Frequently Asked Questions

How long does recruiting a procurement or supply chain professional take?

The time it takes to recruit often depends on the role, sector and seniority of the position. Our team will consult with you without obligation and set realistic timeframes based on their market-leading knowledge.

How do we work?

We operate on a flexible structure, offering the following types of recruitment:

• Retained
• Exclusive
• Contingent

What can I expect after requesting support on a recruitment campaign?

Depending on which practice sector your organisation falls under, one of the Heads of Practice will be in contact to discuss setting up an initial meeting to understand the challenges you are facing, how we can help solve those and how best to take the role to the market.

How long after making an enquiry about partnering with Procurement Heads will I hear back?

Our team always endeavour to contact you back within one working day.

What sort of organisations utilise your services?

Across the practice sectors we specialise in, we have recruited procurement specialists into leading: defence, construction, energy, manufacturing, engineering, automotive, aerospace, pharmaceutical, medical devices, healthcare, biotech, FMCG, telco, technology, food & drink, retail, media, travel & leisure, financial services, banking, consultancies, fintech, insurance, central & local government, NHS, housing, charities, education organisations.

What sort of roles do you recruit?

We recruit all levels of procurement and supply chain professionals, including, Buyers, Category Managers, Procurement Consultants, Heads of Procurement and Procurement Directors and have a vast network of talent we can liaise with on mandates.

What is the difference between interim and permanent recruitment?

We recognise that permanent recruitment might not always be the best solution for your organisation, which is why we have a bank of interim procurement and supply chain experts who can parachute into organisations for a set period of time and offer an ROI from day one. You can find out more about our interim offering here.

How does Procurement Heads help with the recruitment process?

As specialist recruiters in a niche field, we are able to find the best talent for that difficult to fill role. We screen candidates, headhunt, pinpoint strong CVs and match talent to roles and organisations.

We can also offer behavioural profiling, salary benchmarking and bespoke digital marketing campaigns.

What are the key things procurement and supply chain candidates are asking about at interview?

Candidates are increasingly interested in what the hiring company’s flexible working policy looks like, their sustainability commitment and how they are approaching equality and diversity.

As recruiters, we are committed to ED&I and are signatories of the Race Fairness Commitment and Change the Race Ratio, and all of our Consultants are Ambassadors for the Sustainable Procurement Pledge.

Do you have any client testimonials?

To read some of our client testimonials click here.

We also have more than 70 Google reviews at an average of 4.9 and are happy to provide client references.

Why do organisations use procurement recruitment agencies?

According to the Society of Human Resource Management, only 36% of roles advertised actually appoint on the first time of asking. While we are very respectful of your direct hiring methodology, we would welcome the opportunity to demonstrate how we are successfully solving similar challenges for our clients.

What are your values?

• Rewarding relationships
• Exceeding expectations
• Doing the right thing

You can read more about our visions and values here.

What other offerings can Procurement Heads offer?

We want to deliver recruitment as a professional service. In order to achieve that, we understand that recruitment might not be the ultimate solution your business needs.

That is why we have strategically partnered with:

• Aster Commercial
• Frost Procurement
• Kaleida International

All of whom can add value to your organisation.

For a discussion about any of our strategic partners email David Hazeldine at david@procurementheads.com

How do you deliver diverse talent pools?

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion is embedded into our DNA and one of our core business pillars. We firmly believe in equality for all and have pledged to continue attracting a workforce that reflects this, not only for ourselves but for the clients and candidates we engage with.

They are more than just words for us; they are the guiding principles of how we build our teams and future leaders and how we inspire organisations to diversify talent pools. We have a global multi-cultural following and are duty-bound to reflect this in our hiring processes.

From candidate attraction, right through to Board representation, EDI touches every part of the process and people need to feel comfortable bringing their whole selves to work knowing they will be treated equally and fairly and that their opinion matters.

Demonstrating our commitment:

Signed the Race Fairness Commitment Pledge which ensures fairness at work for people of all ethnic backgrounds and the Change the Race Ratio, which aims to accelerate racial diversity in business.

Run regular events for our network with guest speakers who discuss EDI in the workplace and what organisations can do to attract a more diverse workforce.

Pioneered a mentoring scheme tackling gender diversity.

How do you differ from other recruitment agencies?

For us, recruitment is a professional service.

We will consult with you, without obligation and offer solutions to your problems – even if recruitment isn’t the right option for you.

Through unique technology, we provide clients with data-driven reports on how candidates have viewed the hiring process, which helps organisations improve on processes.

Furthermore, we have been shortlisted for the Recruiter Awards’ Best Professional Services Agency for 2016, 2018 and 2020.

Can you help me create a job description?

Our team can help with crafting a job description that will entice the best candidates to apply.

We have a PSL in operation can we use Procurement Heads?

Absolutely, we are on many PSLs ourselves but are also happy to help where your traditional routes may not have achieved the desired outcomes.

How much do you charge for your services?

Retained Assignment (minimum £2000 payable upfront and non-refundable)     25%

Working Exclusively on a contingent basis                                                                         22%

In a competitive situation (with other Recruitment Agencies)                                      20%

What’s the best way to contact you with a requirement we have?

The best way to contact us is by filling out the form above or calling us directly on 01962 869838.