Head of Procurement

Our client is seeking a strategic and experienced Head of Procurement to lead the procurement department on a 12 month fixed term contract basis. The purpose of the Head of Procurement is to enable the strategic development of the procurement function through support, influence, and contribution to the strategic and operational performance of business wide directorates, by promoting and driving commercial excellence through a highly effective procurement function. Embed a robust framework of performance (value for money), assurance (compliance) and continuous improvement (systems).

Please note, this role is predominately home based with a requirement to attend monthly meetings within the operating region (Andover, Devizes, Wells, Weymouth, Wareham and Ferndown)

Duties

• Lead the operating framework for the clients procurement activities, underpinned by a robust forward plan and implementation of a long-term strategy for all business areas.
• Provide specialist support and advice on procurement issues across the company, enabling the needs of the business to be met while ensuring compliance with legislative and regulatory requirements.
• Develop, implement, and monitor procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines that comply with relevant legislation, regulations, and practices.
• Oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance, of procurement systems and technology to support procurement operations.
• Work in partnership with and lead cross-functional teams comprising of group wide operational and management colleagues ensuring they’re fully equipped to deliver against operational targets.
• Lead proactive analysis of designated areas of spend through effective use of project management, considering opportunity and risk, to establish a contracting pipeline fully aligned to the needs and priorities of operational teams to maximise best value.
• Work with senior leaders across the business to establish a robust approach to proactive contract management, which seeks to drive performance, identify opportunities for innovation, increase value and minimise risk.
• Embed an inclusive and progressive approach to value for money, incorporating ESG and social value.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders including internal customers, suppliers, and other third-party organisations.
• Ensure that the procurement function is current and fit for the future, including gaining access to new insights and innovation via external networking.
• Lead and enable a team of high performing procurement professionals, identifying development opportunities that support continuous improvement.
• Develop procurement capabilities throughout, through training, coaching or briefings to raise awareness and understanding.

Experience

• Experienced procurement leader, ideally with experience gained in driving change and improvements within a new or existing procurement team.
• Track record acting as a trusted advisor to our senior leaders, including advising business areas on market trends, procurement strategy options, best practice tendering, contract award, implementation, and management.
• Establishing a business partnering approach to procurement will rely on keen project management skills to lead strategy development, manage multiple projects simultaneously and engage operational teams in ongoing contract management.
• To manage a newly formed team including Senior Procurement Business Partner(s), Procurement Partner(s) and Coordinator, you’ll need skills in leadership, management, and coaching.
• Demonstrable working knowledge and application of UK public sector procurement regulations and other relevant legislation is vital to provide assurance.
• Your skills in analytics, problem-solving, communication and risk mitigation will help us to progressively evolve our procurement service.
• A commitment to continuous professional development and keeping up to date with developments in procurement best practice.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent professional qualification in procurement, such as MCIPS, or a related field.

This position offers an exciting opportunity for a proactive leader who is passionate about optimising procurement processes within a dynamic organisation.

If you do not hear from a consultant within 2 week of your application, then unfortunately on this occasion you have not been successful