Project Procurement Manager

ZipRecruiter; City Of London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment platform is seeking a Project Procurement Lead based in London. The role requires extensive experience in CAPEX project management within the pharmaceutical industry, and involves developing procurement strategies and managing contracts. Candidates should have a strong technical background and be fluent in English, with German as an advantage. This position offers an opportunity for contract work with potential for permanent conversion.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in CAPEX project/procurement management (pharma/biotech).
• Experience in plant construction and procurement.
• Fluent English required; German an advantage.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Procurement Strategy for assigned projects.
• Manage procurement, expediting, contract management, and contract closeout.
• Maintain the Procurement Master Plan during execution.

Skills

Procurement management

Team collaboration

Analytical skills

Problem-solving

Education

Technical background in process, chemical, mechanical, civil, or plant engineering

Job description

Overview

Job Title: Project Procurement Lead

Location: London

Duration: Contract (potential permanent conversion opportunity)

Experience Level: 10–15 years

Industry Background: FMCG, Pharmaceutical, or Chemicals

Role Overview

The Project Procurement Lead will manage procurement activities for assigned investment projects and coordinate planning and execution at the Reading site (and if required, at other sites). The role holds strategic responsibility for procurement of goods and services in the construction of manufacturing, laboratory, and office facilities, with project values ranging between £5 million and £500 million.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute the Procurement Strategy for assigned projects.
• Full commercial ownership across procurement, expediting, contract management, and contract closeout for:
• Goods: Process equipment, electrical equipment, AHUs, black utilities pumps & valves, lab equipment, furniture, consumables, pumps, automation systems, and spare parts.
• Services: Construction, piping, HVAC, electrical & cleanroom fit-out, consulting, engineering, and planning.
• Actively manage the Procurement Master Plan (PMP) during execution to ensure reporting, risk identification, and mitigation.
• Collaborate closely with:
• Procurement teams (category owners, buyers, order/contract managers).
• Procurement management & category management.
• Project directors/managers, engineers, and subject matter experts.
• Support functions (Quality, EHS, Legal, Finance, HR).
• Third-party collaborators including EPCM, EPC, and main equipment/service suppliers.

Key Requirements

• Minimum 10 years’ experience in CAPEX project/procurement management (pharma/biotech).
• Experience in plant construction and procurement, sales, and contract management.
• Fluent English required; German an advantage.
• Strong team player with ability to work in matrix organisations and interdisciplinary teams.
• Excellent business mindset, with strategic, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Initiative, adaptability, and resilience in a dynamic project environment.
• Technical background (ETH, FH, or similar) in process, chemical, mechanical, civil, or plant engineering advantageous.

Essential Experience: Procurement on large CAPEX projects (pharmaceutical sector )