I am delighted to be working with a well established organisation, based in the Midlands, seeking an interim Head of Procurement. The role will be an initial 12 month fixed term contract, to ensure that procurement activities align with the organisation's goals, deliver value for money, and comply with relevant regulations. The position requires a strong focus on cost optimisation, supplier relationship management, and operational efficiency.
The role has leadership responsibilities and the post-holder will be required to manage 3 Senior Category managers and teams, and drive collaboration with customers and stakeholders to ensure that individual group category strategies are delivering and continue to be aligned to the Group Strategy.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
- Leading and developing the Procurement Team in delivering international procurement category strategy on behalf of Group.
- Responsible for challenging and approving group category strategies for a number of Senior Category managers and ensuring that the strategies are delivered.
- Identify opportunities for cost savings and value creation through strategic sourcing and supplier negotiations.
- Manage and mentor the procurement team, fostering a culture of customer service excellence and innovation.
- Provide training and support to staff on procurement best practices and systems.
- Establish and monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure procurement effectiveness.
- Conduct regular supplier evaluations to ensure quality, reliability, and compliance.
- Ensure procurement activities comply with local, national, and international regulations. Act as the organisation’s definitive expert on UK public procurement legislation, ensuring all tendering, contract management, and award procedures fully comply with the Procurement Act 2023 and updated financial thresholds.
- Monitor and report on procurement performance, identifying areas for improvement.
Experience
- Significant senior-level experience leading a procurement function, ideally within a complex public sector environment.
- A proven track record of designing and executing procurement strategies that deliver measurable commercial savings and operational efficiencies.
- Extensive experience running high-value, complex tender processes (above and below threshold) from specification design to contract award.
- Demonstrable experience managing and developing high-performing, multidisciplinary teams.
Skills & Knowledge
- Public Sector Expertise: Exceptional working knowledge of UK public procurement legislation, specifically the practical application of the Procurement Act 2023 and current transparency mandates.
- Commercial Acumen: A sharp, commercially focused mindset with the ability to spot market opportunities and negotiate robust, value-driven contracts.
- Communication: Outstanding negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to translate complex legislative requirements into practical, commercial advice for non-procurement professionals.
- Problem Solving: Highly analytical with the ability to manage complex supply chain disruptions and balance rigid compliance with the need for commercial agility.
Qualifications
- Educated to degree level or equivalent professional experience.
- Full Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS) is highly desirable.