Liquidline is the fastest-growing commercial coffee solutions provider in the UK and Ireland—not that we’re bragging! Our customers are companies that take pride in offering quality refreshments to their employees and clients. Our success is built on outstanding customer service, hard work, and a strong team culture. We believe in delivering WOW experiences to both our customers and our valued employees. We are proud to be Great Place to Work® certified, a testament to our dedication to fostering a culture of support, growth and development, as well as promoting well-being, and winning together. With our core company values—passion, thoughtfulness, responsiveness, innovation, and smart working—at the very heart of our business, we are committed to cultivating an environment that inspires excellence.
As Head of Procurement, you will take full strategic ownership of the procurement function, leading and developing a high-performing team. You will be responsible for mentoring and guiding your team through regular one-on-ones, performance reviews, and tailored professional development plans, ensuring alignment with both individual growth and organisational objectives.
Whilst your team manages day-to-day consumables and equipment stock, you will oversee their performance, providing the support, training, and tools needed to optimise procurement operations and streamline the supply chain. In collaboration with the strategic sourcing specialist you will lead the sourcing strategy for new products and services, ensuring alignment with business needs, cost-efficiency, and sustainability targets.
The Role - Head of Procurement
Strategic Procurement Leadership
- Define and implement a forward-thinking procurement strategy that supports business growth, cost optimisation, and supply chain resilience.
- Lead high-level supplier negotiations and strategic sourcing initiatives, ensuring alignment with corporate objectives and long-term value creation.
- Oversee procurement governance, ensuring compliance with internal policies, legal standards, and ethical sourcing practices.
Team Leadership & Development
- Inspire, mentor and develop a team of purchasing assistants, set clear goals and drive a culture of accountability and growth.
- Understand the motivators for each team member, fostering a positive and supportive environment that enhances morale, job satisfaction and retention.
- Conduct regular performance reviews, coaching sessions and career development planning.
- Champion a positive, inclusive and high performance team culture aligned with company values.
- Proactively address any performance issues or concerns, supporting the department director in managing conduct or performance challenges when needed.
Supplier & Contract Management
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships, conducting regular performance reviews and driving continuous improvement.
- Negotiate and manage complex contracts, ensuring favorable terms, risk mitigation and service-level adherence.
- Conduct market research and benchmarking to inform sourcing decisions and maintain competitive advantage.
Operational Excellence
- Optimise procurement processes and systems to enhance efficiency, transparency and cost-effectiveness.
- Monitor KPI’s such as cost savings, supplier performance and inventory health.
- Ensure uninterrupted supply of goods and service, proactively addressing potential disruptions.
Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Partner with Finance, Operations, and Commercial teams to align procurement strategies with business needs.
- Lead product lifecycle reviews and contribute to product range decisions based on market trends and customer demand.
- Facilitate clear communication across departments regarding procurement developments and supply chain updates.
What you will need in the role of Head of Procurement
- Advanced proficiency in MS Office, including Outlook, Word, Teams, Excel, and ERP systems, with the ability to leverage these tools effectively for operational efficiency and reporting.
- A minimum of 2 years experience in a similar role, with proven success in managing team-level deadlines, optimising performance, and achieving strategic objectives.
- In-depth understanding of the full procurement lifecycle, including supplier management, negotiation strategies, contract management and inventory control with a strong ability to lead and drive improvements across the entire process.
- Expertise in preparing and leading high-stake negotiation meetings with a clear focus on achieving specific business objectives whilst ensuring value for all parties.
- Exceptional negotiation, influence and persuasion skills with a proven ability to present compelling arguments, convey ideas and secure alignment on key decision.
- Clear and concise communicator, ensuring clarity and avoiding ambiguity, making complex concepts easy to understand for all stakeholders.
- Confident problem solver with the foresight to anticipate potential challenges and proactively develop solutions.
- Effective time management, setting clear team deadlines aligned with broader departmental objectives, ensuring timely delivery and sustained progress towards goals.
What You Will Learn & What Liquidline Can Offer You
Being a part of Liquidline is more than just a job - it's a chance to grow, develop and thrive! We are deeply invested in the success of our team and our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support, and reward our employees. The package includes, but is not limited too:
- 25 Days Annual Leave + Bank Holidays: Extra time off to rest and recharge.
- Long Service Annual Leave Entitlement & Buy/Sell Scheme: More flexibility for your time off needs.
- Candidate Referral Program: Help grow our team and earn rewards
- Company Bonus Scheme: Celebrate success with us.
- Enhanced Sick Pay: Supporting you when you need it most
- Enhanced Parental Leave: Comprehensive support for your family journey
- Salary Sacrifice Pension Scheme: Save for your future with ease.
- Life Assurance & Income Protection (UK Only): Peace of mind for you.
- HSF Health Plan: Access affordable healthcare.
- YuLife Wellbeing Platform: One stop shop for wellbeing, rewards and support.
- Employee Assistance Programme: Mental health support, virtual GP services and more.
- Menopause Support via Stella App: Tailored support for this stage of life.
- Lunch on Liquidline & Bi-Annual Conferences: Enjoy lunch on Liquidline, and Bi Annual company conferences.
Liquidline is a fast-growing, family owned business that has expanded from 92 to over 300 employees since 2020. With ambitious plans for the next five years, there's never been a better time to join us! Our dynamic and innovative environment offers endless opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We are proud to be an Equal Opportunities Employer, treating everyone with fairness, respect and appreciation. At Liquidline, we embrace diversity and value the unique experiences and perspectives of every individual. Together, we are always Winning Together