Interim Procurement Manager - Professional Services

1st Executive Ltd; Aylesbury; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading procurement consultancy is seeking an Interim Procurement Manager to lead professional services procurement across the organization. This role requires a strong background in public sector procurement and excellent stakeholder engagement skills. The position is based in London with a hybrid working model, needing on-site attendance two days a week. Competitive daily rate is offered, with a contract duration of 3 months and the possibility of extension.

Qualifications

• Strong track record delivering professional services procurements in a public sector environment.
• Deep understanding of public sector procurement legislation.
• Experience developing sourcing strategies and running tender processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement of professional services categories.
• Deliver procurements in line with public sector regulations.
• Develop and execute sourcing strategies for value for money.
• Prepare tender documentation including specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Manage supplier engagement and market analysis.

Skills

Strong commercial judgement

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector procurement knowledge

Excellent written and verbal communication

Job description

Interim Procurement Manager - Professional Services

Job Description: Interim Procurement Manager - Professional Services

Location: London (Hybrid - on site two days per week)
Rate: Circa £450 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract Type: Interim
Duration: 3 months (with possibility of extension)
Department: Procurement / Commercial
Reports to: Head of Procurement / Commercial Lead

Role Purpose

The Interim Procurement Manager will lead and deliver professional services procurement activity across the organisation, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and internal governance. The role will provide expert commercial advice, support strategic sourcing, and manage stakeholder engagement to deliver high-quality, value-for-money outcomes for the organisation.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced procurement professional able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide immediate impact within a public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end procurement of professional services categories (e.g., consultancy, legal, HR services, audit, financial services, temporary staffing, and specialist advisory services).

Deliver procurements in line with public sector regulations (PCR 2015 or equivalent) and organisational governance.

Develop and execute sourcing strategies that ensure value for money, transparency, and strong commercial outcomes.

Prepare tender documentation including specifications, evaluation criteria, commercial terms, and contract award recommendations.

Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, provide commercial guidance, and ensure robust planning of procurement pipelines.

Manage supplier engagement, market analysis, and development of appropriate contracting models.

Lead evaluation panels, moderate scoring, and support contract negotiation.

Ensure that all procurement activities are audit-ready and fully compliant with internal and external regulations.

Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

Provide clear, timely reporting on procurement activity, risks, and progress.

Person Specification

Strong track record delivering professional services procurements in a public sector or regulated environment.

Deep understanding of public sector procurement legislation (e.g., new procurement act) and best-practice governance.

Experience developing sourcing strategies and running tender processes independently.

Proven ability to influence, advise, and engage stakeholders at all levels.

Strong commercial judgement and negotiation skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication, including the creation of procurement documentation and governance papers.

Ability to work autonomously and deliver results at pace within an interim/contract context.

Experience within London-based government bodies, NHS, local authorities, or other public sector agencies.

Experience supporting transformation, savings delivery, or procurement maturity programmes.

Working Arrangements

Required to attend on site in London two days per week; remote working for the remaining time.

Engagement is inside IR35.

• 3 months with view to extend