Head of Procurement

The job requirements are detailed below. Where applicable the skills, qualifications and memberships required for this job have also been included.**Job details**:
**Job details**:
**Head of Procurement**:

- Job description
- **Head of Procurement - UK & Ireland**

**Competitive salary & benefits**

**Located at our Desborough site with some homeworking**

VPK are an internationally recognised organisation within the packaging industry and have been producing innovative and protective cardboard packaging since 1935. In everything we do, we focus on our unwavering commitment to sustainability, from using resources more sparingly, to our ongoing investment in reducing our ecological footprint and investing in state-of-the-art equipment.

Are you an experienced procurement professional with a passion for driving supply chain efficiency, building strong supplier relationships, and optimising costs?

We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our team as the Head of Procurement. In this role, you will play a pivotal part in shaping our procurement strategy, ensuring the highest standards of quality and sustainability.

Reporting into the Commercial Director you will lead our procurement team to strategically manage supplier relationships, negotiate favourable terms, and streamline our supply chain operations. Your expertise will drive efficient processes, enhance inventory management, and contribute to the achievement of company objectives.

**Duties**
- Develop and execute a comprehensive procurement strategy aligned with company goals.
- Identify, evaluate, and onboard suppliers based on quality, cost, and reliability.
- Lead negotiations for pricing, terms, and contracts with suppliers to manage risks and secure advantageous agreements.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to streamline supply chain processes and enhance inventory management.
- Implement cost reduction initiatives while maintaining quality and service levels.
- Mentor and manage a team of procurement professionals, fostering a collaborative and results-driven culture.
- Prepare and present regular reports on procurement performance and market insights.
- Lead continuous improvement initiatives, implementing best practices and process enhancements.
- Collaborate with finance teams to develop budgets, track spending, and provide forecasts.
- Encourage innovation by exploring new technologies and sustainable approaches.
- Foster relationships with suppliers and industry peers through networking opportunities.

**About you**
- Demonstrated procurement expertise within paper, packaging, chemicals or manufacturing industries.
- Proven track record in leading procurement teams.
- Strong negotiation and contract management skills.
- Analytical mindset with proficiency in data analysis tools.
- Effective leadership and communication skills.
- Problem-solving orientation with innovation mindset.
- Desirable knowledge of Gas and Electricity procurement.
- Degree in Supply Chain Management, Business Administration, or related field. Relevant certification (e.g., CIPS) is advantageous.

**Benefits**
- Competitive Salary.
- Annual Management Bonus.
- 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays).
- BUPA Health Insurance.
- Executive Pension Scheme.
- Company Sick Pay Scheme.
- Income Protection Cover.
- Critical Illness Cover.

**About VPK**

VPK is an international packaging supplier with more than 6,400 employees in 70 locations across 20 countries. Our products are manufactured to order for many blue-chip companies within the food and manufacturing sectors which makes VPK one of the packaging industry leaders.

Our employees’ passion for the job is our company’s biggest asset, because we believe that true innovation always starts from within. The development and welfare of our employees is key to the ongoing success of our business.