Job Description

JOB VACANCY: HEAD OF PROCUREMENT

Application contact:

Emma Kearney - Head of HR (emma.kearney@selden.co.uk

Reporting to:

David Woodhead - Director

Posting Date

: July 2025

Working hours

: 39 per week

Working pattern

: Monday to Thursday 09:00am to 17:30pm, Fridays 09:00am to 16:30pm (negotiable)

Starting salary

: Negotiable / DOE + additional benefits

SUMMARY OF ROLE

Selden Research are looking for a strategic and experienced Head of Procurement, to lead the department and support continued growth within the business. The role is a strategic leadership role, as such there will be an expectation to shape and execute procurement strategy, predominantly focusing on raw materials, packaging and logistics. The role holder will be responsible for overall supplier relationships, driving cost efficiencies, ensuring continuity of supply against demand, and embedding ESG principles within strategy. There are direct management responsibilities for a small and friendly team.

The role is a key leadership role within the Senior Management Team (SMT), as such the role holder must be confident to lead a successful team, liaise with the SMT and directors, and provide lasting positive impact to the business.

AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY

Responsibilities:

Shape and execute the end-to-end procurement strategy, including policies, aligned with business objectives and ESG principles.

Overall management of strategic supplier relationships, tender processes, underwriting agreements, contract negotiations, KPI's and risk mitigation.

Utilise and improve systems and analytics to improve transparency, cost control and supplier performance.

Monitor the market, regulatory changes, and supply chain risks to ensure resilience and adaptability.

Conduct periodic supplier audits (OTIF) and implementing changes where required.

Manage forecasting, ensuring continuity of supply against demand.

Monitor and analyse material prices and lead times.

Regularly meet with suppliers, maintaining excellent working relationships.

Regularly liaise with the SMT and other departments, supporting any new projects in the pipeline.

Overall management of the procurement department, import/export team and reception, consisting of:

- 3 x purchasing administrators

- 2 x import / export administrators

- 1 x supply chain manager

- 2 x part-time receptionists

Mentor and support the development of the supply chain manager.

Manage packaging waste return data for compliance with EPR regulations.

This list is not exhaustive however it provides a general overview.

SPECIALISED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND CAPABILITIES

Professional experience:

Excellent numeracy, written and excel skills (Mandatory)

Strong leadership and inter-personal skills with proven skills in influencing people (Mandatory)

Comfortable supporting and communicating with all levels of staff, including Senior Managers and Directors (Mandatory)

Proven experience in a senior procurement role, ideally within the chemical, manufacturing or process industry (Mandatory).

Exceptional knowledge of raw material sourcing and supply chains (Mandatory).

Commercially sharp with excellent negotiation and contract management skills (Mandatory).

Qualifications:

GCSE's grades A-C (Mandatory).

Professional member of CIPS (Mandatory).

CIPS Level 5 or equivalent (Mandatory).

CIPS Level 6 or equivalent (Desirable).

Right to work in the UK (Mandatory).

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Additional pay:

Performance bonus
Benefits:

Additional leave Company pension Cycle to work scheme Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Work from home
Schedule:

Day shift Monday to Friday
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Buxton SK17 9RZ