement excellence across our Industrial, Water and Energy (IWE) business. The role reports directly to the CPO for the BU and would form part of the business line senior leadership team. As the key interface between Procurement and our IWE business, you will serve as the main strategic advisor for the business line. You'll be at the forefront of transforming how we deliver engineering and construction projects worth approximately £300 million in addressable spend, bridging the gap between procurement strategy and business execution. Your strategic input will be crucial in driving cost optimisation, innovation, and sustainability, while also ensuring safe, compliant, and timely project delivery, and supporting business growth and overall value addition.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a high‑performing team of two Procurement Business Partners, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement, shaping procurement strategies that directly support large‑scale infrastructure and asset management projects.
• Provide strategic procurement advice and support for key business initiatives including water and energy projects, TWM, FM, District Heating, and specialised demolition projects, ensuring compliance and adding measurable value.
• Build strategic partnerships with engineering consultancies, contractors, and specialist technical providers.
• Champion sustainability initiatives aligned with ESG goals, focusing on circular economy principles and carbon‑footprint reduction.
• Represent procurement in high‑stakes negotiations and strategic decision‑making forums, driving innovation through early supplier engagement during project design phases.
• Act as a member of the Procurement Leadership team, fostering a culture of collaboration and excellence.
• Advise on procurement strategy, contract structure, and risk management to support business growth and value creation.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in procurement in a senior strategic role with a track record of delivering measurable value through cost savings and innovation across multiple business units.
• Advanced expertise in engineering and construction procurement, including knowledge of different contracting methodologies.
• Experience managing procurement for multi‑million‑pound projects and asset lifecycle optimisation.
• Bachelor’s degree or MCIPS qualification.

Desirable

• CIPS Chartered Status.
• Master’s degree in Business Administration or Supply Chain Management.
• Experience of asset maintenance and commercial site services.

Benefits

• Salary: £65,000 – £70,000 per year.
• Permanent full‑time position with national travel and hybrid working offered.
• Veolia benefits including a generous bonus scheme and car/cash allowance.
• Enhanced company pension scheme.
• 25 days holiday with the opportunity to purchase additional holiday.
• Discounts on a range of well‑known retailers and groceries.
• Access to resources to support your physical, mental and financial health.
• 24‑hour access to a virtual GP, 365 days a year, for you and family members in your household.
• One paid day leave every year to volunteer and support your community.
• Ongoing training and development opportunities.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are a proud Disability Confident Employer. We will offer an interview to applicants with a disability or long‑term condition who opt‑in to the Disability Confident scheme and meet the minimum criteria for our roles. We are also committed to ensuring that all applicants and colleagues receive fair treatment without discrimination on any grounds, aiming to create a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.