Head of Direct Procurement
| Posting date: | 19 November 2025 |
|---|---|
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 19 December 2025 |
| Location: | London, NW1 7HW |
| Company: | SSP Food Travel Experts |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Job reference: | 1429570494 |
Summary
Location: London Based Hybrid
Start the best part of the journey with us!
We’re looking for an ambitious and commercially minded Head of Procurement to lead our direct spend across food, beverage and packaging categories. You’ll play a central role in shaping our sourcing strategy, delivering strong supplier partnerships, and driving value, innovation and sustainability across SSP’s UK, Ireland and Netherlands business.
In this high-impact role, you’ll own our cost of goods, lead a talented Procurement team, and work closely with Supply Chain, Commercial, Operations, Finance and NPD to support product launches, brand growth and new site openings.
What you’ll do
- Lead and deliver the Procurement strategy across all three markets.
- Drive sourcing activity, tenders, negotiations and category plans.
- Build strong supplier partnerships through Joint Business Plans that promote innovation and continuous improvement.
- Manage cost of goods, inflation and supplier investment.
- Work closely with Supply Chain to optimise cost, quality and operational performance.
- Collaborate with Commercial, NPD, Operations and Finance to land new concepts and product ranges.
- Present compelling commercial proposals to senior stakeholders.
- Embed sustainable and responsible sourcing practices.
What we’re looking for
- Passion for food & beverage and strong F&B buying experience within hospitality and/or retail.
- Curiosity and commercial insight, with a track record of delivering strategic sourcing initiatives.
- Team-focused leadership experience, developing and motivating Procurement teams.
- Ownership and accountability in managing negotiations, contracts and supplier performance.
- Excellent communication, stakeholder engagement and analytical skills.
- Confident presenting at Executive level.
- Strong understanding of food safety standards and sustainability practices.
Why to join us:
- Employee Discounts across our brands (over 400 locations)
- Friends and Family Discount App
- Award-winning training, apprenticeships, and development programs
- Health & Wellbeing Support
- Hybrid working model with flexibility to support work-life balance
- Inclusive and diverse workplace with employee networks and communities
Ready to start the best part of your journey?
Join us at SSP and play a key role in shaping the future of our food and beverage offering across the UK, Ireland and Netherlands — where your passion, curiosity, teamwork and ownership will directly drive our success.
At SSP, we value diversity and are committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills, talents, and backgrounds.
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