Head of Procurement

1st Executive Ltd; High Wycombe; On-site; GBP 77,000 - GBP 91,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing food manufacturing business is seeking a Head of Procurement to steer procurement strategy and participate actively in operations. This role presents a unique opportunity to shape procurement practices, engage with suppliers across the UK and Europe, and prepare for a future leadership position in Europe. Ideal candidates will have valuable procurement experience in food sectors, strong negotiation skills, and be comfortable with stakeholder engagement. Competitive salary and benefits, including a clear path for advancement, are offered.

Benefits

15% annual bonus

Clear progression into European leadership role

Opportunity to shape procurement strategy

Qualifications

• Proven procurement experience within food manufacturing or similar industries.
• Strong understanding of BRC standards and audit requirements.
• Experience in strategic procurement and hands-on buying.

Responsibilities

• Develop and drive procurement strategy across the UK and Europe.
• Manage day-to-day buying of ingredients and raw materials.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships.

Skills

Procurement strategy development

Supplier negotiation

Cost management

Supplier management

Stakeholder engagement

Job description

Head of Procurement
(clear progression to Head of Procurement - Europe)

Salary & Benefits

Salary up to £91,000

15% annual bonus

Overview

We are seeking a Head of Procurement to join a growing food manufacturing business at a key point of transition and expansion across Europe.

This role replaces the current Procurement Manager, who will be leaving mid-March due to relocation. The position has been uplifted to reflect the increasing strategic importance of procurement within the business.

You will join a small, agile procurement function and work closely with a newly appointed Senior Buyer. The role is both strategic and hands-on, offering a clear pathway into a future Head of Procurement - Europe position as the business continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic

• Develop and drive procurement strategy across the UK and Europe
• Support business growth by identifying sourcing opportunities and improvements
• Implement best-practice procurement processes and standards
• Protect margins through effective cost management and supplier strategy

Operational

• Day-to-day buying of ingredients and raw materials
• Supplier management, performance reviews, and relationship development
• Contract negotiation and management
• Leading tendering and sourcing activities
• Delivering cost savings initiatives
• Ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal requirements
• Supporting and leading BRC audits and supplier compliance

Team & Stakeholders

• Manage and work closely with a Senior Buyer
• Collaborate with Operations, Technical, Finance, and Commercial teams
• Engage with suppliers across the UK and Europe

Experience & Background

• Proven procurement experience within food manufacturing, ingredients, or raw materials
• Strong understanding of BRC standards and audit requirements
• Experience across both strategic procurement and hands-on buying
• Demonstrated success in cost saving, supplier negotiation, and margin protection

Person Profile

• Ready to step up into a broader leadership role rather than already operating at full European Head level
• Comfortable working in a lean team and being operationally involved
• Commercially minded, proactive, and improvement-focused
• Confident influencing stakeholders at all levels

Why Join

• Clear progression into a European leadership role
• Opportunity to shape procurement strategy during a period of growth
• Established role with strong foundations already in place