Full job descriptionHead of Procurement - FMCG
Berkshire | Hybrid (predominantly onsite) (relocation available)
Salary: £80-95,000 + corporate benefits
Overview
A well-established and growing FMCG manufacturing business is seeking a Head of Procurement to lead the transformation of its procurement function.
With annual spend in excess of £80m across raw materials and packaging, the organisation is evolving from a reactive purchasing environment to a structured, strategic procurement model.
This role offers a significant opportunity to define strategy, implement best practice, and drive measurable commercial value.
The Role
You will lead the procurement function, managing a small team and working cross-functionally with commercial, operations, and supply chain stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
*Defining and delivering a clear procurement strategy and operating framework
*Transitioning the function from reactive sourcing to proactive category management
*Driving cost optimisation, value engineering, and improved purchase price performance
*Strengthening supplier strategy, onboarding, and contract management
*Implementing robust processes, governance, and data discipline
*Leading risk management across commodities, supply continuity, and compliance
*Supporting growth plans through scalable sourcing strategies
*Developing and coaching the procurement team to build capability and consistency
Context & Challenges
The current environment is:
*Fast-paced and customer-led, with a high degree of operational reactivity
*Lacking standardised processes, systems, and data consistency
*Managing complex sourcing across ingredients and packaging categories
*Limited in proactive supplier development and market engagement
The successful candidate will bring structure, clarity, and forward planning, enabling the function to operate more strategically and efficiently.
Candidate Profile
Experience:
*Educated to Degree Level or equivalent
*CIPS Qualified
*Senior procurement leadership experience (Head of / equivalent)
*Background within Food Manufacturing, FMCG or similarly fast-moving, high-volume environments
*Motivated by value creation, not just cost control
*Familiarity with retail customer expectations and audit requirements
*Proven track record of delivering transformation, cost savings, and operational improvements
*Previous experience working in highly matrixed environments
*Experience of creating and delivering balanced scorecards
*Strong understanding of ethical sourcing, supplier standards, provenance and supply chain integrity in Food/FMCG environments
*Ability to balance cost, quality, risk and reputation in sourcing decisions
*Experience managing a total spend of circa £60million minimum
*Experience managing complex supplier bases and multiple categories
*Strong exposure to manufacturing or supply chain environments
*Proven exposure to raw materials and ingredient procurement
*Previous experience in packaging desirable
Capabilities:
*Strong commercial acumen with advanced analytical and negotiation skills
*Ability to operate effectively in ambiguous, evolving environments
*Experience implementing processes, governance, and category strategies
*Confident stakeholder engagement across senior and cross-functional teams
Style:
*Hands-on and delivery-focused, with the ability to balance strategy and execution
*Resilient and adaptable within a high-paced and ambiguous environment
*Collaborative but able to challenge and influence effectively
*Being a ’builder’ not a ’custodian’
*Confidence and experience to introduce change in a confident and pragmatic way
Opportunity
This is a high-impact leadership role offering the opportunity to:
*Build and shape a procurement function
*Deliver tangible commercial and operational improvements
*Play a key role in supporting business growth and supply chain performance