Head of Indirect Procurement at Wates Group in Milton Keynes, England, United Kingdom | Kablio

Role

Description

category strategy

negotiations

risk management

performance monitoring

supplier management

reporting

Lead category excellence. Guide the team to develop category strategies grounded in business needs, market dynamics and current performance, and lead negotiations for your assigned categories.
Raise performance & manage risk. Agree clear performance standards with internal customers, implement due diligence and ongoing monitoring, and maintain a live risk & opportunity register. Demonstrate continuous improvement in supply chain performance and spend under management.
Set the strategy. Document Group and divisional needs and build a multi‑year plan that creates value, improves performance and expands Procurement’s effective scope. Actively scan the market for innovations, disruptions and constraints and fold those insights into your roadmap.
Strengthen supplier partnerships. Manage key indirect suppliers, leverage Group buying power, and use SME insight to deliver better outcomes.
Lead and empower the team. Coach, support and challenge your team through regular reviews. Provide concise monthly reporting on category performance and strategy delivery, continuously improving the efficiency and utility of the Procurement Hub. Develop succession plans for critical roles.

Requirements

procurement

negotiation

analytical

coaching

mcips

degree

Experience coaching and developing professional teams.
Strong analytical skills and objective, clear communication.
A proven track record leading indirect procurement, including complex, high‑value negotiations.
Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
HND/degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management or Construction Management (or equivalent experience) and MCIPS.

Benefits

Competitive salary & bonus
Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.
Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)
Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
Flexible working

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

basic disclosure and barring service (dbs) check required at offer stage.
applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually; additional pre‑employment checks may apply.

Company

Overview

Over 120 Years

Years in Operation

The company has been operational for over a century, showcasing extensive experience in construction and property services.

Provides integrated solutions across sectors like residential, commercial, and infrastructure.
Has played a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK's most notable projects, including landmark developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Committed to innovation in construction techniques and sustainable building practices.
Notable projects include iconic residential communities, advanced industrial facilities, and complex public sector developments.
Collaborates with government entities, private sector clients, and developers in long-term partnerships.
Remains a family-owned company, upholding a legacy of trust, quality, and commitment to the built environment.

Culture + Values

Reimagining places for people to thrive.
Thriving places: Working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet: Protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people: Creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

Environment + Sustainability

90% Reduction

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2045, following a 46.2% reduction by 2030 from the 2019 baseline.

98% Scope 3

Emission Source Breakdown

98% of total emissions are attributed to Scope 3, with 89% from purchased goods and services.

46%

Mid-Term Emissions Cut

A 46.2% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline.

99% Recycling

Waste Diversion Rate

Currently recycling or diverting over 99% of waste from operations.

Net zero carbon company by 2045 (Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) with SBTi validation.
Carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31 December 2025.
Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain of 20% on measurable projects (double the national minimum).
Zero waste from operations by 2045.
Eliminate waste and carbon from on-site operations and vehicles by 2025.
Engage 89% of suppliers (by emissions) to have SBTi-aligned targets by end of 2027.
Zero Carbon Sites programme: reduce diesel, use battery systems, transition to electric or green hydrogen plant.

Inclusion & Diversity

24.9% gender pay gap

Gender Pay Gap Progress

The company reports a 24.9% mean gender pay gap in 2021, showing improvement from 30.3% in 2020.

8 weeks paternity leave

Parental Leave Policy

The company offers fully paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity/partner leave, and enhanced shared parental and adoption leave.

Fair Treatment: Everyone is treated with fairness and respect; they can speak up and be listened to.
Fair Opportunity: Everyone has fair access to development and progression with equity in pay.
Fair Hiring: Hire the best person from a diverse pool, challenging perceptions that prevent talent joining.
Disability Confident employer: inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, support for disabled colleagues.
Awards: Working Families Best Practice Awards (Best for Fathers, Best for All Families); Times Top 50 Employers for Women; Construction News’ Award for Diversity and Inclusion Excellence.

Articles

Careers at Wates

Our Projects

Wates Sustainability

Role

Description

category strategy

negotiations

risk management

performance monitoring

supplier management

reporting

Lead category excellence. Guide the team to develop category strategies grounded in business needs, market dynamics and current performance, and lead negotiations for your assigned categories.
Raise performance & manage risk. Agree clear performance standards with internal customers, implement due diligence and ongoing monitoring, and maintain a live risk & opportunity register. Demonstrate continuous improvement in supply chain performance and spend under management.
Set the strategy. Document Group and divisional needs and build a multi‑year plan that creates value, improves performance and expands Procurement’s effective scope. Actively scan the market for innovations, disruptions and constraints and fold those insights into your roadmap.
Strengthen supplier partnerships. Manage key indirect suppliers, leverage Group buying power, and use SME insight to deliver better outcomes.
Lead and empower the team. Coach, support and challenge your team through regular reviews. Provide concise monthly reporting on category performance and strategy delivery, continuously improving the efficiency and utility of the Procurement Hub. Develop succession plans for critical roles.

Requirements

procurement

negotiation

analytical

coaching

mcips

degree

Experience coaching and developing professional teams.
Strong analytical skills and objective, clear communication.
A proven track record leading indirect procurement, including complex, high‑value negotiations.
Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates)
HND/degree in Procurement, Supply Chain Management or Construction Management (or equivalent experience) and MCIPS.

Benefits

Competitive salary & bonus
Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 8 weeks fully paid paternity.
Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers’ contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more…
Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade)
Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression.
Flexible working

Training + Development

Information not given or found

Interview process

Information not given or found

Visa Sponsorship

Information not given or found

Security clearance

basic disclosure and barring service (dbs) check required at offer stage.
applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually; additional pre‑employment checks may apply.

Company

Overview

Over 120 Years

Years in Operation

The company has been operational for over a century, showcasing extensive experience in construction and property services.

Provides integrated solutions across sectors like residential, commercial, and infrastructure.
Has played a pivotal role in delivering some of the UK's most notable projects, including landmark developments and large-scale infrastructure projects.
Committed to innovation in construction techniques and sustainable building practices.
Notable projects include iconic residential communities, advanced industrial facilities, and complex public sector developments.
Collaborates with government entities, private sector clients, and developers in long-term partnerships.
Remains a family-owned company, upholding a legacy of trust, quality, and commitment to the built environment.

Culture + Values

Reimagining places for people to thrive.
Thriving places: Working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
Thriving planet: Protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
Thriving people: Creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

Environment + Sustainability

90% Reduction

Scope 1 and 2 Emissions

Target to reduce absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 90% by 2045, following a 46.2% reduction by 2030 from the 2019 baseline.

98% Scope 3

Emission Source Breakdown

98% of total emissions are attributed to Scope 3, with 89% from purchased goods and services.

46%

Mid-Term Emissions Cut

A 46.2% reduction in absolute Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 2030 compared to the 2019 baseline.

99% Recycling

Waste Diversion Rate

Currently recycling or diverting over 99% of waste from operations.

Net zero carbon company by 2045 (Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions) with SBTi validation.
Carbon neutral for Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 31 December 2025.
Achieve Biodiversity Net Gain of 20% on measurable projects (double the national minimum).
Zero waste from operations by 2045.
Eliminate waste and carbon from on-site operations and vehicles by 2025.
Engage 89% of suppliers (by emissions) to have SBTi-aligned targets by end of 2027.
Zero Carbon Sites programme: reduce diesel, use battery systems, transition to electric or green hydrogen plant.

Inclusion & Diversity

24.9% gender pay gap

Gender Pay Gap Progress

The company reports a 24.9% mean gender pay gap in 2021, showing improvement from 30.3% in 2020.

8 weeks paternity leave

Parental Leave Policy

The company offers fully paid maternity leave, 8 weeks paid paternity/partner leave, and enhanced shared parental and adoption leave.

Fair Treatment: Everyone is treated with fairness and respect; they can speak up and be listened to.
Fair Opportunity: Everyone has fair access to development and progression with equity in pay.
Fair Hiring: Hire the best person from a diverse pool, challenging perceptions that prevent talent joining.
Disability Confident employer: inclusive recruitment, reasonable adjustments, support for disabled colleagues.
Awards: Working Families Best Practice Awards (Best for Fathers, Best for All Families); Times Top 50 Employers for Women; Construction News’ Award for Diversity and Inclusion Excellence.

Articles

Careers at Wates

Our Projects

Wates Sustainability