Procurement Director - Hotel Development

Location: London (with international travel)
Salary: £70,000 - £100,000 + Benefits + Bonus
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

I am recruiting on behalf of my client, a leading international hotel development company with a prestigious portfolio spanning luxury resorts, boutique hotels, and major hospitality brands across six continents. Due to their continued expansion and ambitious development pipeline, they are seeking an experienced Procurement Director to lead their global supplier relationships and procurement strategy.

The Role

As Procurement Director for my client, you will be responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive procurement strategies across all aspects of hotel development and operations. You will manage relationships with suppliers ranging from construction contractors to FF&E specialists, technology providers, and operational suppliers. This is a senior leadership role requiring deep understanding of hospitality procurement and supply chain management.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement Leadership:

• Develop and execute global procurement strategies aligned with business objectives
• Lead category management across construction, FF&E, technology, and operational supplies
• Establish and maintain preferred supplier partnerships and framework agreements
• Drive cost optimisation initiatives whilst maintaining quality standards

Supplier Relationship Management:

• Build and maintain strategic relationships with key suppliers globally
• Conduct supplier performance reviews and continuous improvement programmes
• Negotiate master service agreements and preferred supplier contracts
• Manage supplier onboarding, compliance, and risk assessment processes

Hotel Development Procurement:

• Oversee procurement for new hotel developments from groundworks to opening
• Manage FF&E procurement including furniture, fixtures, equipment, and technology
• Coordinate with design teams and brand standards for specification compliance
• Ensure procurement aligns with project timelines and budget constraints

Operational Procurement:

• Establish procurement frameworks for hotel operations including food & beverage, housekeeping, maintenance, and guest amenities
• Develop relationships with linen suppliers, amenity providers, and technology vendors
• Manage procurement for spa, wellness, and recreational facilities
• Oversee procurement of kitchen equipment, POS systems, and property management systems

Team Leadership & Process Management:

• Lead and develop a team of procurement professionals across multiple regions
• Implement procurement policies, procedures, and governance frameworks
• Drive digital transformation initiatives including e-procurement platforms
• Ensure compliance with local regulations and brand requirements

Essential Requirements

Professional Background:

• Degree in Business, Supply Chain Management, or related field
• Professional procurement qualification (CIPS/APICS) preferred
• Senior procurement experience
• Experience in hospitality/hotel procurement
• Proven track record in strategic supplier relationship management

Hospitality Procurement Expertise:

• Deep understanding of hotel development procurement cycles
• Extensive experience with FF&E suppliers and hospitality-specific equipment
• Knowledge of major hotel brand standards and procurement requirements
• Experience with food & beverage supply chains and operational procurement
• Understanding of hospitality technology procurement (PMS, POS, in-room systems)

Technical Skills:

• Experience with procurement software platforms (SAP Ariba, Oracle, or similar)
• Strong negotiation and contract management capabilities
• Knowledge of international trade regulations and customs procedures
• Understanding of sustainability and ethical sourcing practices
• Proficiency in spend analysis and category management

Leadership & Commercial Acumen:

• Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams
• Strong commercial awareness and cost management skills
• Experience managing multi-million pound procurement budgets
• Ability to influence at board level and work with C-suite executives
• Excellent stakeholder management across internal and external partners

Desirable Experience

• Experience with luxury hotel brands and high-end hospitality procurement
• Knowledge of resort development including villas, spas, and recreational facilities
• International procurement experience, particularly in emerging markets
• Experience with sustainable and ethical sourcing initiatives
• Background in construction procurement and project-based purchasing
• Understanding of franchise and management company procurement models