Job title: Senior Head of Procurement and Commercial Services
Hours: 37
Contract: Permanent
Location: Leeds – Hybrid Working – Civic Hall Leeds and WFH
Closing Date and Time: Sunday 22nd March at 23:59
Leeds is made up of 812,000 people - from a diverse range of backgrounds, speaking over 175 different languages. A city with a unique geography - a vibrant urban centre surrounded by towns, villages and more rural areas, each with their own distinct history and character. We are proud to be a welcoming city, where our rich culture and diversity is celebrated and accessible for all. Every person in Leeds counts and should have the opportunity to contribute their strengths to Team Leeds.
Leeds City Council is seeking an exceptional and forward‑thinking Senior Head of Procurement and Commercial Services to play a pivotal role in shaping, leading and delivering our procurement and commercial strategy. This is a rare opportunity to influence major citywide outcomes and help us achieve our ambition to be the best local authority in the country.
About the Role
As a key member of the Financial Services Senior Leadership Team, you will lead the Procurement and Commercial Services team (a multi-disciplinary service, including procurement practitioners, contract managers, commercial lawyers, commercial accountants and data analysts). You will provide strategic leadership across the council’s complex public sector procurements, contract management and commercial activity.
You will ensure that efficient, innovative and value‑driven procurement and contract management arrangements are in place, aligned to the council’s Business Plan objective to increase efficiency.
You will lead the council’s procurement category management function, determine procurement policy (subject to member approval), and hold responsibility for Contracts Procedure Rules under the council’s scheme of delegation. You will also act as an authorised signatory to contracts entered into by the authority.
The post holder will oversee a procurement portfolio of approximately £1bn in annual spend and drive the development of a procurement and commercial centre of excellence.
You will provide commercial support to the council in respect of all areas of activity (including the council’s trading companies and partnerships), and support the development of income generation opportunities. You will also lead complex regional projects/procurements.
Key Responsibilities
In this strategic leadership role, you will:
* Lead and develop the council’s approach to procurement and commercial services, including strategy, category management and policy.
* Advise and consult with elected members and senior stakeholders on procurement opportunities, commercial issues and social value.
* Establish a robust framework of corporate procurement arrangements that maximise value for money and ensure consistent practice across the council and the region.
* Provide strategic leadership in risk management, contract management, funding opportunities, and commercial support across the authority.
* Represent Leeds regionally and nationally on key procurement matters, promoting best practice and raising the council’s profile.
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for contract management across the council, ensuring all contracts deliver value for money, comply with the council’s Contract Procedure Rules, and support high‑quality service delivery.
* Provide strategic and operational leadership for the council’s portfolio of PFI contracts, including development of a council-wide PFI expiry strategy.
* Manage and motivate a high‑performing multi-disciplinary workforce, fostering a culture of accountability, continuous improvement and innovation.
* Ensure effective governance, financial compliance, safeguarding and risk management across all procurement and commercial activities
About You
We are looking for a dynamic, influential and collaborative leader who can bring credibility, expertise and strong strategic capability.
You will hold:
* full membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or appropriate professional qualification; and
* contract management certification (e.g. Government Commercial College, IACCM) or extensive practical experience
You will:
* have extensive experience (minimum three years) of working at a senior level within a procurement and commercial setting.
* Bring strong experience of shaping strategic priorities with senior management and building productive relationships with elected politicians, senior officers, trade unions and partner organisations.
* Demonstrate the ability to lead cultural and organisational change, develop innovative approaches, and deliver high‑quality, value‑for‑money procurement and commercial solutions.
* Have a comprehensive knowledge of local, regional and national issues influencing the city and council policy and practice, and strategy within Procurement and Commercial Services.
Values & Behaviours
We are looking for someone who:
* Embodies the council’s values: Working as a Team for Leeds, Being Open, Honest & Trusted, Working with Communities, Treating People Fairly, Spending Money Wisely.
* Champions diversity, inclusion and fairness.
* Works collaboratively, communicates effectively and builds strong partnerships.
* Models ethical, professional and accountable leadership at all times.
What we offer you
Leeds City Council is one of the largest employers in the region with over 14,000 employees. We seek to recruit and develop talented individuals who embody our council values and ambitions.
We take pride in offering the best employee experience, with benefits including:
* a competitive salary and annual leave entitlement plus statutory holidays
* membership of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund with generous employer contributions
* a clear career pathway and continuing professional development opportunities
* a strong and robust organisation founded on excellent leadership and sound equality, diversity and inclusion policies and practices, built on shared core values
* flexible and hybrid working arrangements subject to service requirements including a hybrid model between home and office-based working, flexitime and a generous leave entitlement
* a range of staff benefits to help you boost your wellbeing and make your money go further
How to apply
Please click apply for redirection to Leeds City Council's recruitment platform and complete the online application form.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 22nd March – with in-person interviews scheduled for w/c 30 March.
If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact: Victoria Bradshaw – Assistant Chief Executive (Finance Traded and Resources) Victoria.Bradshaw@leeds.gov.uk
We welcome applications from everyone and actively seek a diverse range of applicants from all backgrounds and cultures. We particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to, women, carers, veterans as well as LGBT+, ethnically diverse, disabled and care experienced people.
This role is based in the UK. Home Office guidance states that candidates must evidence their right to work in the UK prior to commencing employment, either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa.
If you do not have the right to work in the UK, you must consider your own eligibility for sponsorship for a particular role through the Skilled Worker visa route before applying. To be eligible for sponsorship you'll usually need to be paid the standard salary rate of at least £41,700 per year or meet one of the other eligibility criteria. Ensure you are eligible before applying.
#J-18808-Ljbffr