Head of Procurement (FCS27)

Arts Council England; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 56,000 - 61,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Final salary pension

Generous annual leave

Flexible and hybrid working

Job summary

Arts Council England is seeking a Head of Procurement in Manchester to lead the procurement function, shaping policy, overseeing framework agreements, and driving savings while ensuring regulatory compliance and social value across major projects.

You will work in a hybrid setting, combining on-site strategy days with remote work, and engage with diverse internal teams and external partners to deliver value.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience leading a procurement function in the public sector.
• Knowledge of Public Contract Regulations and OJEU procurements.
• Proficiency with procurement systems (Delta or similar) and MS Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the procurement function and develop organizational procurement plans.
• Collaborate with partners (CCS, DCMS) and manage frameworks.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations and risk management.
• Identify savings, drive major procurement projects and tenders up to £5m.

Skills

Public sector procurement

Delta procurement system

Microsoft Excel

Autonomy & problem solving

Stakeholder management

Diversity & social value

Education

CIPS Advanced Diploma

Tools

Delta

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Head of Procurement (FCS27)

Contract: Permanent working 35 hours per week (Arts Council also recognises the benefit of flexible working as a valued part of the way we work, and welcome applications from individuals who require flexibility)

Salary: £56,561 per annum Grade B plus benefits including a final salary pension scheme, generous annual leave, and flexible and hybrid working.

Location: Manchester (The role will be based in Manchester; however, we are operating a hybrid way of working and support our staff to make use of remote working options when combined with regular on-site contact days with other members of the team, normally 1-2 days a week)

About The Role

Are you a public sector procurement specialist looking for a role where you can take ownership and drive impact? As our Head of Procurement, you will lead the Arts Council on the effective procurement of goods and services, ensuring compliance with public procurement regulations. You will be responsible for developing policies, identifying savings and efficiencies, and leading on major procurement projects and tender exercises valued up to £5m.

You will act as the organisation's go-to expert, upskilling wider teams, managing framework agreements, and embedding our core commitments to diversity, social value, and sustainability into everything we buy.

Key Responsibilities

• Leadership & Strategy: Lead the procurement function, develop organizational procurement plans, and collaborate with external partners including the Crown Commercial Services (CCS) and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS).
• Tendering & Frameworks: Create and manage framework agreements, identify pre-existing applicable frameworks, and develop invitation-to-tender documentation alongside budget-holders.
• Risk & Compliance: Continuously review changes to legislation and case law to keep policies up to date, minimizing legal and compliance risks for the organisation.
• Contract Management & Insights: Implement robust contract management strategies, provide staff training, and produce key management information to analyse the organisation's overall expenditure profile.

What We Are Looking For

• Public Sector Expertise: Substantial experience leading a procurement function with a thorough, practical knowledge of Public Contract Regulations and OJEU procurements.
• Qualifications: You hold, or are actively working towards, a professional procurement qualification (such as a CIPS Advanced Diploma level).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency in procurement systems (e.g., Delta or similar) and Microsoft Excel skills.
• Autonomy & Analytical Power: Proven ability to work with limited direction, strong problem-solving skills, and a sharp attention to detail.
• Communication & Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, and influence stakeholders.
• Values-Driven: A strong understanding of a public body's duties under current diversity legislation, alongside a passion for the arts and culture sector.

Equality Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Arts Council are committed to being an inclusive employer, building an inclusive workplace, and recruiting a workforce that is as diverse as the communities we serve. However, you identify, and whatever background you bring with you, we welcome you to apply for a role at Arts Council.

We participate in the 'Offer an Interview' scheme which means that we offer an interview to any disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria for the role they're applying to, subject to the volume of applications received. Disabled candidates, those living with a long-term condition and/or neurodivergent candidates may be eligible for this scheme. The scheme uses the definition of disability from the Equality Act 2010 to determine eligibility. More information is included in the application guidance.

About us:

Arts Council offers a range of benefits to our employees including hybrid and flexible working, a generous annual leave allowance and the Arts Council Retirement Plan - a final salary scheme.

Our Code of Ethics requires that employees of the Arts Council are not able to receive an Arts Council grant, investment or loan funding - either in person, as a member of a partnership, or for any organisation they own. There are also limitations on board or CEO positions employees can hold in organisations we fund. For more information on this, please talk to the recruiting manager or contact [e-mail]

We believe our recruitment process should be inclusive and transparent.

Job ref: FCS27

Closing date: 4pm Wednesday 14 October 2026

1st Interview: (virtual) 26 and 28 October 2026

2nd Interview: (In person) 5 November 2026