Head of Procurement

The Vacancy

Are you ready to lead and transform procurement at a national level?

Wates Property Services is looking for a strategic and commercially minded Head of Procurement to define and deliver our long-term procurement and supply chain strategy across five business units—managing over £450 million in third-party spend. This is a high-impact leadership role where you’ll drive efficiencies, performance, innovation, and resilience, all while aligning with wider Wates Group initiatives.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Developing and leading a business-wide procurement and supply chain strategy aligned with business and Group objectives.
• Building and managing key relationships with internal business leaders and external suppliers.
• Delivering procurement strategies that support operational success and business growth.
• Driving improvements in supply chain processes, tools, and systems to unlock savings and efficiency.
• Overseeing performance management and compliance, including reporting, KPIs, and supplier assurance.
• Leading and developing a high-performing team of procurement and supply chain.
• Collaborating across departments such as Group Procurement, Sustainability, and Social Value to embed innovation and impact.
• Ensuring resilience in supplier capability and establishing alternative sourcing strategies where needed.

What We’re Looking For

Proven success in leading procurement at a senior level within a complex organisation.

Strong track record in cost management, supplier development, and strategic sourcing.

Confident communicator and negotiator, able to influence stakeholders at all levels.

Experience implementing compliance standards, QA systems, and performance reporting tools.

Data-driven decision maker with excellent analytical and planning skills.

Knowledge & Qualifications:

• Deep understanding of procurement, commercial strategy, and supply chain operations.
• Experience with framework agreements, operational controls, and financial oversight.
• Degree-educated (or equivalent experience); MCIPS qualification is desirable.

Your Team & Impact

You’ll lead a national team of 14+ professionals, including Supply Chain Managers, Buyers, Procurement Advisors, and Admins—ensuring the capability and structure are in place to deliver business-critical procurement outcomes.

Ready to Make Your Mark?

If you’re a strategic procurement leader who thrives on driving results and building strong supply partnerships, apply now to join Wates Property Services and help shape our future.

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.