Head of Procurement

Reigate, Surrey | Competitive — flexible for the right person | Office-based, 5 days

This is a chance to build and lead a procurement function, not just inherit one. My client is an established, employee-owned food business based in Reigate, sourcing internationally, and they’re looking for a Head of Procurement to report into the MD and take ownership of how the business buys, plans and manages its suppliers.

You’ll set the strategy, lead the sourcing and big negotiations, build a structured supplier management approach, and develop a team of Supply Planners and a Senior Supply Planner. There’s a seat at the senior table and real influence over growth. The salary is flexible — they’ll look to match what the right person is looking for.

What you’ll be doing

• Shape and deliver the procurement and supply-planning strategy alongside the MD
• Lead, develop and organise the Procurement team
• Own strategic sourcing, supplier selection, negotiation and contracting for key categories
• Build supply resilience — risk, continuity and contingency planning across the portfolio
• Set inventory policy and partner with Commercial, Technical, Operations and Finance

What we’re looking for

• Significant senior procurement or supply-chain experience in food, FMCG or an international product business
• Proven leadership of a procurement, purchasing or supply-planning team
• Strong commercial and negotiation skills with strategic suppliers and contracts
• Experience of international supply, long lead times and inventory risk
• Credible with senior stakeholders, with a solid grasp of food safety, ethical sourcing and sustainability

What’s in it for you

• Competitive salary — flexible for the right person
• Discretionary bonus
• Discretionary EOT bonus (it’s an employee-owned business)
• Matched pension contributions up to 5%
• Healthcare and life cover
• 25 days’ holiday, increasing with length of service

If this sounds like you, I’d love to hear from you. Apply today, or get in touch for a confidential chat about the role.

About Specialist Recruit

Specialist Recruit is an independent commercial recruitment agency based in Reigate, Surrey, placing people across Surrey and West Sussex since 2002. Because it’s personal — we take the time to understand what you’re looking for, and we’ll only put you forward for roles we think you’ll be happy in.

Specialist Recruit is acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this permanent vacancy.

By applying, you agree to Specialist Recruit processing your personal data for recruitment purposes, in line with UK GDPR and our privacy /privacy. We will never send your CV to an employer without your permission.

We read every application. If you haven’t heard from us within 5 working days, unfortunately you haven’t been shortlisted on this occasion — but we may be in touch about other roles.

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