Global Head of Indirect Procurement, IT, R&D

Smith+Nephew

Global Head of Indirect Procurement at Smith+Nephew leading IT & R&D strategies. Focused on enterprise transformation and tech modernization while managing global supplier relations.

Posted 6/2/2026full-timeWatford • 🇬🇧 United KingdomLeadWebsite

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

procurementAI initiativesERP transformationsoperating model evolutioncapability buildingdata privacycybersecuritycommercial judgementperformance trackingcontinuous optimisation

Soft Skills

trusted advisorthought partnerleadershipinfluencing senior stakeholdersintellectual curiositynavigating ambiguityconstructive thinkingstrategic business partnerbalancing speed, cost, risk, and innovationteam development

Tools & Technologies

SaaSclouddigital platformsIT systemsR&D ecosystemscommercial structuresperformance monitoring toolsprocurement toolsAI/ML technologiessupplier management systems

Industry Keywords

enterprise transformationglobal portfoliomatrixed teamstechnology providersemerging AI-focused organisationsclinical servicesdigital servicesIT procurementR&D procurementthird-party risk

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

CloudCyber SecurityERP

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Serve as a trusted advisor and proactive thought partner to CIO and R&D leadership
Co-develop procurement strategies that directly support enterprise transformation
Lead a global portfolio spanning IT, Digital, Software, Infrastructure, R&D, and Clinical services
Own the development and execution of category strategies that unlock value
Lead and develop a high-performing global team
Maintain deep, real-time understanding of key supplier relationships and commercial structures
Establish disciplined approaches to monitoring, performance tracking, and continuous optimisation of strategic partnerships
Lead complex, global commercial engagements, including AI initiatives and ERP transformations
Act as a leader in ‘procurement in the age of AI’, shaping procurement and supplier strategies
Proactively manage commercial, regulatory, data privacy, cybersecurity, and third-party risk across IT and R&D ecosystems
Shape operating models, processes, and tools that support scalable, high-impact procurement

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree required (business, technology, engineering, or related field)
15+ years of experience in procurement, technology, or related commercial leadership roles
Demonstrated experience leading global or matrixed teams and influencing senior stakeholders
Deep experience across IT and/or R&D procurement, including software, cloud, digital, infrastructure, data, or clinical services
Strong understanding of modern technology ecosystems (e.g. SaaS, cloud, AI/ML, digital platforms)
Experience working with both large technology providers and emerging AI-focused organisations
Proven ability to act as a strategic business partner, shaping decisions and influencing outcomes
Highly intellectually curious, able to navigate ambiguity and challenge thinking constructively
Strong commercial judgement with the ability to balance speed, cost, risk, and innovation
Track record of leading transformation, including operating model evolution and capability building
Travel - Approximately 20–30%

Benefits

Comp & perks

Generous annual bonus and pension Schemes
Save As You Earn share options
Car allowance
Flexible Vacation and Time Off
Paid Holidays and Paid Volunteering Hours
Private Health and Dental plans
Healthcare Cash Plans
Income Protection
Life Assurance
Discounts on Gyms and fitness clubs
Salary Sacrifice Bicycle and Car Schemes