Head of Procurement Improvement

The Head of Procurement Improvement will report to the Director of Procurement and is responsible for delivering efficient, effectives process performance. It will be delivered by developing and optimising procurement strategies, implementing best practice, overseeing the management of supplier relationships including the performance measurement of suppliers, maintaining procurement systems and ensuring user compliance with the Procurement Procedures. Continuous improvement and innovation will form a key part of the drive to achieve sustainable procurement excellence. The Head of Procurement Improvement will be instrumental in delivering the long-term strategic vision for procurement. This includes supporting the Director of Procurement to develop and deliver the Procurement Target Operating Model and Procurement Improvement Plan to prepare the business and the procurement team for the implementation a new procurement system in 2027. The role is also integral in leading the procurement team's Environmental, Sustainability and Governance strategy. Ensuring that sustainable practices are embedded within the team and across the whole organisation. This role will operate within a matrix organisation structure, reporting directly to the Procurement Director and working closely with cross-functional teams. The successful candidate will have a clear understanding of their impact on the organisation and their ability to manage across the whole procurement team.What you'll be responsible for As a member of the Procurement Leadership team the role holder will be responsible for: Optimising Procurement strategy

• Champion a culture of continuous improvement across all procurement processes, with a focus on quality enhancement, delivery performance and value add
• Strategically develop and oversee supplier development initiatives to enhance supplier performance and mitigate supply chain risks
• Identify and establish strategic partnerships with new suppliers to drive DCCs resilience, and sustainability objectives
Implement Best Practices
• Lead the implementation of industry leading procurement practices to achieve operational excellence
• Drive innovation in procurement strategies to ensure sustainable procurement excellence and organisational benefit
• Develop and oversee comprehensive training programs for the procurement team, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous learning
• Analyse and optimise procurement metrics to identify strategic areas for improvement and implement corrective actions
Overseeing Management of Supplier Relationships
• Oversee and enhance supplier performance management across DCC, ensuring that contract management is conducted consistently and effectively across the business
• Lead the strategic management of supplier relationships to ensure aliment with organisational goals and long term collaboration
• Foster cross functional collaboration, engaging with finance, operations, and the procurement category teams to ensure procurement strategies align with business objectives
• Direct and manage high impact procurement related projects and initiatives, ensuring strategic alignment, and timely delivery
• Provide Contract Management guidance and support to contract managers on strategic and high risk contract issues
Developing and Managing Systems
• Oversee the maintenance and strategic optimisation of procurement systems to enhance overall efficiency and effectiveness
Ensuring Compliance
• Ensure compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant regulations, embedding a culture of integrity and accountability across Procurement and the wider commercial organisation.
Budget and People Accountability
• Procurement Legal Financial and Commercial Resources as required by the project.
• Number of direct reports TBC
  
  Extensive procurement experience in procurement or supplier chain management, with significant experience of working in leadership roles
• Skilled in leading change, including cultural shifts towards continuous improvement and innovation in procurement practices.
• Proven track record of developing and managing strategic supplier relationships and partnerships
• Demonstrated experience in driving continuous improvement initiatives within procurement processes utilising methodologies such as lean, Six Sigma or similar
• Experience in implementing and optimising procurement systems (eg ERP systems, e-procurement platforms) and leveraging technology to drive efficiency.
• Strong understanding of procurement regulations and compliance requirements, with experience in ensuring adherence to polices and standards
• Proven ability to work collaboratively with cross functional teams, including finance, operations and retail teams
  
  Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water keep 3 million people healthy each day with safe, reliable water, and take away wastewater to clean, before returning it safely to our beautiful rivers and seas.
To be able to deliver high quality, essential services which help to protect the health of our customers, colleagues and our environment, we need the right people to deliver on our vision. This is achieved by living our core values and demonstrating the core behaviours that underpin them. The security of our people, assets and information is key to us, so we are looking for people who understand and comply with the company's required security objectives. We know that the most successful teams are the most diverse teams. Equality, diversity and inclusion provide the very foundation to our culture at Welsh Water. We want every individual to feel confident, proud and able to bring their whole selves to work. To ensure an improved representation in our workforce, applications are particularly welcome from minority groups including Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic people, Females, LGBT+, Non-binary and people with disabilities. Together we continue to build a workplace that not only celebrates the diverse voices of our colleagues but also represents each customer we serve. In essence, ours is a company based on trust, openness, respect, commitment and honesty. A company that our colleagues are proud to work for.

As well as a market competitive salary, 36 days annual leave (pro rata, including public holidays), we offer a range of employee benefits and rewards including:
• Variable pay schemes (your salary band will remain the same, but performance depending, you could receive an incremental within-band increase and a yearly incentive)
• Option to buy additional annual leave up to 5 days per year
• Health Insurance plus annual health checks
• Enhanced employer pension contributions - Up to 11% employer contributions
• Free Mortgage Brokering Services
• Enhanced family friendly policies
• Progression opportunities, including the ability to apply for funded training and coaching and mentoring programmes
• Gym and fitness discounts as well as high street shopping
• Cycle to work scheme
• Discount off all Welsh Water visitor attraction centres and gift shops
• Car-leasing scheme and free on-site parking at all sites
• Health CashBack scheme and access to an online GP service
• An employee assistance programme for employees and their immediate family
• Many more can be found here!
Whilst also working for a not-for profit company that truly cares about earning the trust of customers everyday, and about looking after our beautiful environment. Please note, we may close this role sooner if required. We may also extend the original closing date depending on interest. Due to the nature of the industry, we require satisfactory references, post offer medical clearance, and a criminal records Basic Disclosure check on all new employees joining the business. For some roles there may be additional checks and security clearance required, and this offer is subject all checks being satisfied. You will receive further information on how to complete these checks via email once you have accepted this offer.