Job Description

Job Name

- Procurement Manager

Reports to

- Chief Commercial Officer (CCO)

Department

- Procurement

Location

- Harlow Head office (Office based role)

Salary Band

- 65-80K P/A

Role Overview

The Procurement Manager will lead a small team and be directly responsible for strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management, and end-to-end procurement operations for a national fuel distribution business. This role is accountable for ensuring the secure, cost-effective, and sustainable supply of fuel and associated services across the UK, while maintaining full regulatory compliance and supporting the organisation's operational and growth ambitions.

A key focus in the initial phase will be establishing robust procurement processes, governance frameworks, and best-practice standards, and shaping a high-performing procurement function. The role also includes leadership of Indirect Procurement across the organisation

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Procurement Leadership

Develop, implement, and continuously refine the company's procurement strategy in line with business objectives and market conditions. Lead high-value contract negotiations with fuel suppliers, logistics partners, and service providers to secure optimal commercial terms and long-term value. Monitor global and domestic fuel markets to identify supply risks, cost-saving opportunities, and emerging trends. Identify optimal fuel inventory levels, supplier credit limits and support cross functional business processes to maintain these in accordance with company requirements.

Supplier & Contract Management

Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with key suppliers to drive performance, innovation, and compliance. Oversee the full contract lifecycle, including tendering, renewals, SLAs, performance reviews, and risk management. Enhance procurement efficiency by introducing tools, processes, and frameworks such as approved supplier lists, category-based vendor management, agreed rate cards, and structured price lists.

Operational Excellence

Develop, own, and implement procurement policies, processes, and guidelines across the business. Work closely with commercial, logistics, finance, and operational teams to ensure timely and effective fuel delivery across the network. Introduce procurement best practices, digital procurement tools, and KPI frameworks to improve efficiency, transparency, and reporting. Lead Indirect Procurement activities and deliver value across all non-fuel categories. Support the company demand planning process

Risk & Compliance

Ensure all procurement activities operate in accordance with UK legislation, environmental standards, and internal governance frameworks (including investor and stakeholder reporting obligations). Develop and maintain robust contingency plans for supply disruptions, market volatility, and other operational risks. Promote and uphold internal and external procurement guidelines across the business.

Team Leadership

Build, lead, and develop a capable Procurement team, fostering a culture of accountability, performance, and continuous improvement. Provide mentoring, coaching, and clear development pathways for team members.

Key Requirements

You should be able to demonstrate a minimum of 7 years' experience leading a team of procurement and supply chain professionals in a relevant business segment. Demonstrable experience establishing and embedding procurement best practice within a multi-site organisation. Senior procurement experience within the fuel, energy, or logistics sector Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, with a record of delivering measurable cost savings and value creation. In-depth understanding of UK fuel markets, supply chain dynamics, and relevant regulatory frameworks. Excellent leadership, communication, stakeholder management, and influencing capabilities. Strong analytical skills with the ability to present effectively at board level. Degree in Business, Supply Chain, or a related discipline; CIPS qualification preferred Fluency in basic Microsoft Office tools (Excel, Word, PowerPoint)

Desirable Attributes

Experience supporting sustainability initiatives in procurement (e.g., biofuels, carbon reduction, carbon offset programmes). Familiarity with ERP systems and procurement analytics tools. Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, highly regulated, and operationally complex environment.

In return we offer

Private health insurance after 1 years' employment Death in service benefit after 1 year's employment 25 days holiday + 8 Bank holidays A net contributions pension scheme (Employer 4% / Employee 5%) Recommend a friend policy (250) Departmental incentives
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 65,000.00-80,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Free parking On-site parking
Work Location: In person