Head of Direct Procurement - Synnovis : Job Details

Job overview

You will lead and directly contribute to delivering a strategic procurement service for the business on the specific/allocated portfolio of sourcing categories across our transforming business and contribute significantly to the delivery of procurement projects within key markets, ensuring contract compliance, sustainable cost improvements, and the delivery of a wide range of associated benefits.

Leading across the Direct Procurement categories through best practice, to meet company objectives and customer requirements by demonstrating value for money, through compliance with category priorities and contracts, and by actively managing third party spend through development of key strategies for suppliers and effective contract management.

Directly supporting the Head of Procurement and the Global Procurement Function, by analysing current spend in Direct categories across day-to-day operations and through Transformation of services in all business units, to support the development and achievement of procurement strategies to enable the delivery of sustainable cost efficiencies and savings.

The role includes eligibility for a performance-based bonus of up to 10%, awarded in recognition of both individual contribution and overall business performance.

Detailed job description and main responsibilities:

Strategic & Category Leadership

• Leads all Direct Procurement categories across the UK, with full ownership of the Core Lab/Blood Sciences category.
• Manages a third-party spend of £23M (Core Lab) and is accountable for a £60M Direct Procurement portfolio.
• Develops and aligns category strategies with UK functional and senior leadership.
• Drives sourcing initiatives and ensures fulfilment of savings targets and increased managed spend.

Operational Procurement Management

• Oversees end-to-end sourcing, tenders, negotiations, and supplier contracts at the country level.
• Provides market intelligence, ensures sourcing compliance, and mitigates supply risk.
• Acts as the link between Strategic Procurement and Procurement Operations to ensure smooth delivery and communication.

Stakeholder Engagement & Collaboration

• Ensures cross-functional collaboration with internal departments and the global procurement team.
• Leads cooperation with local functional leaders and supports global procurement activities.
• Advises and challenges Category Managers and Sourcing Specialists on sourcing processes.

Team Leadership & Development

• Line manages Category Managers and Specialists, providing strategic direction and mentorship.
• Conducts appraisals, drives team performance, supports development plans, and fosters collaboration within the team and across global procurement.

Transformation, Innovation & Compliance

• Champions procurement transformation, harmonisation, and standardisation.
• Identifies synergies and economies of scale across categories.
• Ensures alignment with procurement policies and supports innovation through Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) strategies.