Head of Procurement Operations

Job Description
Who we're looking for
The Head of Procurement Operations is accountable for leading the procurement operations team, ensuring day to day management of the function is maintained. In addition to running our operations you will shape and deliver the transformation agenda of the procurement function. It encompasses Procurement strategy planning, digitalisation, data strategy and management, departmental governance (excluding TPRM) and performance management, ESG and communications, acting as a Chief of Staff to the CPO. Based in London, the role reports into the Chief Procurement Officer, who is responsible for all Procurement activity across the organisation.

About Schroders
We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.

We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.

The team
Group Procurement is the centre of excellence for active commercial management of all of Schroders' supply chain, enabled by great people, disciplined cost management and seamless risk and compliance. Group Procurement sits within the COO Corporate Functions, supporting the wider business on all its third-party commercial activity. The team are made up of multiple disciplines across Market Data & Operations, Technology, Corporate Services, Third Party Risk and Procurement Operations. Located across London, Horsham, Singapore, and New York.

The base
We moved into our new HQ in the City of London in 2018. We're close to our clients, in the heart of the UK's financial centre and we have everything we need to work flexibly.

What You'll Do

• Strategic Support to the CPO

• Ensure that the Procurement strategy is executed effectively, priorities are managed, and the function runs smoothly. Manage the CPO's office and ensuring smooth coordination across functions.

• Focus on operational excellence, project management, and executive-level communication

• Prepare and brief the CPO for executive, board, and committee meetings.

• Support leadership meetings, reporting packs, and board-level communications.

• Program & Project Management

• Lead or oversee cross-functional projects and reporting to CPO and executive committees

• Track milestones, risks, and deliverables

• Ensure alignment with broader business strategy and regulatory requirements.

• Operational Excellence

• Run the procurement operations team: Establish and oversee KPIs, dashboards, and performance frameworks for procurement value delivery.

• Coordinate budget and capacity planning

• Deliver the procurement operating model and transformation roadmap. On time and to budget
• Champion digitisation efforts including AI adoption, eSourcing, contract lifecycle management, and analytics solutions to improve efficiency and insight.
• Lead the overarching data management strategy and execution for the function
• Drive governance, policy compliance, and internal audit readiness.
• Lead Procurement's ESG strategy and planning process
• Embed a commercially minded continuous improvement culture and capability uplift across procurement.

The Knowledge, Experience And Qualifications You Need

• Experience in procurement transformation, strategy or PMO leadership roles.
• Proven success leading large-scale procurement change programmes in Financial Services.
• Knowledge of procurement technology and performance metrics.
• MBA or equivalent advanced degree desirable. Lean Six Sigma, PMP or CIPS certification preferred.
• Strong track record in problem solving, project management, transformation, and organizational change.
• Experience working with C-suite leaders and managing high-stakes executive deliverables.
• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management skills. Ability to handle sensitive information with discretion.

Key competencies

• Strategic Execution
• Programme Leadership
• Digital Fluency
• Governance & Risk Oversight
• Leadership Influence
• Change Enablement

We Recognise Potential, Whoever You Are
Our purpose is to provide excellent investment performance to clients through active management. Diversity of thought, facilitated by an inclusive culture, will allow us to make better decisions and better achieve our purpose. This is why inclusion and diversity are a strategic priority for us and why we are an equal opportunities employer. You are welcome here, regardless of your age, disability, gender identity, religious beliefs, sexual orientation, socio-economic background, or any other protected characteristic.

About Us
We're a global investment manager. We help institutions, intermediaries and individuals around the world invest money to meet their goals, fulfil their ambitions, and prepare for the future.

We have around 6,000 people on six continents. And we've been around for over 200 years, but keep adapting as society and technology changes. What doesn't change is our commitment to helping our clients, and society, prosper.