Application Deadline:
26 October 2025
Department:
Governance & Legal
Location:
Sheffield Head Office
Compensation:
£65,966 - £71,091 / year
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 - or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.