Procurement Manager

Procurement Heads; Salisbury; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

Procurement Heads is seeking two experienced Procurement Managers to lead strategic sourcing and category management across a major portfolio of non-pay expenditure. You will report to the Deputy Head of Sourcing and drive sustainable cost savings while ensuring compliance with public sector requirements.

Role requires strong stakeholder engagement, leadership of procurement teams, and extensive experience in regulated public sector environments.

Qualifications

• MCIPS qualified or working towards MCIPS accreditation.
• Degree in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement or related discipline.
• Significant senior-level procurement and category management experience.
• Strong understanding of public sector procurement legislation and governance.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement category sourcing and contract management strategies delivering measurable savings.
• Lead complex procurement projects from strategy through to contract award and supplier management.
• Develop procurement approaches, specifications, evaluation methodologies, and performance measures.
• Identify opportunities to standardise products and services to maximise buying power and reduce waste.
• Negotiate with suppliers to achieve value for money while maintaining quality.
• Build relationships with external organisations and procurement networks to share best practice.

Skills

MCIPS

Category management

Stakeholder engagement

Public sector procurement

Sourcing strategies

Education

Degree in Business or Supply Chain

Tools

Atamis

Oracle Financials

Unit4

Job description

Location: Salisbury, Bath, or Swindon (Hybrid, 2-3 days per week in office)

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for two experienced Procurement Managers to lead strategic sourcing and category management activity across a significant portfolio of non-pay expenditure.

Reporting to the Deputy Head of Sourcing, you will be responsible for delivering procurement strategies that achieve sustainable cost savings, improve commercial outcomes, ensure compliance with public sector procurement legislation, and support operational service delivery. You will also provide leadership to a high-performing procurement team while building strong relationships with senior stakeholders across the organisation.

This role requires a commercially minded procurement professional with strong category management expertise, excellent stakeholder engagement skills, and extensive experience operating within a regulated public sector environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Procurement & Category Management

• Develop and implement category sourcing and contract management strategies that deliver measurable year-on-year savings and efficiencies.
• Lead complex, high-value procurement projects from strategy development through to contract award and ongoing supplier management.
• Develop procurement approaches, specifications, evaluation methodologies, and performance measures to ensure robust and compliant procurement outcomes.
• Identify opportunities to standardise and rationalise products and services to maximise purchasing power, improve resilience, and reduce waste.
• Monitor market developments, supplier innovation, and regulatory changes, advising stakeholders on opportunities and risks.
• Negotiate with suppliers to achieve value for money while maintaining quality standards and supporting organisational objectives.
• Build collaborative relationships with external organisations and procurement networks to share best practice and deliver greater value.

Governance & Compliance

• Act as a subject matter expert on public procurement regulations, policies, and governance requirements.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, procurement frameworks, internal governance procedures, and public sector policy requirements.
• Lead initiatives relating to sustainability, social value, ethical sourcing, and supply chain risk management.
• Produce robust procurement recommendations and business cases to support commercial decision-making.
• Monitor supplier and contract performance, ensuring contractual obligations and performance standards are achieved.
• Ensure procurement systems and records are maintained accurately and remain audit compliant.
• Support responses to information requests and procurement-related enquiries as required.

Stakeholder Management

• Develop strong relationships with senior stakeholders, budget holders, operational leaders, and corporate functions.
• Work closely with stakeholders to understand service requirements, operational challenges, and future business needs.
• Provide expert procurement advice and guidance to support strategic and operational decision-making.
• Present procurement strategies, recommendations, and performance updates to senior audiences.
• Manage significant non-pay expenditure categories and drive value-for-money outcomes.
• Ensure procurement savings and benefits are accurately measured, tracked, and validated.
• Maintain accurate product catalogues and procurement data to support effective purchasing and reporting.

Leadership & Team Development

• Lead, motivate, and develop a team of procurement professionals.
• Manage recruitment, onboarding, performance management, appraisals, and absence management processes.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performing team culture focused on continuous improvement and customer service excellence.
• Support team capability development through coaching, mentoring, and knowledge sharing.

Requirements

• MCIPS qualified or working towards full MCIPS accreditation.
• Degree educated in Business, Supply Chain, Procurement, or a related discipline.
• Significant senior-level procurement and category management experience.
• Strong understanding and practical application of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
• Proven experience leading complex procurement exercises and contract negotiations.
• Demonstrable supplier relationship and contract management experience.
• Excellent commercial acumen, including tender development, negotiation, and contract strategy.
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management skills, with the ability to influence at all levels.
• Experience leading and developing procurement teams.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret data and support strategic decision-making.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Strong report writing, presentation, and communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and e-procurement systems.
• Ability to travel between sites as required.
• Full UK driving licence.
• Full MCIPS accreditation.
• Procurement experience within healthcare, NHS, local government, or wider public sector organisations.
• Experience working across large, multi-site organisations.
• Involvement in national procurement forums, collaborations, or professional networks.
• Knowledge of supply chain resilience and contingency planning.
• Experience using procurement and finance systems such as Atamis, Oracle Financials, Unit4, or similar platforms.

Personal Attributes

• Strategic thinker with a proactive and solutions-focused approach.
• Values-led leader who promotes collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to build credibility across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Resilient, adaptable, and capable of managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Committed to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• High levels of emotional intelligence and professionalism.
• Strong team player with the ability to work independently when required.