Procurement Lead

TieTalent; Newbury; On-site; GBP 71,000 - 78,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading government agency is seeking a Procurement Lead to manage key relationships and procurement processes. This role involves strategic decision-making, team mentorship, and collaboration across agencies, contributing to national security efforts. The position offers flexible working arrangements and extensive professional development opportunities.

Benefits

25-30 days annual leave

Public holidays

Recognition schemes

Development budget

Pension scheme

Cycle-to-work scheme

Qualifications

• Extensive procurement and supply chain experience required.
• Management experience essential for leading complex decisions.
• Strong customer engagement and problem-solving skills crucial.

Responsibilities

• Manage key relationships and procurements for commercial pipeline.
• Shape commercial activities and lead strategic commitments.
• Support and mentor the team while driving improvements.

Skills

Procurement

Supply Chain Management

Customer Engagement

Problem Solving

Education

MCIPS

Tools

Cloud Services

AI-enabled Services

Job description

Procurement Lead (Government Equivalent – Commercial Lead)

Department: Finance, Audit and Procurement
Location(s): Cheltenham
Contract Type: Permanent
Salary: £71,067 - £77,399

Job description

Flexible working: we recognise the importance of a healthy work-life balance, which is why we offer flexible options including flexi-time, part-time, full-time, job share, and compressed hours. This role requires a minimum of 3 days per week in the office, with flexibility to work from home 1-2 days per week, and occasional travel to other locations.

About Us

MI5 protects the UK from serious threats such as terrorism and hostile state activities. We conduct investigations, analyze intelligence, and collaborate with partners like MI6 and GCHQ to disrupt threats. We also advise on security measures for government, businesses, and organizations. Working at MI5 offers unique, challenging work in a supportive environment, making a real difference to national security.

The Role

We are seeking a Procurement Lead to join us during an exciting period of development and change. Depending on your team assignment, you will manage key relationships, procurements, and develop our commercial pipeline, or oversee sub-category strategies for Estates, People & Professional Services, or Technology. You will shape commercial activities for key projects, lead strategic commitments, and contribute to business change initiatives. You will support, mentor, and develop your team, drive improvements, and support cross-agency collaboration. You will also represent MI5 in senior meetings with government departments, providing strategic advice.

About You

You will have extensive procurement and supply chain experience, with a proven record in leading complex decisions and managing procurement processes. Management experience is essential. You will provide commercial judgment, analyze risks, influence strategic drivers, and prioritize work to meet strategic and tactical needs. Strong customer engagement, problem-solving skills, and a proactive attitude are crucial. Experience with Cloud or AI-enabled services and relevant professional qualifications (e.g., MCIPS) are highly desirable.

Training and Development

We are committed to your professional growth, offering onboarding support, technical training, external funding, and leadership development programs. You will have opportunities to study towards professional qualifications and participate in conferences and networks.

Assessment Development Centre

Candidates will undergo an Assessment Development Centre (ADC) for evaluation against government standards. Non-Government candidates must achieve an “A” accreditation; Government candidates must hold a valid ADC “A” accreditation. The ADC is conducted virtually and requires full attendance.

Rewards and Benefits

Starting salary: £71,067 - £77,399 plus benefits including 25-30 days annual leave, public holidays, recognition schemes, development budget, season ticket loan, pension scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, and facilities at some locations.

Equal Opportunities

We value diversity and inclusion, encouraging applications from underrepresented groups, including women, ethnic minorities, disabled persons, and those from low socio-economic backgrounds. Details about our culture and diversity initiatives are available on our website.

We’re Disability Confident

As a Leader within the DWP Disability Confident scheme, we ensure fair interview processes for disabled applicants and offer support throughout recruitment.

What to Expect

Our recruitment process includes pre-screening, application assessment, online interview, ADC accreditation, and vetting. Successful candidates will receive a conditional offer, with the process potentially taking up to 12 months.

Before You Apply

You must be a British citizen or hold dual British nationality, and be eligible for Developed Vetting (DV) security clearance. We advise setting up a separate email for application correspondence, and applicants should consider practicalities of living within commuting distance to Cheltenham. Applications from overseas are not accepted until visiting the UK.

Note: We reserve the right to close the application earlier once sufficient applications are received.