Head of Procurement

JSS Search; England; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking a Director/Head of Procurement to lead a high-impact team and oversee major procurement activities in the higher education sector. The successful candidate will develop procurement strategies, negotiate contracts, and drive transformation for significant savings and efficiency. Relevant experience in procurement leadership and a MCIPS qualification are required. The role offers a competitive salary between £75k - £90k and is permanent with potential temp-to-perm options.

Qualifications

• Significant experience leading procurement across diverse spend categories.
• Strong category knowledge in areas such as IT and Facilities.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and negotiate high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead on major procurement projects and high-value categories of expenditure.
• Develop and implement a Procurement Strategy aligned with organisational objectives.
• Drive procurement transformation to deliver measurable savings and efficiency improvements.

Skills

Procurement leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Negotiation skills

Sustainability in procurement

Education

Degree-level education or equivalent

MCIPS qualification

Job description

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.