Head of Procurement – Centre of Excellence

This is a fully remote position, open to applicants in Poland, +1 more country.

📋 Description

• Lead and enhance the Procurement Centre of Excellence function encompassing technology, data, processes, governance, and capabilities.

• Take ownership of the global procurement technology and AI roadmap.

• Serve as the senior product owner for procurement systems, overseeing priorities, adoption, controls, and ongoing improvements.

• Propel AI and automation initiatives throughout sourcing, spend analytics, contract management, supplier risk, and operational processes.

• Establish procurement data and reporting capabilities that cover spend, savings, value delivery, supplier performance, and risk management.

• Manage global procurement policies, processes, controls, and governance frameworks.

• Collaborate with Finance on value tracking that is auditable and benefits reporting.

• Spearhead procurement capability programs, learning initiatives, and change management efforts.

• Develop frameworks for supplier risk, ESG, and compliance.

• Oversee external technology partners, implementation providers, and specialized advisors.

• Mentor and develop a small team of specialists.

• Influence senior stakeholders within a global matrix organization.

⛳️ Requirements

• Extensive experience in leading procurement transformation, digitalization of procurement, or procurement technology initiatives within a complex international organization.

• Proven history of implementing procurement technologies with a focus on user adoption.

• Experience in delivering AI and automation use cases that yield measurable business results.

• Strong expertise in procurement data, analytics, savings validation, and value tracking.

• Background as a business product owner, collaborating with technology vendors and implementation partners.

• Comprehensive understanding of procurement governance, policies, controls, and process design.

• Capability to balance strategic thinking with practical execution.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to engage confidently with senior leaders across procurement, finance, IT, and the broader organization.

• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.

• Professional procurement qualifications are a plus.

• Experience in the manufacturing sector is advantageous but not mandatory.

🏝️ Benefits

• Flexible remote working options across the UK or Europe.

• Opportunity to shape and lead a newly created global Procurement Centre of Excellence.

• Direct access to executive leadership, including the Chief Procurement Officer.

• A wide-ranging international scope covering both indirect and direct procurement activities.

• The opportunity to influence procurement's digital, AI, and data strategy from the inception.

• Frequent international travel and collaboration with global teams.