Job Purpose
The Head of Procurement will lead and shape EMCCA’s strategic and commercial approach to procurement, acting as the organisation’s professional procurement lead. The post holder will establish procurement policy, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.
The role is responsible for developing and delivering a forward-looking procurement strategy that drives value for money, maximises social and economic impact, and supports EMCCA’s long-term priorities for the region. Working collaboratively with internal and external partners, the post holder will align procurement activity with organisational priorities, influence markets and supplier behaviour, and support the delivery of sustainable public benefit.
The Head of Procurement will build and lead a high-performing procurement service, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and overseeing complex procurement activity, contract lifecycle management, and procurement systems. As a senior leader, the post holder will anticipate legislative, market, and policy change, providing strategic insight and assurance to support informed decision-making across the Authority.
Key Accountabilities
* Provide strategic leadership and professional oversight of EMCCA’s procurement function, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and statutory requirements.
* Establish and implement procurement policy and functional objectives that deliver value for money, social value, and regional benefit.
* Act as EMCCA’s principal procurement advisor, providing expert counsel to Directors, the Executive Team, elected members, and the Mayor.
* Lead complex, high-risk commercial negotiations and procurement programmes with significant financial, operational, and reputational impact.
* Ensure robust governance, transparency, and assurance across all procurement activity.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
* Establish, implement, and review procurement policies and objectives in line with EMCCA’s Procurement Strategy, streamlining delivery of operational plans and maximising impact on organisational and regional priorities.
* Lead the development and delivery of major procurement programmes, including policy, people, financial, governance, and systems frameworks, ensuring full statutory and regulatory compliance.
* Set and manage significant budgets and lead complex commercial negotiations, managing risk and safeguarding EMCCA’s financial and reputational interests.
* Build, inspire, and lead an inclusive, high-performing procurement team, developing capability and capacity, and driving collaboration and behavioural change.
* Provide visionary specialist guidance, anticipating legislative, market, and funding changes beyond the immediate horizon, and scenario‑planning their impact on EMCCA services.
* Drive innovation and continuous improvement across procurement services, connecting stakeholders to the innovation ecosystem, leading market research, and communicating insights in a timely and effective manner.
* Establish and manage strategic alliances with industry, regulators, Government, suppliers, and EMCCA partners, ensuring effective joint working and integration to deliver public benefit.
* Oversee the operational management of procurement activity, ensuring transparency, integrity, and adherence to EMCCA’s governance frameworks.
* Represent EMCCA in market engagement activities, influencing supplier behaviour to align with organisational priorities and deliver sustained performance.
* Monitor and report procurement performance through KPIs, assurance mechanisms, and performance frameworks linked to EMCCA’s strategic objectives and medium‑term outcomes.
Leadership and People Management
As a line manager, the post holder will:
* Provide clear leadership and direction, fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
* Set objectives and conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings and performance reviews in line with the EMCCA Exchange.
* Support team development through coaching, mentoring, training, and career development opportunities.
* Ensure transparent, timely communication and encourage open feedback and continuous learning.
* Manage workloads and resources effectively to deliver priorities and maintain service resilience.
Other Responsibilities
This job description is not exhaustive. The post holder may be required to undertake additional duties commensurate with the level of the role, as directed by the Director of Commercial & Investment.
Person Specification
Experience and Skills
* Extensive experience leading large, complex procurement functions within the public sector or major organisations, encompassing category management, sourcing, contract lifecycle management, systems, supplier management, and social value.
* Recognised as a principal procurement expert, providing authoritative advice and guidance to senior leaders, including Directors, Executive Teams, elected members, and the Mayor.
* Proven ability to develop, present, and implement procurement strategies and policies that deliver organisational priorities and ensure compliance.
* Experience as a trusted advisor at senior leadership level, influencing strategic decision‑making in complex and politically sensitive environments.
* Expert knowledge and application of procurement legislation and governance frameworks, including the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
* Demonstrable experience leading organisational transformation and cross‑functional delivery, driving innovation, efficiency, and continuous improvement.
* Strong commercial and financial acumen, with advanced analytical skills to interpret complex data and inform strategic decisions.
* Proven ability to lead, motivate, and develop high‑performing teams through growth and change.
* Exceptional stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills, with the ability to influence outcomes across diverse internal and external partners.
* Outstanding communication skills, with the ability to present complex procurement issues clearly to senior leaders, boards, and external audiences.
* Knowledge of the wider public policy environment and government strategies, including devolution, economic policy, and public‑sector funding regimes impacting combined authority procurement services.
Qualifications, Training, and CPD
* Level 6 Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or equivalent.
* Member of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
* Evidence of ongoing post‑qualification Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
* Bachelor’s degree in business, law, supply chain management, or a related field, or equivalent experience.
* Management or leadership qualification.
Political Restriction
This post is politically restricted under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989 (as amended). The post holder must not hold any active political role inside or outside of work.
Personal Attributes and Values
The Head of Procurement will demonstrate behaviours aligned with EMCCA’s values‑based culture:
Lifting Our Region
* Puts wider outcomes ahead of personal or organisational gain.
* Acts as a passionate advocate for place, policy, or programme.
Working Together
* Builds strong relationships across diverse organisational and personal backgrounds.
* Provides constructive challenge and brings partners together.
Making an Impact
* Clearly articulates the rationale for proposals and their system‑wide benefits.
* Turns ideas into action within constrained resources.
* Embraces diverse perspectives and inclusive ways of working.
* Engages authentically and empathetically with stakeholders.
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