Interim Head of Purchasing - Supply Chain Transformation

Our client is recruiting an established interim procurement and supply chain leader to deliver a strategic transformation programme within a growing manufacturing and distribution business.

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer, you will quickly assess the existing function, establish a clear strategy and lead its implementation. The assignment will focus on strengthening procurement capability, improving commercial performance, reducing supplier risk and establishing a sustainable operating model to support future growth.

You will bring experience from successful interim assignments across multiple organisations, combining strategic expertise with the ability to establish credibility quickly and take personal responsibility for delivery.

Roles and Responsibilities

• Conduct a rapid assessment of purchasing and supply chain arrangements, including supplier spend, contracts, dependencies, processes, systems and team capability

• Agree a prioritised transformation plan with the COO, establishing clear deliverables, milestones and measures of success

• Develop and implement a procurement and supply chain strategy aligned with business growth, commercial objectives and continuity of supply

• Define the future purchasing operating model, including team structure, responsibilities, governance and capability requirements

• Develop category and sourcing strategies, challenging existing supplier arrangements and identifying sustainable opportunities to improve value

• Personally lead priority supplier negotiations covering pricing, payment terms, lead times, service levels and contractual protection

• Identify critical supplier dependencies and implement dual-sourcing, contingency and risk-reduction strategies

• Work with Operations and Finance to improve purchasing commitments, demand alignment, inventory management and working capital

• Establish effective supplier performance management, with clear expectations for cost, quality, delivery and accountability

• Partner with the Head of Quality to strengthen supplier approval, assurance, non-conformance escalation and corrective-action processes

• Improve purchasing controls, approval routes, contractual coverage and ERP/MRP data to support reliable decision-making

• Lead implementation across Purchasing, Operations, Quality, Technical, Finance and Logistics, securing commitment to new ways of working

• Demonstrate measurable progress through realised savings, improved commercial terms, cash benefits and reduced supply risk

• Coach colleagues and transfer knowledge so improvements remain embedded after the assignment

• Deliver a structured handover covering the future strategy, operating model, supplier priorities and ongoing improvement roadmap

Ideal Candidate

• Established interim procurement or supply chain leader with a proven record of delivering transformation assignments across multiple organisations

• Director-level capability, with experience influencing executive stakeholders and shaping business strategy

• Deep expertise in procurement and supply chain strategy, strategic sourcing, category management and supplier resilience

• Demonstrable experience redesigning purchasing functions, operating models, governance and organisational capability

• Relevant experience within manufacturing, distribution or technically regulated product environments

• Able to understand an unfamiliar business quickly, identify priorities and move decisively into implementation

• Clear evidence of measurable commercial and operational results achieved during previous interim assignments

• Strong commercial and negotiation skills, including an understanding of supplier contracts, total cost of ownership and working capital

• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to turn incomplete or inconsistent data into practical recommendations and decisions

• Confident challenging existing practices and securing stakeholder support, with a practical and collaborative approach to delivering change

• CIPS qualification or equivalent procurement and supply chain experience desirable

Benefits:

• 23 days' holiday + Bank Holidays, with your birthday as a paid day off
• Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme and Private Medical Insurance
• Growth By Sharing quarterly bonus scheme
• Christmas shutdown
• Professional development opportunities and potential for career progression
• Cycle to Work Scheme and Electric Vehicle Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Eye Care Voucher Scheme
• Employee wellbeing initiatives, mental health support and recognition awards
• Breakfast and refreshments provided, modern open-plan working environment and on site parking