Procurement Lead

Job role

The Procurement Lead will lead the procurement function for a leading accounting firm, overseeing sourcing, vendor management, travel, and logistics. This role is responsible for ensuring cost‑effective and compliant procurement practices across all categories, with a strong focus on professional services, technology, facilities, property and travel. The ideal candidate will bring deep procurement expertise, operational discipline, and leadership to support the firm’s growth and efficiency goals.

• Develop and execute procurement strategies aligned with firm‑wide objectives.
• Lead sourcing initiatives across indirect spend categories including IT, consulting, facilities, and professional services.
• Negotiate contracts and manage supplier relationships to ensure value, quality, and risk mitigation.

• Manage the firm’s travel programme, including policy development, vendor selection, and compliance.
• Oversee relationships with airlines, hotels, and ground transport providers.
• Work with the firm’s marketing department to coordinate logistics for firm‑wide events and conferences.
• Monitor travel spend and identify opportunities for cost savings and improved service delivery.

• Establish and maintain procurement policies and procedures in line with regulatory and ethical standards.
• Collaborate with legal and finance teams to review contracts and manage procurement‑related risks.
• Ensure audit readiness and transparency in procurement activities.

• Drive continuous improvement in procurement processes, systems, and reporting.
• Implement procurement technologies and automation tools to enhance efficiency and visibility.
• Track and report on procurement KPIs, savings, and supplier performance metrics.

• Build and lead a high‑performing procurement team.
• Partner with internal stakeholders across finance, IT, HR, and operations to understand needs and deliver value.
• Promote a culture of collaboration, accountability, and service excellence.

• 10+ years of procurement experience, including travel and logistics oversight, within a professional services or accounting firm.
• Strong negotiation, analytical, and vendor management skills.
• Experience with procurement systems and travel management platforms.
• Excellent leadership, communication, and stakeholder engagement abilities.

• Familiarity with ESG and sustainable sourcing practices.
• Experience managing travel programmes and logistics operations.
• Understanding of the unique procurement needs of an accounting or professional services firm.
• Ability to influence cross‑functional teams and drive change in a matrixed organization.

• A 35‑hour working week with flexibility around the core hours of 10am‑4pm.
• Agile working policy giving you the option to work from home for up to 3 days per week.
• 25 days annual leave. After 5 years’ service, the entitlement will be increased by 1 day.
• In addition, employees are entitled to buy or sell up to 5 days holiday a year.
• Contributory pension scheme (The firm will contribute 5% of salary on a matched basis with employee from their date of joining).
• Life assurance cover of 4 × annual salary.
• Eligibility for the firm’s Profit‑Sharing Plan that runs from October to September each year. The scheme enables staff to share in the profits of the firm. Payment is usually c £1,000. Paid in December.
• New client referral scheme. Members of staff introducing a new client to the firm have the potential to receive a referral payment of up to 10% of the first year’s total fees.
• Eligibility for the discretionary bonus scheme. This is based on both individual performance and firm performance.
• Private Medical – entitled to join on successful completion of probationary period.
• Staff have access to health assessments, cancer screenings and health cash plans through the flexible benefits programme.
• Access to a number of additional benefits with preferential rates under the flexible benefit programme: health cash plans, health screening/GP support, critical illness cover, dental and travel insurance,…