Head of Procurement

Opportunity Brief: Head of Procurement - Gemini Rail

Ford & Stanley Executive Search (Part of the Ford & Stanley Group) are specialists in Executive Interim and Permanent appointments to the UK & North American, Rail, Engineering and General Manufacturing Industries.

We have been exclusively entrusted and appointed by Gemini Rail Group on a retained search for a Head of Procurement that will be pivotal in ensuring the continued growth and evolution of the business.

Below you will find an 'opportunity brief' developed from notes taken during the scoping meeting (Situational Discovery) held between the Business Manager of F&S Executive Search, Senior Research Associate and Gemini Rail's Chief Operating Officer. This brief is designed to give candidates a deeper insight into the opportunity inherent within the role, the challenges the role presents and provide access to the detail that sits behind the job specification.

Client Opportunity Statement:

"Fundamental to the continuous development of the business, is the appointment of a commercially astute Head of Procurement. Someone who can 'think outside the box', challenge the status quo, and implement commercial improvements to the processes and procedures within the team."
"You will take ownership of a capable Procurement team who, although they have significant potential, are in need of stronger leadership and management. We are looking to establish a collaborative, dynamic and team centred culture where all members are valued with opportunities for support and professional development."
"You will have full involvement across the procurement team, remaining operationally involved (60%), focusing on improving processes and procedures (15%) and ensuring you provide strong support in the team to allow them to flourish (25%). Additionally, you will have a firm focus on building relationships across the business to increase commercial input from the procurement team."

The Opportunity

Main challenges that will be encountered in the 1st year:

• Whilst the business has an exceptionally strong orderbook, the cashflow is an area of improvement resulting in a requirement for a more in-depth thought process around purchasing & supplier engagement, particularly when it comes to that of payments.
• The new Head of Procurement will ensure visibility, engagement and presence within other areas of the organisation, proactively contribute to strategy and key operational decisions.
• The Head of Procurement will be tasked with developing and implementing a new team culture and positive dynamic to allow team members to flourish.  

Top deliverables in the 1st year:

• You will have built strong relationships across the business with internal stakeholders to ensure high levels of collaboration.
• Evidenced the implementation of an improved team ethos that encourages personal growth, smarter working and increased productivity.
• Notable improvements to the procurement systems and processes

Agreed Hard Skills for candidates to secure an interview:

§  MCIPS qualified, working towards or willing to work towards

§  Would suit a Senior Procurement Manager, Senior Purchasing Manager, Senior Supply Chain Manager ready for a step up into Head of.

§  Experience of Category/Procurement management within engineering or similar environment.

§  A proven track record of empowering procurement teams and gaining a 'seat at the table'. 

§  Capable of building strong relationships across the business to ensure collaboration between departments and stakeholder management.

§  Able to operate in a hands-on fashion in addition to motivating the team

§  Previous line management experience (2+ heads)

§  Experience of managing tight cash flows and engaging / managing close relationships with key suppliers

§  Ability to improve processes and procedures to streamline workload.

Agreed Soft Skills for candidates to secure an interview:

§  High emotional intelligence, gravitas who can build strong relationships but challenge when necessary.

§  An ambitious individual who is keen to learn and progress their career. 

§  A strong motivator of people, able to set a culture and foster a strong working environment.

§  Intrinsically motivated and able to 'self manage' / work with a high degree of autonomy.

Good to know:

• Gemini Rail Services are committed to delivering better journeys for rail passengers through maintaining, upgrading, and repairing the UK's rolling stock through innovative programmes and solutions.
• They are owned and operated by Mutares who have a vested interest in investing in the business as it continues on its journey.
• The role reports into COO and has 3 direct reports who are all performing but in need of increased leadership and mentorship.
• The position has become available due to the segregation process between Gemini and ADC under the Mutares ownership and the previous group Head of Procurement moving into / TUPE the ADC business.