Assistant Director, Procurement Specialist

Birmingham City Council; Highgate; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government authority in the UK is seeking an Assistant Director, Procurement Specialist to lead a modern, data-led procurement function. This role involves overseeing the full procurement lifecycle, embedding the Procurement Act 2023, and ensuring compliance while managing a significant budget of £1.75 billion. The ideal candidate will have proven procurement experience in public sectors, a passion for high-performing teams, and a commitment to achieving social and environmental goals for the community.

Qualifications

• Proven experience leading large-scale procurement transformation in the public or regulated sectors.
• Strong understanding of Procurement Act 2023, governance, and compliance.
• Passion for enabling high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership across the procurement lifecycle.
• Embed the Procurement Act 2023 in operations.
• Strengthen governance and compliance.

Skills

Strategic leadership

Procurement lifecycle management

Category management

Supplier relationship management

Education

MCIPS or equivalent

Job description

Assistant Director, Procurement Specialist

We are seeking an outstanding Assistant Director, Procurement Specialist to help shape a modern, data‑led and socially responsible procurement function within our reimagined Commercial and Procurement Service.

Reporting to the Director, Commercial and Procurement, you’ll provide strategic leadership across the full procurement lifecycle – from category management and sourcing through to contract performance and supplier relationship management. You’ll continue to embed the Procurement Act 2023, strengthen governance and compliance, and ensure that every pound spent supports our wider social, economic and environmental objectives.

You’ll bring proven experience leading large‑scale procurement transformation in the public or regulated sectors, alongside MCIPS (or equivalent) and a passion for enabling high‑performing teams.

This is a rare opportunity to influence how £1.75 billion of annual spend delivers measurable impact for Birmingham’s citizens and communities.

Birmingham is a city in transformation – and so is our Council. As we embark on one of the most ambitious financial and organisational recovery programmes in local government, procurement is at the heart of how we deliver value, drive sustainability, and create impact for our 1.1 million residents.