We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Deputy Head of Procurement to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic procurement activity across a large, complex public sector organisation. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a procurement professional with strong public sector expertise, excellent people leadership capability, and a passion for delivering value for money within a highly regulated environment.
This role is ideal for a proactive, customer-focused leader who can balance strategic direction with operational delivery, act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement across commercial and procurement activity.
The Role
As Deputy Head of Procurement, you will provide strategic leadership and professional oversight across organisation-wide procurement and commercial activities. You will lead complex and high-value procurements, ensure compliance with public procurement legislation, and support the delivery of organisational objectives through effective commercial solutions.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and deliver complex procurements, including above-threshold tenders, frameworks, and RFQs, in line with Public Contract Regulations and best practice.
* Provide expert advice, guidance, and training to procurement teams on public sector procurement processes and compliance.
* Act as the principal advisor on legal, policy, and governance matters relating to commercial and procurement activity.
* Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with senior internal stakeholders to maximise long-term value and outcomes.
* Lead, motivate, and develop Commercial Leads, ensuring high performance, professional development, and succession planning.
* Manage and oversee commercial projects, resources, and priorities to ensure delivery against objectives and timescales.
* Drive continuous improvement and lead change initiatives to enhance commercial effectiveness, compliance, and value for money.
* Ensure procurement activity mitigates financial, reputational, and operational risk.
* Support governance and compliance with Standing Orders and Financial Regulations across an annual organisational spend of approximately £250m.
* Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, including at regional and national forums, when required.
Skills & Experience
* Substantial senior-level experience across a broad range of procurement and commercial functions within the public sector.
* Strong working knowledge of Public Contract Regulations, contract law, and their practical application.
* Proven experience of leading and managing teams to deliver challenging organisational objectives.
* Demonstrable experience of managing complex, high-value procurements and commercial projects.
* Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience operating in complex and politically sensitive environments.
* Experience of project management methodologies (PRINCE2 or equivalent preferred).
* Commercially focused with a strong commitment to value for money and customer outcomes.
* Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex commercial and legal issues to non-specialist audiences.
* Highly analytical, decisive, and capable of developing creative, risk-managed procurement solutions.
Qualifications
* MCIPS (or equivalent professional experience).
* Degree-level education or equivalent experience.
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