Head of Sourcing

Job Title: Head of Sourcing

Function: Strategic Sourcing

Location/Country: UK & Ireland

Purpose Of The Position

Leader of the regional strategic sourcing organization, responsible for building and managing a high-performing supply base to drive cost efficiency, quality, and operational excellence.

Areas of responsibility

Strategic Purchasing Leadership

Coordinating with local Head of Supply Chain;

• Develop and execute the purchasing strategy for regional plants, incorporating input from Global Category Managers (GCM) and New Product Introduction (NPI).
• Define and implement indirect purchasing strategies and action plans for the plants.
• Drive local supply development plans and manage supplier risk.
  
  
  

Supplier Management and Negotiations

• Define and execute negotiation plans with local suppliers.
• Oversee local contract management, including price implementation and compliance.
• Act as an escalation point for supplier-related issues, including logistics, quality, and payments.
• Build and lead supplier development initiatives within the region.
  
  
  

Financial and Performance Accountability

• Accountable for Purchase Price Variance (PPV) performance and forecasting for regional plants.
• Coordinated by local Supply Chain Team, support strategies for inventory reduction and free cash generation.
  
  
  

Team Leadership and Collaboration – Within FG UK & Ireland

• Provide hierarchical management for buyers
• Serve as the main interface between plant management and the purchasing organization on supplier-related topics.
• Facilitate communication and alignment between plant operations and the purchasing department.
• Within Woods Air Movement, coordinate category management activity, in support of Strategic Sourcing activities
  
  
  

Basic requirements of the position

Education

• MCIPS (Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply), minimum level 5
• University degree in Business, Engineering, or a related field, preferred but not essential
  
  
  

Experience

• 3–5 years of experience in a similar role, preferably within a matrix organisation.
  
  
  

Skills

• Strong negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication abilities.
• Highly organized with a focus on detail and execution.

Competencies

• Proven ability to manage a team of 5–10 strategic buyers in a matrix organization.
• Collaborative and able to align cross-functional priorities.
• Strong financial orientation, focused on achieving measurable cost and performance targets.
• Agile and decisive in dynamic, fast-paced environments.
• Supportive of other departments’ needs, ensuring seamless cross-functional collaboration.
• Adaptable to international contexts, effectively working with diverse cultures and mindsets.
• In-depth knowledge of the local supply base, including market trends and supplier capabilities.
• Ability to work under pressure, with fast reaction
  
  
  

In Return We Offer The Following Package

• Competitive salary25 days Holiday (+ bank holidays)
• Hybrid Working
• Christmas Shutdown
• 4% Pension Scheme Life Assurance Scheme
• Company Sick Pay Scheme
• Enhanced Family Friendly Benefits
• Employee Discount Scheme
• Holiday Purchase Scheme
• Free Tea & Coffee
• Early finish on Fridays
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Woods Sports & Social Club (voluntary option to take part in events/activities for an additional small charge)
• Long Service Awards
• Free Car Parking
• Employee Assistance Programme & Access to Mental Health Support
• Learning and Development Opportunities
  
  
  

Equal Opportunities: We are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting individuals on their suitability for the role, qualifications and experience. We welcome applications from all communities and backgrounds.

Due to limits on sponsorship allocations, we are not currently able to offer sponsorship for this position. Therefore, applicants who do not have the right to work in the UK, and/or require visa sponsorship to continue working in the UK, cannot be considered for this role.

No recruitment agencies please