Head of Strategic Commissioning and Procurement

Venn Group; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 125,000 - 150,000; Part time

Job summary

A public sector recruitment firm is seeking a Head of Strategic Commissioning and Procurement for a hybrid role in Bedford. This position involves leading procurement strategies and driving efficiencies within the Council’s business plan. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in public procurement and a successful track record at Senior Management level. This 3-month contract offers a strategic opportunity to make impactful changes within Corporate Services.

Qualifications

• High-level skills in procurement, commissioning, and public procurement.
• Successful experience at Senior Management level in a local authority.
• Experience of managing high-value contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead transformational change across Corporate Services.
• Review and improve service delivery.
• Develop commissioning and procurement strategies.
• Set procurement policies and provide guidance.
• Ensure efficient governance and monitoring for commissioning.

Skills

Strategic procurement

Project management

Leadership

Stakeholder engagement

Change management

Education

Degree level education or equivalent

Job description

We are recruiting: Head of Strategic Commissioning and Procurement

Location: Hybrid - Bedford

Duration: 3-month contract initially

Role Purpose

Lead the strategic commissioning and procurement approach within the Corporate Services Directorate that delivers efficiencies aligned with the Council’s business plan.

Key Responsibilities

1. Lead transformational change across Corporate Services and the wider Council to drive efficiencies.

2. Review and improve service delivery, ensuring high operational performance.

3. Develop and deliver strategic commissioning and procurement strategies.

4. Set and oversee procurement policies, offering expert guidance across the Council.

5. Embed a culture of efficiency, achieving savings while maintaining stakeholder satisfaction.

6. Ensure effective processes, governance, and monitoring systems for commissioning.

7. Build strategic partnerships to secure cost-effective outcomes.

8. Support Emergency Planning and Business Continuity, including incident response.

About You

• Educated to degree level or equivalent.

• Successful and relevant background of consistent achievement at Senior Management level in a local authority.

• Significant experience of procurement, commissioning, and public procurement, with high-level skills in the field.

• Proven experience of managing high-value contracts.

For more information on this role, please submit your CV or contact Lola at [e-mail] or call 07441 916248.