Description:
Description Your New Chapter
VetPartners is committed to building a thriving and engaged workforce that supports a growing network of veterinary clinics across Australia and New Zealand. As the organisation continues to evolve, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head of Procurement to drive the strategic direction of our Procurement function, ensuring cost efficiencies, supplier excellence, and category growth across our network of veterinary clinics in Australia and New Zealand. This role will play a critical part in enhancing the procurement operating model and function, managing key categories, optimising sourcing, managing supplier relationships, and aligning Procurement strategies with our broader business objectives.
Reporting to the Chief Transformation Officer, you will lead a team of Procurement Category Managers and Commercial Vet Advisors, working cross-functionally with finance, operations, marketing, and field leadership teams.
Role Overview
The Head of Procurement is a key leadership role responsible for enhancing the procurement operating model and function, developing and executing Procurement strategies that optimise supplier relationships, drive cost efficiencies, and enhance operational performance across VetPartners' network of veterinary clinics in Australia and New Zealand. This role ensures the efficient sourcing of goods and services, strategic category management, and alignment of Procurement initiatives with broader business objectives.
The successful candidate will lead a team of Procurement professionals, oversee supplier negotiations, maintain strong stakeholder relationships and implement transformative Procurement solutions that enhance clinic operations. With full P&L responsibility, this role requires a strong commercial acumen, exceptional negotiation skills, and a data-driven approach to Procurement and category growth.
This role features a hybrid work arrangement, with four days in the office to promote collaboration, build strong connections, and enhance team engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Strategic Sourcing & Category Management
- Develop and execute a comprehensive Procurement strategy that supports business growth and financial targets.
- Identify, provide advice, and manage strategic sourcing opportunities across key categories, including medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, equipment, IT, and professional services.
- Lead supplier negotiations to secure cost-effective contracts and build long-term vendor partnerships.
Supplier Relationship & Contract Management
- Establish and maintain strong supplier partnerships, ensuring performance and service levels align with business needs.
- Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance with Procurement policies and driving continuous supplier improvement.
- Evaluate vendor performance and implement strategies to enhance supply chain efficiency.
Reporting & Performance Tracking
- Develop and manage KPI dashboards to track category performance, cost savings, and Procurement efficiency.
- Provide data-driven insights to senior leadership to inform Procurement decisions.
- Conduct regular performance reviews and adjust strategies based on business needs.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Collaborate with clinic leaders and operations teams to align Procurement and category strategies with clinical needs.
- Provide training and support to clinic staff on Procurement best practices and inventory management.
- Act as a key liaison between suppliers and internal teams to ensure seamless communication and issue resolution.
Technology & Transformation Projects
- Implement exclusive agreements with strategic partners across all VetPartners' clinics, ensuring a smooth transition and flawless delivery to each clinic
- Drive the implementation of a procure-to-pay system to streamline purchasing processes.
- Lead the development of a clinic purchasing marketplace, improving Procurement efficiency across the network.
- Support the launch of a B2C e-commerce platform, enhancing accessibility to veterinary products.
Skills, Attributes, and Experience:
- A degree in business or a related field (MBA preferred).
- Senior Procurement/category management experience, ideally within retail, pharmacy, or multi-site operations.
- Proven ability to develop and execute strategic Procurement plans that deliver financial and operational results.
- Strong experience in contract negotiation, supplier management, and cost optimisation.
- A hands-on, practical approach to problem-solving and business transformation.
- The ability to lead cross-functional teams in a fast-paced and evolving environment.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging senior executives.
- Excellent understanding of different procurement operating models and how to apply and/or enhance overall procurement function
- Strong experience with developing a team of procurement professionals
Why VetPartners?
At VetPartners, we're more than just a company – we're a family united by our passion for animal welfare and excellence in veterinary care. Working with us means being part of a dynamic and supportive community where your contributions are valued, and your growth is nurtured.
Why Work With Us?
- Shared Purpose: Join a passionate community dedicated to advancing animal healthcare and making a positive impact on pets and their owners.
- Collaborative Culture: Experience a supportive environment where collaboration fuels innovation and fosters personal and professional growth.
- Opportunities for Growth: Grow with us through ongoing training, mentorship, and career advancement opportunities tailored to your development.
- Rewarding Work: Make a difference every day by contributing to meaningful projects that positively impact the health and well-being of animals.
- Work-Life Balance: Enjoy flexible working arrangements and support to maintain a healthy balance between your professional and personal life
How To Apply:
Sound Like you? Join Us. Grow You. Click the Apply Button and please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experience.
VetPartners is committed to Equal Employment Opportunities. We are committed to being an inclusive, diverse, and flexible workplace where differences are valued. We welcome people of all backgrounds, experience, and abilities.
A note to recruitment agencies: We are not accepting candidates from recruitment agencies. We do not accept unsolicited agency resumes and are not responsible for any fees related to unsolicited resumes. No agencies required.