Director/Head of Procurement – Higher Education Sector
Salary: £75k - £90k
Contract Type: Permanent (also open to temp-to-perm)
Are you an experienced procurement leader ready to drive transformation across a complex, multi-faceted organisation? We’re seeking a Head of Procurement to lead a small but high-impact team, oversee major procurement activity, and play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s procurement strategy during an exciting period of change.
About the Role
Reporting to the Director of Finance, you will lead and deliver a comprehensive procurement function that supports the organisation’s strategic, commercial, and operational goals. This is a hands-on leadership role, combining strategic oversight with delivery across key spend categories including Property & Facilities Management, Technology, Professional Services, People, and Corporate Services.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead on major procurement projects and high-value categories of expenditure.
* Oversee high-risk procurement activity and ensure best practice across all stages.
* Develop and implement a Procurement Strategy and category management plans aligned with organisational objectives.
* Drive procurement transformation, delivering measurable savings and efficiency improvements.
* Negotiate robust commercial agreements with suppliers, optimising value for money and reducing supplier base complexity.
* Champion early engagement of procurement in business decision-making.
* Coach and develop procurement professionals and stakeholders across the organisation.
* Ensure sustainability and CSR commitments are embedded in all procurement activity.
* Manage supplier performance and end-to-end relationship management.
About You
You’re a strategic and commercially minded procurement professional with a proven record of leading teams and delivering impactful change in complex environments. You have excellent stakeholder engagement skills and thrive in a collaborative, transformative culture.
Essential Experience & Skills
* Significant experience leading procurement across diverse spend categories.
* Strong category knowledge in areas such as IT and Facilities.
* Deep understanding of end-to-end procurement processes and strategic sourcing methodologies.
* Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and negotiate high-value contracts.
* Experience implementing procurement systems and driving transformation (people, process, and technology).
* Strong leadership and people development skills.
* Degree-level education (or equivalent) and MCIPS qualification.
Desirable
* Awareness of public sector procurement legislation.
* Experience within the higher education, public, or not-for-profit sectors.