Head of Procurement Systems

Job Title: Head of Procurement Systems & Performance (Ariba & SAP)

Rate: £500–£550 per day

IR35 Status: Outside IR35

Contract Length: 6 months

Location: Hybrid – Manchester

Role Overview

A leading organisation in the aviation sector is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement Systems & Performance to lead the Procurement Performance team. This hybrid role will drive the digital procurement strategy, lead the development of reporting and analytics, and manage the Procurement & Contracts systems landscape—primarily SAP Ariba and the wider Source-to-Pay (S2P) process. You will champion the business transformation, help to digitise the supply chain and procurement interactions, automating business processes and providing solutions to some of the most demanding business challenges. Working closely with the technology provider (SAP Ariba), and the wider technology team, you will guide solution thinking and create and prioritise backlogs based on value. As well as being a hands-on delivery person, you will also play a key role in leading your team, You’ll need to co-ordinate people so they’re all clear on the direction and roadmap, challenge them to make sure the adoption of the new technology remains on course.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Procurement Performance team, delivering end-to-end support to Procurement & Contracts (P&C) and business stakeholders.
• Own and drive the strategy, performance, and transformation of the P&C systems landscape, with a focus on SAP Ariba and S2P.
• Act as the SME for procurement systems, tools, and data analytics, working cross-functionally to improve automation, compliance, and value delivery.
• Manage the Ariba Business Network relationship and oversee the integration of digital buying channels.
• Define and track business benefits, KPIs, and outcomes aligned to transformation objectives.
• Develop and maintain strong internal relationships with senior stakeholders across all spend categories.
• Oversee the P&C BI and reporting strategy, ensuring outputs support informed, data-driven decision-making at the executive level.
• Maintain the preferred supplier list, material codes, system change logs, and support user adoption and training across platforms.
• Collaborate with Finance, Centre of Excellence, Supply Chain, and other technical teams to align systems, processes, and policy.

Key Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in SAP Ariba, S2P processes, procurement systems, and performance management.
• Proven track record of leading high-performing teams and managing large-scale digital procurement transformation projects.
• Strong relationship management and stakeholder engagement skills, including experience working with executive leadership.
• Sound understanding of procurement processes, contract management, UK procurement regulations, and commercial models.
• Demonstrated ability to blend people, process, and technology into operational outcomes.
• Deep understanding of procurement and BI platforms, with strong data analysis and presentation skills.
• Proficient communicator with the ability to simplify and convey complex or technical concepts to non-technical audiences.
• Adaptable, collaborative team player comfortable working in fast-paced environments with shifting priorities.
• Degree educated in a business-related subject (desirable), with 10+ years of relevant professional experience.