Head of Procurement
6 days ago
Sheffield
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.