Description
* Hours: 37 hours per week
* Contract: Permanent
* Salary: £65,966 - £71,091
* Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role with a minimum of 3 days per week in the office)
This is an exciting opportunity to join South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) at a pivotal moment in our journey. After bringing the region’s tram network back into public control, we’re entering a new era of transformation and investment in our transport infrastructure. SYMCA is embarking on a wide-ranging improvement programme to modernise the Supertram system and improve the service for our passengers. This includes an extensive rail replacement programme and major lifecycle interventions into the structures on the network. We are also exploring options for extending the tram network in line with our Mayor’s transport vision.
This newly created role will play a key part in shaping how we deliver major capital programmes that make a real difference to people’s lives across South Yorkshire.
Applications must be accompanied by a cover letter to detail how you meet the essential criteria for the role (please see role profile attached). Please note, all applications should be made directly via our careers portal .
Please note South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.
About the role
As Head of Capital Procurement, you will lead the strategic procurement activity for SYMCA’s major capital programmes and projects. You’ll be responsible for developing our commercial and contractual capabilities, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, and driving forward a procurement strategy that supports our organisational goals.
You’ll work closely with senior stakeholders, partners, and local authorities to deliver collaborative procurement solutions, manage risk, and improve outcomes across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
* Lead and develop SYMCA’s major capital procurement strategy and function.
* Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, controls and procedures.
* Provide strategic guidance on procurement activity, spend analysis, supplier management and contract development.
* Support internal teams in effective contract management and commercial decision-making.
* Build strong relationships with partners and stakeholders to enable joint procurement opportunities.
* Implement performance measurement processes to ensure a high-performing procurement service.
About you
We’re looking for a strategic thinker and experienced procurement professional who can lead with confidence, collaborate across teams, and deliver innovative, value-driven solutions. You’ll bring a strong commercial mindset, deep knowledge of procurement regulations, and the ability to influence and guide senior stakeholders.
If you’re passionate about making a difference and thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, we’d love to hear from you.
* A degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience.
* Full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
* Extensive knowledge of UK procurement regulations and public sector procurement.
* Proven experience in a senior procurement role, shaping strategy and delivering value.
* Strong analytical, problem-solving and interpersonal skills.
* A commitment to continuous improvement, innovation and partnership working.
* Experience of managing contracts and suppliers, and providing commercial advice.
* Ability to develop procurement pipelines and long-term strategies.
* Experience of major complex major capital project procurement.
Benefits
All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference. Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities. Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family/friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
In addition to the above, some of benefits include -
Local Government Pension Scheme – A comprehensive and attractive pension scheme with the ability to be flexible in the number of contributions you pay in along with peace of mind from immediate life cover and terminal illness cover after 2 years.
Continuous Employment – If you are currently employed by a Local Government employer, or any other employer under the Redundancy Modification Scheme, and do not have a break in service, your length of service can be transferred upon starting. This will apply to entitlement calculations including annual leave, maternity leave and enhanced sick pay.
Enhanced Holiday Entitlement – From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
Annual Leave Purchase Scheme – The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in additional to your normal annual leave
Hybrid working – Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles being onsite full time. Please note, unless specified within the job advert, we cannot accommodate remote working contracts.
Flexible Hours Scheme – Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi-Scheme which allows office-based employees’ flexibility and discretion over their working hours. Under the scheme employees can accrue a defined amount of credit or debit of working hours, and to take time-off in the form of Flexi-Leave or banked Annual Leave.
Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications
Professional Membership Fees – Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity at South Yorkshire Combined Mayoral Authority
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief.
All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment as such all requests will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview.
If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact recruitment@southyorkshire-ca.gov.uk or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
The South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) brings together the local authorities of Barnsley, Doncaster, Rotherham and Sheffield and to serve the communities and businesses of South Yorkshire. From transport to housing, from business growth to skills, the SYMCA has a great story to tell. We have ambitions to deliver recovery and renewal for people, businesses and places across South Yorkshire.
In recent years significant funding has been secured through the Transforming Cities Fund and a devolution deal, and further funding has recently been secured through the region’s City Region Sustainable Transport Settlement. As result we have a large and growing capital programme to deliver in support of the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority Mayor’s 2040 vision for transport. Join our workforce of talented people who love working together – and are proud of the work they do. Progression here can take you in all kinds of directions.
This is what a career at South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority is like, and this is where yours starts.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is currently in the process of reviewing its terms and conditions of employment including pay and grading. As part of this project, the post advertised may be subject to changes in the near future. All changes and any impact on individual posts will be discussed further should you be successfully appointed to the position you have applied for.
Please note that SYMCA follows a structured salary grading system for all roles, and the offered salary for each post will be at the starting point within the specified grade. We value the skills and experience of potential candidates, and there will be opportunities for salary enhancements as you grow within South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority does not hold a sponsorship licence and cannot provide Skilled Worker sponsorship for any roles advertised.
All applications must be submitted directly via our Careers Website