Head of Procurement

Job Title Head of Procurement Location Madrid, Spain (office-based, full-time) About the Organisation Our client is a well-established European engineering and manufacturing business delivering advanced industrial technology, equipment, and project solutions across multiple process-focused industries. They operate globally, managing complex projects and bespoke equipment solutions for industrial, process, and manufacturing sectors. The company combines engineering design, in-house manufacturing, project execution, and after-sales support under an integrated operational model, serving clients with energy-efficient and technically sophisticated solutions. Role Summary We are recruiting a Head of Procurement to lead, professionalise, and scale the procurement function as the business enters a new phase of strategic growth — including major EPC projects and expanding operations. Reporting to the Procurement & Legal Director , the Head of Procurement will be responsible for structuring and driving procurement strategy across projects, managing contracts and suppliers, negotiating commercial and legal terms, and ensuring cost control aligned with project budgets and operational goals. This is a leadership role suited to someone with strong commercial acumen, EPC or project-based procurement experience, and the ability to operate effectively in a dynamic, technically complex environment. Key Responsibilities Lead and develop the procurement function, providing strategic direction and operational oversight. Manage procurement across multiple projects, ensuring alignment with project deliverables and budgets. Negotiate contracts with suppliers and contractors, including detailed commercial and legal terms to protect the organisation's interests. Drive procurement strategies that deliver competitive pricing, optimal payment terms, risk mitigation, and contractual clarity. Collaborate with internal stakeholders — engineering, commercial, legal, project management — to understand technical requirements and timing sensitivities. Deliver against detailed project budgets and schedules, seeking opportunities to improve value, reduce costs, and de-risk supply chains. Provide leadership to the procurement team, fostering professional development, process discipline, and continuous improvement. Maintain agility and responsiveness within a fast-moving, changeable environment, prioritising tasks according to business needs while safeguarding project milestones. Candidate Profile Strong background in procurement for engineering, EPC, or capital projects , ideally with experience in sectors such as oil & gas, biofuels, distillery and beverages, petrochemicals, process manufacturing, or energy/utilities . Demonstrable experience negotiating complex, high-value contracts, including commercial and legal terms. Comfortable managing procurement across diverse scopes — from major turnkey contracts to individual components or specialist categories. Excellent stakeholder management skills with the ability to influence cross-functionally in technically demanding projects. Experience managing suppliers in international markets with understanding of risk, compliance, and contract performance. Confident leader with the ambition to shape and scale procurement practices; ideally a senior buyer or procurement manager ready for a step up into functional leadership. Why This Role Matters This is a pivotal hire for a business moving into larger and more complex project portfolios. Procurement excellence will directly contribute to project success, margin protection, and long-term operational efficiency. The role offers the opportunity to professionalise processes, mentor a team, and establish procurement as a trusted business partner across the organisation .