Head of Procurement

We are recruiting for a newly created Head of Procurement role to establish and lead a best-in-class procurement function from the ground up within our growing IT Services and Consulting business. Reporting to the CFO you will set policy establish supplier relationships and create the procurement operating model.

This role is accountable for setting procurement strategy delivering measurable savings ensuring compliance and governance across all external spend and owning the full contract lifecycle. The role acts as the primary business-facing lead for supplier governance risk management and executive reporting.

The successful candidate will be experienced and highly motivated to build develop and lead the Procurement team and function.

Job Responsibilities

Procurement Strategy & Operating Model  

• Define and implement the procurement strategy aligned to business growth plans
• Establish procurement policies governance frameworks and controls
• Design and embed the procurement operating model including category management and sourcing approach
• Build the procurement roadmap including systems processes and capability development
• Lead develop and performance-manage the team
• Report directly to CFO and hold a seat at relevant leadership discussions

Cost Optimisation & Value Delivery   

• Drive and coordinate the delivery of agreed annual cost saving targets
• Identify value opportunities across all major spend categories (e.g. IT and software licensing contractors and contingent workforce subcontractors  facilities professional services)
• Track and report savings delivery with robust methodologies
• Drive total cost of ownership (TCO) optimisation across supplier base

Procurement Governance & P2P Ownership

• Own the end-to-end Procure-to-Pay process and drive compliance across business units
• Enforce compliance with procurement policy across all business units
• Review and manage approval thresholds controls and audit mechanisms
• Work closely with wider Finance team to ensure alignment between procurement and financial controls

Strategic Sourcing & Category Management

• Lead or support strategic sourcing initiatives for high-value and critical spend categories
• Develop category strategies where appropriate
• Run competitive tender processes (RFPs RFQs) to drive value and reduce risk
• Support business stakeholders in supplier selection decisions

Software Vendor and Licensing Management

• Liaise with the internal Software Asset Management (SAM) team to ensure delivery of software licencing cost savings and delivery of value for money.

Contract Lifecyle Management

• Own and manage contracts from inception through to renewal/termination
• Ensure contract compliance visibility and standardisation of terms
• Implement contract management practices including:
  • SLA/KPI tracking
  • Performance reviews
  • Renewal planning and negotiation
• Maintain a centralised contract repository

Supplier Relationship Management (SRM)

• Build and manage strategic supplier relationships where relevant at senior level
• Drive structured supplier performance reviews and governance forums
• Manage supplier risk including financial operational and compliance risk

Risk & Compliance Management

• Own and maintain the procurement risk register
• Ensure compliance with contractual regulatory and data/privacy obligations
• Work with Legal Finance and Risk teams to mitigate supplier-related risk
• Implement third-party due diligence processes

Maintain awareness of Irish and EU procurement regulations and their application to Version 1s purchasing and public sector supply obligations

Reporting & Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and report procurement KPIs to CFO / COO and executive leadership
• Provide insights on spend savings supplier performance and risk
• Act as the main point of contact for senior stakeholders on procurement matters
• Support strategic decision-making through data-driven analysis

Qualifications :

• 810 years procurement experience with at least 3 years managing a function or significant category independently
• MCIPS qualified (or working towards) or equivalent recognised procurement qualification; IIPMM membership an advantage for the Irish market
• Experience in a Technology Consulting Professional Services Resale or high-growth environment
• Proven experience building or transforming a procurement function
• Strong track record of delivering cost savings and commercial value
• Experience across indirect spend categories particularly in:
• Contractors / contingent workforce
• Professional services / consulting
• Technology and software licensing
• Deep understanding of contract negotiation and supplier management
• Working knowledge of Irish and EU procurement regulations; familiarity with public sector framework procurement (e.g. OGP G-Cloud) an advantage
• Strong knowledge of procurement governance policies and P2P processes

Competencies / Skills

• Demonstrated experience in professional services spend categories: contractors subcontractors facilities IT and advisory services
• Has either built a procurement function from scratch or materially restructured one
• Strong leadership in developing and inspiring a high-performing team
• Ability to operate at executive level and align Procurement Policy to business goals
• Strong negotiation and cost management capability
• Build credibility with and engage and challenge senior stakeholders
• Proactively identifies and mitigates supplier risks
• Comfortable producing board-level reporting on savings risk and supplier performance
• Brings structure to ambiguity without waiting to be asked

Additional Information :

At Version 1 we believe in providing our employees with a comprehensive benefits package that prioritises their wellbeing professional growth and financial stability. 

• Salary Range:
• Share in our success with our Quarterly Performance-Related Profit Share Scheme where employees collectively benefit from a share of our companys profits 
• Strong Career Progression & mentorship coaching through our Strength in Balance & Leadership schemes with a dedicated quarterly Pathways Career Development programme 
• Flexible/remote working Version 1 is tremendously understanding of life events and peoples individual circumstances and offer flexibility to help achieve a healthy work life balance 
• Financial Wellbeing initiatives including; Version 1 Pension with a 5% employee-matched contribution Private Healthcare Cover Life Assurance Financial advice and an Employee Discount scheme 
• Employee Wellbeing schemes including Gym Discounts Bike to Work Fitness classes Mindfulness Workshops Employee Assistance Programme and much more.  
• 24 days holiday allowance plus Public Holidays enhanced maternity/paternity leave marriage/civil partnership leave and special leave policies 
• Educational assistance incentivised certifications and accreditations including AWS Microsoft Oracle and Red Hat 
• Reward schemes including Version 1s Annual Excellence Awards & quarterly Star Awards. 
• Environment Social and Community First initiatives allow you to get involved in local fundraising and development opportunities as part of fostering our diversity inclusion and belonging schemes. 

And many more exciting benefits drop us a note to find out more. 

Version 1 is an equal opportunities employer 

We are committed to building a diverse inclusive and respectful workplace where everyone feels valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds identities and lived experiences and we value the different perspectives people bring including those shaped by disability and neurodiversity. 

We want every candidate to have a positive and accessible recruitment experience. If you need reasonable adjustments at any stage of the process please contact the recruiter at We will consider all requests carefully respectfully and confidentially.

#LI-AS1 #LI-Hybrid

Remote Work :

No

Employment Type :

Full-time