NextStep
Director of Procurement

How your CV stacks up
Upload your CV to see how well it fits this job role
?%
Director of Procurement
Director of Procurement | FTSE 250 Specialist Retailer (Ambitious Leader Sought)
About NextStep
NextStep connects top consulting talent with high-potential opportunities through smart, AI-powered matching. We partner with ambitious companies across sectors to place experienced professionals in roles where they can have a real impact. On behalf of a client in our network, we are currently looking for a Director of Procurement to join their team.
About the Company
Our client is a FTSE 250 specialist retailer, boasting:
- £1.8bn in annual revenue
- 600+ stores
- A growing e-commerce business
The Procurement function manages over £500m of third-party spend, covering:
- Direct product sourcing
- Logistics
- Technology
- Facilities
- Marketing services
Following a strategic review, the CPO is transforming Procurement from a cost-focused function into a strategic capability capable of driving:
- Supplier innovation
- ESG compliance
- Supply chain resilience
The Role
As Director of Procurement, you will:
- Lead a team of 25 professionals across direct/indirect categories.
- Own the procurement operating model and deliver the transformation programme.
- Act as a key ExCo partner, report to the CPO, and collaborate with CFO, COO, and divisional commercial leads.
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
Start with a chat, not a search bar
Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Strategic leadership: Define category strategy, direct sourcing activities, and develop team capability for both direct & indirect spend.
- Transformation: Roll out a new Total Operating Model (TOM) and implement a best-in-class procurement technology stack.
- ExCo representation: Deliver regular updates on savings delivery, risk exposure, and strategic procurement initiatives.
- Supplier management: Chair strategic supplier forums and manage critical supplier risk at director level.
- ESG focus: Lead supplier due diligence, ethical sourcing, and Scope 3 emissions reduction strategies.
What We’re Looking For
Essential Requirements
✅ 12+ years of procurement experience, including:
- 5+ years in a senior procurement leadership role
- Experience within retail, FMCG, or a large-scale commercial environment


Get help with your application
Your very own career expert that helps elevate your application to the next level.
✅ Track record of:
- Leading procurement transformation
- Delivering sustained savings at scale
✅ Direct & indirect procurement expertise
✅ Strong ExCo presence, with the ability to:
- Represent Procurement credibly
- Advocate procurement as a strategic business enabler
✅ Part-qualified professional (MCIPS equivalent)
Compensation & Benefits
✨ Base salary: £140,000 – £170,000 (experience-dependent) ✨ Annual bonus + long-term incentive package (LTIP) ✨ 28 days’ holiday + hybrid working (London-based) ✨ Executive benefits: Pension contribution, private health cover
How to Apply
- Register your profile at getnextstep.com.
- Complete your background.
- NextStep’s AI matching system will evaluate your fit.
- No cover letter required—direct the role.
(All applications handled confidentially.)
“It took my CV and asked me questions relevant to understanding what kind of jobs to suggest for me. Suggestions were almost perfect. Jobs were exactly what I’ve been looking for.”
Jessica, London
Skills
Location