Head of Procurement

**#GoWithYourFlow**:
Come and join us as a truly influential and innovative Head of IT Procurement (GNFR) and use your expertise to shape the development and execution of our IT Software Procurement strategy.

**The Role**:
The Head of IT Procurement (GNFR) will be pivotal in driving cost reduction and value-add across our Software procurement and consequently ensure our third party relationships flourish. We're growing our Procurement team to prioritise and evaluate savings in our IT & Software categories across our Group - Highbourne Group includes brands such as City Plumbing, Direct Heating Spares, Energy Efficiency, National Shower Spares, Plumbnation, Plumbworld, The Bathroom Showroom, and The Underfloor Heating Store.

As our new Head of Procurement (GNFR) you will be responsible for the development and execution of the IT Software Procurement strategy working with key stakeholders to prioritise and execute value-driving initiatives. The Head of IT Procurement, will help set up a centralised goods not for resale procurement function with an emphasis on software procurement, leading the contractual and commercial negotiations with third party software vendors.

**Key Responsibilities**:

- Be part of the Senior Leadership team & ITLT, to establish a value add centralised function in line with the organisation’s strategic directions
- Manage and develop the newly formed team responsible for the software procurement workstream
- Lead and manage the overall Software Procurement activity across the organisation including tendering and vendor management. (Identify key benchmarks and supplier KPI’s to measure contractual arrangements as well as supplier performance)
- Owns business and internal relationships for vendor and commercial management across the organisation’s Strategic (Enterprise) software providers, ensuring all stakeholders are aligned
- Leads commercial discussions on new software products and expansion of strategic software products & programs. (Develop negotiation strategies, and effectively utilise techniques and BATNA (Best Alternative to Negotiated Agreement) positioning to ensure that the best overall strategic value in contracts with suppliers)
- Single point of contact for all issues regarding software vendor performance including the management of this performance, third party risks, business controls, reviews, renewals and strategic sourcing for all software providers.
- In conjunction with IT stakeholders and business stakeholders - evaluate software providers that fit with the company requirements.
- Negotiates key business terms with software providers in line with company requirements, ensuring all internal stakeholders are involved. (Collaborate with stakeholders in Legal, Risk, and Operations to ensure supplier contracts minimise risk to the enterprise).

This is primarily a hybrid-based role with visits to our office, branches & suppliers on a weekly basis. You should be based in the UK within easy reach of our Head Office is based in Crick, Northamptonshire.

**You**:
You’ll live and breathe our customer first ethos, with an agile and pro-active approach. You’ll enjoy working collaboratively with the wider team and you’ll be committed to acting with integrity and honesty in everything you do

**Skills and competencies**:

- Previous experience of software vendor management - particularly Microsoft, Google, AWS, and bespoke App software providers
- Knowledge of managing global Enterprise Software programmes across multiple vendors
- Proven track record of managing third parties and with stakeholders across multiple business areas
- Strong negotiation skills
- Comfortable with making business decisions independently

**Us**:
From boilers to bathroom suites, tubing to towel rails and everything in between, City Plumbing has all the products our customers need to complete the job. And we have all you need to build a successful career We’re proud of our reputation for selling quality plumbing and heating products to both trade and retail customers and we’re super excited about our future. We put our colleagues at the heart of all we do, giving them all the tools they need to be successful, happy and feel rewarded in their career with us.

**Benefits Package and Cultural Environment**:

- Bonus
- Discounts, savings and cash back at numerous retailers
- Savings on driving lessons, phone bills, gym memberships as well as further benefits
- Life assurance
- Extended family policy including maternity, paternity, additional annual leave and more
- Mental Health First Aiders and Employee Assistance Programme, we look out for each other
- Complete induction and a company that lets you grow and encourages development
- Financial education and loans
- Flexible working options
- A business striving to create an environment of inclusion so everyone can be their true self
- And more

**#BelongWithUs**: