Role Purpose

• The Head of procurement & technical purchasing is accountable for the end-to-end leadership, performance and transformation of the procurement function, operating as a critical driver of

commercial success and operational capability within the business.

• The role owns procurement strategy and execution, with direct accountability for cost base optimisation, margin improvement, EBITDA contribution, working capital performance and supply chain resilience. It establishes procurement as a core business function, shaping product, manufacturing and supply chain decisions to deliver sustained competitive advantage.

• Combining functional leadership with deep technical expertise, the role ensures procurement is fully integrated with Engineering and Operations, enabling robust, commercially sound decisions

across complex engineered products, materials and manufacturing processes.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement Leadership & Functional Ownership

• Hold full accountability for procurement performance across the business, including cost, quality, delivery, risk, working capital and value creation

• Define, own and deliver the procurement and supply chain strategy, aligned to business growth, operational priorities and financial objectives

• Establish procurement as a high-performing, strategically critical function with clear governance, accountability and measurable outcomes

• Own and deliver the procurement maturity roadmap, evolving capability, structure, systems and processes to meet current and future business needs

• Lead organisation design, capability development and succession planning to build a scalable, high-performing procurement function

• Act as the senior procurement authority, influencing executive decisions and shaping business direction

Technical & Engineering Integration

• Own the integration of procurement within Engineering and Operations, ensuring alignment across product design, manufacturing strategy and supply chain execution

• Interpret, challenge and influence technical specifications, drawings, materials and tolerances to optimise sourcing and commercial decisions

• Lead procurement’s role in design for manufacture, value engineering and product cost optimisation

• Embed procurement within New Product Introduction (NPI) and engineering change processes, ensuring early influence on cost, manufacturability, quality and risk• Apply deep understanding of manufacturing processes (e.g. machining, casting, fabrication) to inform sourcing strategies and supplier selection

Strategic Sourcing & Supply Market Leadership

• Own and deliver sourcing and category strategies for complex engineered products and services

• Lead make vs buy decisions, shaping manufacturing and supply strategy across internal capability and global supply markets

• Build and lead a strategically aligned supplier portfolio focused on capability, innovation, resilience and long-term value

• Leverage market intelligence, benchmarking and supplier insight to inform strategy and maintain competitive advantage

• Position the business effectively within external supply markets to secure capability, capacity and innovation

Commercial Performance & Financial Impact

• Hold direct accountability for procurement’s contribution to margin improvement, EBITDA performance, cost base optimisation and cash generation

• Deliver sustainable cost reduction and total cost of ownership improvements across all areas of spend

• Lead complex commercial negotiations, ensuring optimal outcomes across cost, risk and technical performance

• Drive value beyond cost, balancing commercial outcomes with product performance, quality, reliability and lifecycle considerations

Operational Procurement & Supply Chain Delivery

• Own end-to-end procurement operations, ensuring continuity of supply, operational efficiency and delivery against production and customer requirements

• Lead resolution of critical supply, quality and technical issues, minimising risk and business disruption

• Maintain full visibility and proactive management of supply chain risks, constraints and dependencies

• Drive inventory optimisation and working capital performance in line with business targets

Transformation, Systems & Continuous Improvement

• Lead the transformation of procurement into a mature, data-driven and strategically impactful function

• Own the implementation, optimisation and governance of ERP/MRP systems, procurement processes and data integrity

• Establish data-led performance management, forecasting and insight to support decision-making

• Drive continuous improvement across procurement and the wider supply chain, embedding best practice and innovation

Risk, Governance & Sustainability

• Own end-to-end supply chain risk management, including technical, operational, commercial and geopolitical risks

• Establish, enforce and continuously improve procurement governance, policies, controls and audit readiness

• Lead responsible sourcing and sustainability strategy within procurement, embedding ESG principles into all sourcing and supplier decisions

• Ensure full compliance with regulatory, ethical, quality and industry standards

Stakeholder & Business Leadership

• Act as a strategic partner to senior leadership, Engineering, Operations and Finance, shaping business, product and supply chain decisions• Influence investment, product development and manufacturing strategy through procurement expertise and insight

• Represent procurement at senior leadership forums, ensuring alignment between supply chain capability and business ambition

• Build and leverage strong internal and external networks to drive collaboration, innovation and performance

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Educated to degree level.

Desirable

• MCIPS Level 3 qualification or equivalent.

Assessment Method: Application Form / Certificates

Experience

Essential

• Significant experience in procurement or supply chain within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Proven experience managing technically complex or engineered products.
• Experience working closely with Engineering teams and interpreting technical requirements.
• Experience leading supplier negotiations and commercial decision-making.
• Experience supporting or influencing make-versus-buy decisions and wider manufacturing strategy.
• Experience managing supplier performance, including quality, delivery, and technical capability.

Desirable

• Additional experience within highly regulated or complex engineering environments would be advantageous.

Assessment Method: Application Form / Interview

Technical Knowledge & Skills

The successful candidate will demonstrate:

• Extensive procurement or supply chain experience within an engineering or manufacturing environment.
• Strong understanding of technically complex and engineered products.
• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and technical requirements.
• Excellent commercial awareness with proven negotiation skills.
• Experience supporting strategic sourcing decisions, including make-versus-buy analysis.
• Strong supplier management capability, including performance, quality, cost, and technical evaluation.
• The ability to balance technical, commercial, and operational priorities to achieve the best business outcomes.

Assessment Method: Application Form / Interview

Soft Skills & Personal Attributes

Stakeholder Management & Influence

• Builds strong working relationships across Engineering, Quality, Production, and supplier organisations.
• Confident influencing decisions where technical, commercial, and operational priorities compete.

Communication

• Communicates complex technical and commercial information clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences.
• Able to translate engineering requirements into commercial decisions and vice versa.

Analytical Thinking & Decision Making

• Assesses complex situations involving cost, technical requirements, quality, and risk.
• Makes balanced, evidence-based decisions that consider both short and long-term business impact.

Problem Solving & Critical Thinking

• Takes a structured approach to resolving supply, quality, and technical issues.
• Identifies root causes rather than simply addressing symptoms.
• Challenges existing assumptions where appropriate.

Collaboration & Cross-Functional Working

• Works effectively across Engineering, Manufacturing, Quality, Operations, and Supply Chain teams.
• Engages proactively in cross-functional discussions to deliver shared objectives.

Commercial Judgement

• Understands the wider commercial impact of procurement decisions.
• Balances cost, quality, risk, service, and performance to achieve sustainable value.

Resilience & Delivery Focus

• Thrives in a fast-paced operational environment.
• Manages competing priorities effectively while maintaining focus on delivery and customer requirements.
• Performs well during supply chain disruptions and production challenges.

Attention to Detail

• Ensures accuracy in technical, commercial, and contractual decisions.
• Recognises how small changes can affect product performance, quality, compliance, and manufacturing outcomes.

Leadership & Coaching

(Desirable)

• Provides guidance and support to colleagues.
• Shares knowledge and contributes to developing capability within the procurement team.

Change & Continuous Improvement

(Desirable)

• Embraces continuous improvement initiatives.
• Challenges existing processes constructively and promotes more efficient ways of working.

Negotiation & Relationship Management

(Desirable)

• Adapts negotiation style to suit different suppliers and commercial situations.
• Develops long-term, collaborative supplier partnerships that create sustainable value.

Strategic Thinking

(Desirable)

• Considers long-term business and supply chain implications alongside immediate operational needs.
• Contributes to wider procurement and supply chain strategy.

Cultural & Global Awareness

(Desirable)

• Comfortable working with international suppliers and global teams.
• Understands different cultures, business practices, and ways of working across regions.

Assessment Method: Application Form / Interview

Other Requirements

• Demonstrates a strong commitment to quality, health & safety, and environmental responsibilities.
• Acts with integrity, professionalism, and accountability.
• Promotes continuous improvement and best practice throughout the procurement function.

Assessment Method: Application Form / Interview