Head of Group Procurement

• Location:
  Chester HQ - Hybrid working (requirement to be in the office in Chester 2 days a week minimum)
• Salary:
  £70,000 - £75,000 DOE
• Reporting To:
  Head of Leagal
• Team:
  Group Procurement (reporting to Head of Legal)

About Forge Holiday Group

At Forge Holiday Group, we don't just do holidays, we create memories.
With market-leading brands like
Sykes Holiday Cottages, Forest Holidays,
and
Bachcare
in New Zealand, we're 1,700+ strong and powered by four values:
One Business, Keep it Simple, Grow & Learn, Sustainable Impact.

About The Role

We're looking for a Head of Group Procurement to lead and shape Forge Holiday Group's strategic procurement capability, establishing a unified, value-driven approach across all brands.

This newly created role will bring together all procurement activity under a single "One Business" model. You'll define the Group's procurement strategy, deliver measurable commercial value, embed strong governance and compliance, and champion supplier innovation and sustainability.

This is a pivotal role in driving transformation from divisional procurement practices to a centralised, strategic function that supports Forge Holiday Group's growth ambitions and sustainability commitments.

What You'll Do

• Design and implement a Group-wide procurement strategy aligned to business goals, sustainability, and compliance objectives.
• Develop and enforce procurement policy and spend governance framework; ensure all contracts comply with legislation and internal policy.
• Lead strategic procurement across all spend categories, Construction & CapEx, Fleet, Food & Beverage, Technology, Facilities, Marketing, Professional Services, and Utilities.
• Establish SRM processes, conduct due diligence, and champion supplier diversity, innovation, and sustainability.
• Lead high-value, complex negotiations and standardise contract templates.
• Use procurement technology and data to track spend, report performance, and drive continuous improvement.

What We're Looking For:

Essential:

• Significant senior-level procurement leadership experience across multiple categories within a complex, multi-site organisation.
• Proven record in strategic procurement transformation and centralisation.
• MCIPS qualification (or equivalent).
• Expertise in both CapEx and OpEx procurement.
• Strong track record in supplier negotiation, contract drafting, and risk mitigation.
• High commercial and legal awareness across multiple spend categories.
• Proven stakeholder management and influencing skills, including experience engaging at Executive or Board level.

Bonus points for:
Experience in leisure, hospitality, retail, or construction; knowledge of ethical sourcing, ESG, and sustainable procurement; managing outsourced partners and in-house transitions; and proficiency with procurement tech and spend analytics.

Forge Holiday Group Benefits

• Annual bonus scheme
• 33 days holiday (+ up to 5 extra with long service)
• Birthday day off
• Two paid volunteering days per year
• Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Leave (24 weeks maternity, 3 weeks paternity at 100% pay)
• On-site gym & Chester HQ parking
• Hybrid & flexible working
• Health cash plan, wellbeing discounts, and 24/7 mental health support
• Training & development pathways
• Exclusive discounts on holiday stays for you, family, and friends
• And more…

We're passionate about
diversity, inclusion, and authenticity.
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, if you need adjustments during the recruitment process, just let us know.

Apply today and help us shape the future of holidays, enabling the business to grow with clarity, confidence, and integrity.