Head of Procurement

My client is a rapidly growing international e–commerce business, a market leader in their field, acquisitive and hungry for further growth.
The Company is in a strong position to pursue its strategy of growing its consumer–focused business model both in the UK and internationally. Based in Greater Manchester, the group currently has revenue of c.GBP50m and has a vibrant, highly talented team already in place, with hugely ambitious plans for further growth.

The Position

As Head of Procurement, you will take responsibility for providing a professional and world class sourcing and procurement service within the group. Whilst ensuring the department delivers a service that proactively contributes to supporting the delivery of the Company's vision, strategy and road map, this role will continually review and improve in areas such as; strategic purchasing along with supplier and spend management.
There is a small, existing procurement team that you will be take responsibility for managing and then growing and developing over time.

Key responsibilities include:
• Manage the Company systems and re–order levels to ensure optimum inventory levels are maintained.
• Develop and implement strategic sourcing plans across a diverse range of product categories.
• Support the negotiations of high value strategic initiatives across complex markets.
• Anticipate developments within relevant supply markets, affecting areas of responsibility within UK&I and develop strategic plans to capitalise on them.
• Ensure regulatory compliance, quality, service, and continuous improvement deliver best value, to ultimately drive significant change and breakthrough results.
• Proactively manage and source strategic suppliers to deliver required performance and continuous improvement to support the Company NPD strategy.
• Proactively communicate and influence key business stakeholders to promote the benefits of professional procurement and to extend the use of best procurement practice throughout the Company.
• Actively engage and work with other departments to ensure a collaborative approach and align on the needs to the Company and overall business strategy.
• Ad hoc projects to support the business units and Finance team.

Key attributes are:
• Commercial awareness and knowledge of global supply chains, key drivers and market trends.
• Team player who is resourceful and comfortable managing and driving change
• Procurement professional with experience of leading a strategic procurement function.
• Excellent negotiating and influencing skills
• Degree standard of education, ideally with MCIPS or equivalent.
• Procurement literate with a focus on the importance and impact of cash flow and leveraging volumes.
• An ability to work in a fast–paced busy environment.
• Strong organisational and management skills with the ability to challenge the status quo.
• Highly motivated, confident and credible individual with developed interpersonal skills, who can communicate at all levels.
• Adept at communicating and presenting information in a clear business language.
• An eye for detail while understanding the bigger picture.

This position requires a strong and resilient character who is able to thrive in a fast–paced environment, building relationships, working collaboratively across multiple departments and ultimately adding real value to the business. There will be fantastic development opportunities available as the business continues to grow both in the UK and across Europe. This role will play a crucial role in that growth and is highly valued by the business owners.