Alcott Global is retained by an FMCG company to search for a Head of Procurement, based in London.
The Head of Procurement is responsible for overseeing all sourcing, purchasing, and supplier management activities, driving efficiency, cost optimization, quality, and sustainability across the supply chain. This role will lead the development and execution of a global procurement strategy that supports operational excellence, innovation, and long-term growth. The Head of Procurement will transform the function by implementing scalable processes, strengthening supplier partnerships, and embedding best-in-class practices. This position requires a seasoned leader with a strong track record in strategic sourcing, supplier development, and digital enablement, and will work closely with cross-functional teams to align procurement with broader business goals in a fast-paced, entrepreneurial environment.
Key Responsibilities:
- Build and lead a procurement function from the ground up, establishing the vision, structure, and roadmap to support business growth and long-term value creation.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive global procurement strategy aligned with operational goals, commercial priorities, and financial objectives.
- Recruit, develop, and lead a high-performing procurement team across global regions, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Design and implement scalable, efficient procurement processes, systems, and governance to enable agility, compliance, and cross-functional integration.
- Act as a strategic business partner, collaborating closely with Supply Chain, Operations, Finance, R&D, and other key stakeholders to enable innovation, product development, and execution.
- Drive cost savings, margin improvement, and value delivery through strategic sourcing, competitive bidding, effective negotiation, and rigorous spend management.
- Champion procurement excellence through data-driven decision-making, supplier performance management, and category strategy development across direct and indirect spend.
- Lead the adoption of modern procurement technologies and analytics platforms to enhance visibility, efficiency, and real-time decision-making.
- Embed ESG and responsible sourcing principles into procurement practices, ensuring sustainability, ethical standards, and compliance across the supply base.
- Proactively identify and mitigate supply chain risks through market intelligence, continuity planning, and robust supplier governance.
Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree required; MBA or equivalent preferred
- 10–15+ years of procurement leadership experience within FMCG environments
- Experience with procurement best practices, ideally combined with exposure to smaller companies; proven ability to implement best-in-class procurement in agile, growth-oriented settings
- Experienced in managing both direct and indirect global spend portfolios with significant commercial impact
- Strong track record in driving sustainability, supplier development, and innovation partnerships
- Deep understanding of procurement technologies, processes, and evolving industry trends
- Proficient in digital procurement tools and analytics-driven decision-making
- Skilled in global sourcing strategies, supply market analysis, and supplier relationship management
- Strong leadership and team-building capabilities, combining strategic vision with a hands-on approach
- Demonstrated ability to align procurement strategies with broader business and financial objectives
- Skilled in leading complex negotiations and delivering favorable contractual outcomes
- Strong stakeholder engagement and effective cross-functional collaboration
- Excellent interpersonal, problem-solving, and decision-making skills
- Comfortable operating across diverse cultures and international environments