Head of Procurement

Overview

Lead procurement strategy for £1.9bn infrastructure investment portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• procurement management
• spend analysis
• kpi reporting
• supplier management
• risk mitigation
• sustainable sourcing

Tasks

-Oversee the end to end procurement process, including requisition, sourcing, evaluation, negotiation and contract management framework implementation. -Manage and ensure compliance across the organisation. -Builds relationships and communicates effectively by creating and maintaining positive, professional and respectful internal and external working relationships. -Identify and mitigate potential risks in the supply chain, ensuring the continuity of supply and minimising disruptions. -Sustains performance when the situation changes, workloads increase or priorities change. -Establish and report on key performance indicators (KPIs) for the procurement function, demonstrating tangible value in terms of savings, risk mitigation, and supplier performance. -Develop and refine our end to end procurement strategy in alignment with our corporate objectives. -Generates and encourages innovative and adaptive ideas and ways of working. -Conduct a comprehensive spend analysis across the entire business to identify key categories, risks, and opportunities. -Lead, develop and mentor a high performing procurement team, fostering a culture of professional development and strategic business partnering. -Ensure compliance with all regulatory, legislative and ethical standards across our procurement activities. -Provide expert guidance and coaching to budget holders and managers, empowering them to make better procurement decisions. -Develop and implement a robust supplier relationship management (SRM) framework for our critical suppliers, driving performance and innovation. -Uses an evidence based approach and takes accountability when making decisions. -Build upon our procurement policies, governance framework, and scalable processes to ensure compliance, transparency, and value for money. -Lead the sourcing and onboarding of new strategic suppliers while consolidating the existing supply base where appropriate. -Implement risk management strategies to address supplier dependencies and geopolitical uncertainties. -Drive our sustainability and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) agenda through responsible sourcing and supplier engagement. -Develop contingency plans for critical supplies and maintain robust disaster recovery measures.

Requirements

• senior procurement
• mcips
• cost savings
• analytical skills
• large projects
• relevant degree

What You Bring

-Proven experience in a senior procurement leadership role. -A hands on leader who is comfortable with both high level strategy and the detail of execution. -Ability to drive cost savings, mitigate risks and maintain compliance. -Additionally, as part of the employment offer, you will need to pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks. -Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS). -It is necessary for you to have the legal right to work in the UK when you begin employment with South East Water. -Ability to lead procurement projects with values greater than the current procurement thresholds set out in the Procurement Act 2023. -Excellent analytical skills, market knowledge, and the ability to share insights with different stakeholders. -A degree in a relevant field such as Business, Finance, or Engineering.

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Benefits

-Excellent Stakeholder pension scheme, up to 10% employer contribution. -Health cash plan. -Paid volunteering days. -5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays per annum, increasing to 6 weeks with length of service. -Cycle to work scheme. -Life assurance. -Flexible annual leave policy to buy or sell holiday leave.

About South East Water Uk

-Founded in 1992 and restructured by merger in 2007, it has grown into a major regional water supplier. -Draws from aquifers, rivers and reservoirs, treating at some 83 works before distribution. -Project pipeline includes new reservoir at Broad Oak (operational by 2033), treatment works upgrades in Maidenhead and Maidstone. -Focuses on network resilience—leak detection teams, smart meters, and buffer storage tanks to reduce interruptions. -Environmental engagement includes working with farmers, monitoring SSSIs, and using dogs to protect wildlife during works. -Privately owned under a mix of pension and trust entities. -Notably endured a significant regulator investigation after households experienced supply failures and hosepipe bans.

Sector Specialisms

Security Clearance

-pass background, identity, and employment referencing checks.