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.
Work for Wates
Wates Group is one of the largest, and most successful family-owned private construction, development, and property services companies in the UK. We are building a place to work where everyone belongs, by one small act of inclusion at a time. We celebrate difference and welcome diversity.
As a responsible and inclusive employer, we are committed to equality and are proud to have been recognised for this through a range of accolades including gold accreditation with Investors in People, we are also a Disability Confident employer. Being a family owned, business means we understand and value long term relationships.
The Wates Group are committed to three ambitious environmental targets for 2025: Zero Waste, and Zero Carbon, from our operations and Positive Nature Enhancement. Wates are pushing to take a leading role in reducing our industry’s environmental impact.
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