Head of Procurement

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government organization in the United Kingdom seeks a procurement strategy leader. This role requires a CIPS qualification and experience in public sector procurement. Key responsibilities include shaping strategic direction, leading e-procurement initiatives, and maximizing social value. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in managing complex purchasing activities and stakeholder influence, along with strong leadership skills. Competitive salary and numerous employee benefits are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Generous annual leave

Flexible working hours

Hybrid & flexible working options

Learning & development opportunities

Health & wellbeing support

Cycle to work scheme

Electric & hybrid car scheme

Exclusive discounts through VIVUP

Qualifications

• Proven experience in public sector procurement, including managing complex purchasing activities.
• Demonstrable track record of leading and delivering organisational change initiatives.
• Strong background in contractual negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• In‑depth knowledge of strategic procurement principles and public sector procurement regulations.

Responsibilities

• Shape strategic direction by contributing to the Council's leadership and strategic management.
• Lead Procurement Strategy to develop and implement policies and sourcing strategies.
• Champion Social Value by maximising community wealth building through procurement.
• Lead the implementation of e-procurement systems to improve efficiency.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Contractual negotiations

Supplier relationship management

Leadership skills

Stakeholder influence

Education

CIPS qualification or equivalent

Job description

Who we are & what we stand for

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time.

We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work/life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Empowering Better Outcomes Through Smarter Procurement

Working with the Service Director, Financial Management, directorates across the Council, and our external partners, the service is key in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that underpin the Council's long-term financial resilience.

As part of the Financial Management service, procurement leads the development and implementation of approaches that are aligned with the Council's overarching objectives, ensuring that every pound spent contributes to better outcomes for residents. By embedding strategic procurement practices, the service ensures value for money, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains that support local economic growth and social value.

Through strategic leadership and collaborative working, the service ensures that procurement is not just a transactional function, but a key enabler of the Council's ambitions for its communities.

Shape Strategy. Drive Value. Lead Procurement.

What you'll get to do:

• Shape strategic direction by contributing to the Council's leadership and strategic management, supporting the Thrive agenda and driving corporate initiatives that deliver meaningful change.
• Lead Procurement Strategy to develop and implement procurement policies, procedures, and sourcing strategies that ensure compliance, deliver best value, and support national procurement objectives.
• Champion Social Value by maximising social value and community wealth building through procurement, embedding corporate social responsibility across all activity.
• Lead the implementation of e‑procurement systems and digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to drive innovation.
• Develop capability by overseeing procurement learning and development to ensure staff across the Council have the skills and knowledge to deliver effective procurement.
• Act as the Council's key liaison with NEPO and other consortia, representing Gateshead at local, regional, and national levels to influence policy and promote the Council's interests.
• Lead teams, budgets, and performance management to deliver high‑quality, efficient services aligned with Council objectives.
• While specific professional areas are allocated to individual roles, there is an expectation that members of the Senior Leadership Team work across any service, group or area within the Council, as required.

What you'll bring:

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Proven experience in public sector procurement, including managing complex purchasing activities.
• Demonstrable track record of leading and delivering organisational change initiatives.
• Experience in managing teams and performance to achieve service objectives and continuous improvement.
• Strong background in contractual negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• In‑depth knowledge of strategic procurement principles and public sector procurement regulations.
• Effective leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries.

What's in it for you

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary – we invest in your future too. Find out what benefits a Local Government Pension provides: https://twpf.info
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years (2 of which can be fixed by the Council), plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work‑life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships through our partner GLL to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax‑efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand‑new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme in partnership with NHS Fleet Solutions – a cost‑effective, environmentally friendly way to drive.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Through our VIVUP employee benefits platform, enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services – plus salary sacrifice options on white goods, electronics, and more, helping you spread the cost of essential purchases.

Our commitment to you

We are an equal opportunities employer and aim to have a culture and a workplace where our people feel a sense of belonging, are respected and empowered to do their best work. We know that we deliver better services when our workforce reflects the full range of backgrounds and experiences in the society we serve. We welcome applications from suitably qualified people from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

How to apply

You can apply online using the apply now button below. Within the form, you'll be asked for details about you, your career history, skills, experiences and qualifications.

We advise you to be as detailed and specific as possible, paying particular attention to any of the above which are relevant to the role to which you are applying.

If you have any questions about your application, please don't hesitate to reach out to our recruitment team via [e-mail]

Please note: As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. However, in high‑volume recruitment situations, it may not always be practicable to interview every eligible candidate. In such cases, we may need to prioritise those who best meet the essential criteria, based on the information provided in the application.

Additionally, the Council reserves the right to close this vacancy early or adjust the shortlisting criteria, including the pass mark for interview selection, to ensure a fair and manageable recruitment process. We encourage early applications.