Head of Procurement Improvement

Your new companyThis organisation helps keep 3 million people healthy each day with safe, reliable water, and take away wastewater to clean, before returning it safely to our beautiful rivers and seas. To be able to deliver high quality, essential services which help to protect the health of their customers, colleagues and our environment, they need the right people to deliver on their vision. This is achieved by living their core values and demonstrating the core behaviours that underpin them. The security of their people, assets and information is key to them, so I am looking for people who understand and comply with the company's required security objectives.Your new roleThe Head of Procurement Improvement will report to the Director of Procurement and is responsible for delivering efficient, effective process performance. It will be delivered by developing and optimising procurement strategies, implementing best practice, overseeing the management of supplier relationships including the performance measurement of suppliers, maintaining procurement systems and ensuring user compliance with the Procurement Procedures. Continuous improvement and innovation will form a key part of the drive to achieve sustainable procurement excellence.The Head of Procurement Improvement will be instrumental in delivering the long-term strategic vision for procurement. This includes supporting the Director of Procurement to develop and deliver the Procurement Target Operating Model and Procurement Improvement Plan to prepare the business and the procurement team for the implementation a new procurement system in 2027. The role is also integral in leading the procurement team's Environmental, Sustainability and Governance strategy. Ensuring that sustainable practices are embedded within the team and across the whole organisation.This role will operate within a matrix organisation structure, reporting directly to the Procurement Director and working closely with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will have a clear understanding of their impact on the organisation and their ability to manage across the whole procurement team. What you'll need to succeed

• Extensive procurement experience in procurement or supplier chain management, with significant experience of working in leadership roles
• Skilled in leading change, including cultural shifts towards continuous improvement and innovation in procurement practices.
• Proven track record of developing and managing strategic supplier relationships and partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes utilising methodologies such as lean, Six Sigma or similar
• Experience in implementing and optimising procurement systems (eg ERP systems, e-procurement platforms) and leveraging technology to drive efficiency.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations and compliance requirements, with experience in ensuring adherence to polices and standards
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams, including finance, operations and retail teams

What you'll get in returnAs well as a market competitive salary, 36 days annual leave (pro rata, including public holidays), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:

• Variable pay schemes (your salary band will remain the same, but performance depending, you could receive an incremental within-band increase and a yearly incentive)
• Option to buy additional annual leave up to 5 days per year
• Health Insurance plus annual health checks
• Enhanced employer pension contributions - Up to 11% employer contributions
• Free Mortgage Brokering Services
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes
• Gym and fitness discounts as well as high street shopping
• Cycle to work scheme

What you need to do nowIf you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.

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