Folkestone & Hythe District Council is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Procurement Manager to lead and shape our corporate procurement and contract management function at a time of significant opportunity and change, particularly in light of Local Government Reorganisation.
This is a pivotal senior role, providing strategic and professional leadership across the Council to ensure that procurement activity delivers best value, strengthens governance and risk management, and supports our corporate priorities.
You will act as the Council’s lead procurement professional, influencing at senior levels, working across diverse service areas, and ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, Contract Standing Orders and Financial Procedure Rules.
Join an organisation where procurement plays a vital strategic role and your work makes a real difference to the local community.
Key responsibilities
* Lead and manage the Council’s procurement and contract management framework
* Develop, implement and maintain the Procurement Strategy and Contract Standing Orders
* Advise senior officers on procurement compliance, risk and waivers
* Manage and develop the procurement team
* Embed social value, innovation and SME / VCSE engagement
* Maintain contracts registers and transparency reporting
* Deliver procurement training and support across the organisation
About you
* MCIPS qualified or significant progress towards CIPS Level 6
* Extensive experience in a senior procurement role
* Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023
* Proven experience leading complex procurements and contract management
* Excellent stakeholder engagement, leadership and communication skills
* Strategic, analytical and commercially focused approach
* Local government experience and management qualifications are desirable but not essential
Why Join Folkestone & Hythe District Council?
* We offer a comprehensive, people focused rewards package designed to support your wellbeing, development and work life balance.
* Flexible, agile and hybrid working arrangements.
* Generous annual leave: up to 31 days + bank holidays, plus birthday leave and Christmas office closure.
* Flexi-time scheme to support work-life balance.
* Health & wellbeing initiatives, including an Employee Assistance Programme.
* Reimbursement of professional membership subscriptions
* Salary sacrifice schemes: cycle to work and lease car options.
* Corporate discount schemes for shopping, entertainment, gym memberships, days out and more.
* Great location: centrally based, close to transport links and free office parking.
Applications close on Sunday 31st May 2026 at 23:59pm.
Interviews are scheduled to take place in the week commencing 8th June 2026.
For an informal discussion about this role, please contact Jonathan Smith - Chief Officer, Financial Services (Deputy s151). Email: Jonathan.Smith@folkestone-hythe.gov.uk, Tel: 01303 853780
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