Head of Procurement - Water

We are looking to offer a Head of Procurement the opportunity to join our expanding Procurement team based in Stevenage.

About The Team

The Procurement function reports to the Chief Financial Officer and supports the M Group Business by working collaboratively as one procurement group to accelerate sustainable benefits delivery, providing solutions that meet the needs of our businesses and clients, enhanced by technology and scalable for future growth.

About The Role

As the Head of Procurement, you will oversee and manage all procurement activities for the Water division, ensuring that sourcing strategies align with the organisation’s goals for efficiency, sustainability, safety and cost-effectiveness to meet our client expectations.

You will set up and then lead a team responsible for acquiring goods and services essential to the operation, working closely with the Commercial function and operational teams to deliver sustainable value from the supply chain whilst maintaining excellent delivery for our clients.

You will be a strategic leader, adept at stakeholder management, supplier engagement, contract negotiations, and process optimization, with a pivotal role in ensuring the division meets its operational goals while driving innovation, sustainability, and cost savings.

You will be expected to attend the office one to two days per week with travel required.

About M Group Services

M Group Services is a trusted employer to more than 10,500 people in the UK and Ireland. Operating across 21 businesses in 240 locations, we provide specialist infrastructure services in the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors.

As a business we believe communication is key. We work in an environment where growth and development are promoted within the business, our employees feel they are trusted to get on with their work as well as finding this work interesting and challenging.

Where we are able, we work flexibly, believing that empowered colleagues are happier and more productive. We want to support our people as much as possible, therefore if you require a more flexible working arrangement, we would be happy to discuss this with you!

As the Head of Procurement, you’ll get the opportunity to:

• Develop and implement comprehensive procurement strategies for the division that ensure value for money, quality, and sustainability. Develop and deliver a preferred supplier strategy to drive cost savings, efficiencies and innovation benefits into the division.
• Drive cost optimization initiatives by identifying and capitalizing on opportunities for cost savings, without compromising on quality or safety.
• Lead framework contract negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors, ensuring compliance with legal, regulatory, and company standards. Ensure use of group preferred supplier contracts for suppliers and sub-contractors where applicable.
• Design, recruit, manage, mentor, and develop a buying team, promoting best practices in procurement processes, supplier management, and negotiation. Foster a positive and collaborative culture in the team, focusing on continuous improvement, innovation and performance.
• Work closely with the commercial and operational teams in the division and other key stakeholders to align procurement activities with the company’s overall business goals.
• Manage and develop good relationships with senior management within the division. Presentation and communication of procurement strategies to business partners establishing acceptance and adherence to procurement process and Group contracts.
• Identify and mitigate risks in the supply chain, including disruptions, cost fluctuations, and regulatory changes specific to the sector.
• Support green procurement initiatives, sourcing sustainable materials and services in alignment with the company’s environmental and social goals.

What you’ll bring?

• A wealth of experience in procurement, with at least 5 years in a leadership role, preferably within industry.
• Strong knowledge of procurement principles, sourcing strategies, and contract management.
• Experience managing complex supply chains, preferably significant subcontractor experience.
• Proven track record of achieving cost savings and negotiating with supply chain.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to analyse data and make strategic procurement decisions.
• Familiarity with procurement technologies (e.g., ERP, Oracle, or other procurement software).
• Knowledge of industry regulations and standards is preferred.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.

What’s in it for you?

• 25 days' annual leave plus statutory holidays.
• Discretionary annual bonus.
• Contributory Pension scheme.
• Life Assurance.
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to work scheme.
• Access to a wide range of discounts and special offers through our online rewards platform.
• Private health care.
• Company car/car allowance and fuel card.

#MGS

M Group Services delivers a range of essential infrastructure services within the water, energy, transport and telecommunications sectors in the UK & Ireland. We have built and maintained relationships with our clients over a number of years and have a strong culture that continuously focuses on safety, operational delivery, efficiency and customer service. We are committed to profitable growth both organically and through acquisitions. M Group Services, a trusted employer to over 10,000 skilled specialists working from 240 locations, operates a divisional structure aligned with its end markets.

At M Group Services we recognise and value the benefits from our workforce diversity. We work hard to build and maintain inclusive environments and develop a culture where our people feel included and valued.