Head of Procurement @ North West London Pathology

Job summary

Head of Procurement - North West London Pathology

North West London Pathology (NWLP) is seeking an experienced and commercially astute Head of Procurement to lead our procurement and commercial function across one of the largest pathology networks in the UK.

This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for shaping and delivering a modern procurement and commercial strategy that supports NWLP's operational priorities, transformation programmes and long-term strategic objectives.

The post will play a key role in major procurement programmes across pathology, including Managed Equipment Services, Laboratory Information Management Systems, automation, digital pathology, capital investment and associated support services.

Working closely with the NWLP Executive Team, Finance, North West London Procurement Services, clinical and operational leaders, suppliers and external partners, you will provide expert commercial advice and lead complex procurement activity from early market engagement through to contract award, mobilisation and ongoing supplier management.

Experience within healthcare, pathology, diagnostics, technology or another complex regulated environment would be advantageous.

Main duties of the job

• Lead the development and delivery of NWLP's procurement and commercial strategy.
• Provide strategic and operational leadership across procurement, commercial and supply chain activity.
• Lead complex and high-value procurement exercises, including MES, LIMS, automation and digital infrastructure.
• Develop procurement workplans aligned to transformation, operational priorities and Cost Improvement Programme objectives.
• Lead commercial negotiations with suppliers and strategic partners.
• Ensure procurement activity is legally compliant, commercially robust, transparent and auditable.
• Provide expert advice on procurement legislation, governance, commercial risk, contract management and supplier performance.
• Lead the identification and delivery of procurement savings and value-for-money opportunities.
• Support major business cases, investment appraisals and transformation programmes.
• Develop strong procurement governance, reporting, KPIs and supplier management arrangements.
• Represent NWLP in local, regional and national procurement forums.
• Provide leadership, coaching and professional development to procurement and commercial colleagues.

About us

Benefits include career development, flexible working, staff wellbeing programmes, staff awards and recognition scheme. We also have available benefits including Cycle to Work, car lease schemes, season ticket loan or membership options for onsite leisure facilities.

Environmental sustainabilityClimate change and poor air quality is a health emergency that harms people's health and wellbeing and widens health inequalities. The Trust is also committed to reducing its impact on the environment by reducing our greenhouse gas emissions to Net Zero by 2045. All our employees have a role to play, and we have an active green network that supports staff to act in ways that ensures that our services are efficient, sustainable and reduce our impact on the environment www.imperial.nhs.uk/about-us/our-strategy/green-plan

NWLP Induction

The NWLP induction will run on the first Monday of each month (provided it does not fall on a bank holiday) and includes laboratory training (for relevant laboratory roles). All new staff must attend the NWLP induction during their first week with NWLP.

2026-2027 start dates which you will be able to book once you have completed all your pre-employment checks.

Monday 7 December 2026

Monday 4 January 2027

Monday 1 February 2027

Monday 1 March 2027

Monday 5 April 2027

Candidates are advised to consider these start dates before agreeing end of service date with their current employer.

Job description

Job responsibilities

The full job description provides an overview of the key tasks and responsibilities of the role and the person specification outlines the qualifications, skills, experience and knowledge required.

For both overviews please view the Job Description attachment with the job advert.

Person Specification

Education

Essential

• Educated to Degree Level or equivalent.
• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply gained by examination or equivalent experience.
• In-depth professional knowledge in a number of disciplines including financial management, performance management, information systems, and significant staff management acquired as a Senior Procurement Manager.

Desirable

• MBA (Master of Business Administration)

Skills/abilities

Essential

• Ability to successfully link strategy and operations.
• Detailed knowledge of contracting, legislation and contract law relating to procurement and its application.
• Ability to identify, develop, nurture and promote innovate approaches to service development.
• Ability to develop an inclusive, team based approach to problem solving and decision making.

Desirable

• Commercial acumen within procurement.

Experience

Essential

• Substantial experience leading procurement activities.
• A track record of leadership, performance improvement and organisational change.
• Well-developed political awareness, influencing, negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Well-developed delegation, people and workload management skills.

Desirable

• Project management skills

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

North West London Pathology

Address

St Mary's Hospital

Praed Street

London

W2 1NY

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.nwlpathology.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)