Head Of Procurement

Interim Head of Procurement

Based in South Coast, hybrid working

Length: 3 months

We are working with a Local Authority who are looking to appoint an interim Head of Procurement to lead and develop procurement strategy, contract and commercial assurance, and the effective management of procurement activity across the council, while contributing as part of the council's senior leadership community.

Key Responsibilities:

• To provide strategic leadership for all procurement activity across the council, ensuring a consistent, compliant and effective approach to commissioning, procurement, contract management and commercial assurance
• To lead the development and implementation of the council's procurement and contract management strategies, policies, procedures and governance arrangements, ensuring they reflect legislative requirements, best practice and the council's priorities
• To ensure the council has effective systems, processes and controls in place for procurement, contract management and commercial assurance, and to monitor performance, compliance and outcomes, reporting regularly to senior leaders and relevant governance forums
• To lead and support strategic sourcing, procurement and contract activity across the council, helping services to review contracts, identify savings opportunities, and secure high quality, cost effective and socially valuable outcomes
• To develop and maintain productive working relationships with Members, senior officers, partner organisations, suppliers and other stakeholders, ensuring the council is outward looking, well connected and informed by good practice and emerging developments
• To lead, manage and develop the Procurement service, including workforce planning, performance management, learning and development, and the creation of an inclusive, psychologically safe and high-performing team culture

Key Requirements:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant discipline or substantial equivalent senior-level experience.
• Relevant professional qualification such as MCIPS, or demonstrable equivalent professional knowledge and expertise in procurement, contract management and commercial assurance.
• Substantial knowledge of public procurement legislation, governance, contract management, commercial assurance and best practice.
• A strong understanding of local government, its governance arrangements, decision-making processes and the political context in which services operate