Role: Head of Procurement

Location: Shoreham-by-Sea, UK

 

Automotive and Industrial is one of Ricardo plc’s five operating business units and is a trusted global engineering services partner for clean and efficient integrated propulsion and energy systems. Our experience and history over more than 100 years at the forefront of mobility innovation enables us to deliver solutions to the most complex challenges, allowing our customers across all global transport sectors to achieve a sustainable zero-carbon future.

 

Purpose:

As a key member of the Finance and Operations team, you will be responsible for leading all procurement activities in the Automotive & Industrial Business Unit.  Working with Finance and Practice teams you will ensure best practice procurement processes are applied for both direct and indirect procurement.  Central to the role is developing the procurement function for enhanced business value whilst meeting our sustainable procurement requirements

 

Key activities

Responsible for all technical and potentially commercial aspects of project delivery of self and team, as well as awareness of and adherence to common project management techniques
Functional management, leadership and development of the multi-site procurement team on all aspects of procurement, including:
Supply chain strategy and optimisation
Development of preferred suppliers and low cost options
Development and Implementation of best practice procurement processes
Supplier selection, assessment, development and management
Input and support to engineering projects and tender responses
Negotiation on price, schedule and quality
Procurement data / information / systems management
Accountable for all supplier contracts management within the business unit
Implementation of appropriate sourcing strategies to control the company’s purchased material costs
Development and implementation of sustainable procurement strategies
Lead and develop the procurement function to drive continuous improvement in all aspects of procurement processes
Forward planning of procurement capabilities and resources (labour, processes and tools)
Resolution of high risk/critical supply chain issues
Work with Practice and Business Development teams to add value to the proposal and contract development process of new projects and programmes
Collaborate with the Group procurement strategy and ensure the business unit procurement function delivers in line with Group objectives
Effective reporting to the business of procurement activities
Performs other job-related duties as assigned
To promote knowledge sharing and global delivery the role will involve occasional travel.
Depending on the project worked on, the role will involve some travel. 

 

 

Key accountabilities:

Be degree-qualified in a relevant subject
Professional procurement qualification, CIPS preferred
More than 10 years operating in a procurement role with leadership experience being a strong advantage
Developing and managing sustainable supply chains
Contract and supplier performance management
Ability to effectively lead and manage a team to achieve group objectives
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to present to and manage internal and external stakeholders
Strong commercial skills with good negotiation skills and the ability to influence
Ability to drive efficiency and quality into process and tools
Understanding of and sensitivity to business commercial factors
Strong problem solving, analytical and listening skills
Demonstrated ability to effectively multi-task
Be a team player with excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Be a self-starter who enjoys solving problems, driving towards efficiency and helping others achieve goals
Demonstrate good attention to detail and organisational skills
Ability to excel in a fast-paced, dynamic and matrixed organisation

 

 

Working here

Ricardo is an exciting and rewarding place to work and you have the opportunity to make a difference. You will work with teams of talented, dedicated, and supportive individuals. Alongside having a fantastic opportunity to develop your career with us through our broad range of projects, mentoring opportunities and a personalized approach to your learning and development. We are always keen to hear from people who have driven, ambition and a flair for innovative thinking.

 

Wellbeing and work life balance

Wellbeing is at the core to our culture, allowing employees to flourish and to achieve their full potential. Our People are important to us, and we take pride in our wellbeing programs and policies that support individuals including flexible working, careers policy, mental health first aiders and readily available support through our extensive Employee Assistance program.

 

Diversity, Equality and Inclusion statement

We are an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in each person's potential, and we'll help you reach yours. We have an ambitious diversity, equality, and inclusion approach as explained here. We value diversity; recognising that a more diverse workforce creates a richer and more varied working environment. Diversity also drives innovation, by allowing us to offer our clients the best consultancy service that we can. As part of our commitment to engage positively and pro-actively with all our employees to ensure an inclusive culture, we are a recognised as a 'disability confident' employer.

 

Benefits

Our core benefits include 25 days' annual leave, plus 8 flexible bank holidays, a competitive company pension scheme, life assurance and professional subscriptions reimbursement. We also offer a wide range of flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.

  

Once you have submitted your application, if qualified, a member of our Recruitment Team will be in touch. Please be aware that the timing can vary dependent on the volume of applications that we receive for each role and in some cases, we may start to review applications prior to the closing date.