Strategic Public Sector Procurement Lead

East Midlands Councils/East Midlands Jobs; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

East Midlands Councils is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Category Manager to lead a strategic procurement function across a designated directorate. You will partner with senior leaders, drive high-value procurement activity, ensure governance and compliance, and champion proactive planning.

You will mentor procurement colleagues, deputise for the Strategic Procurement Manager when required, and promote innovation and best practice while shaping commercial outcomes across services.

Qualifications

• Substantial experience delivering high-value, complex procurement activity.
• In-depth knowledge of public procurement legislation and frameworks.
• Experience in mentoring and developing procurement staff.
• Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support the delivery of the directorate procurement strategy, aligning activity to service priorities, budgets, and corporate objectives.
• Act as a senior procurement partner to Assistant directors, Heads of Service, Service Managers, and budget holders.
• Lead high-value, high-risk, and complex procurement projects, ensuring robust governance and legal compliance.
• Managing and mentoring a team of Procurement Category Managers and Procurement Assistants supporting their development and performance.
• Deputising for the Strategic Procurement Manager where required, providing leadership continuity.
• Embedding compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, PCRs, PSR and Council governance frameworks.
• Supporting early engagement in service planning to shape appropriate commercial solutions.
• Driving improved contract management, performance monitoring, and risk management across services.
• Promoting innovation, collaboration, and best practice within procurement delivery.
• Representing the Council in partnership procurement forums, including work with neighbouring authorities.

Skills

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Strategic thinking

Mentoring staff

Commercial awareness

Education

CIPS Level 5 or equivalent

Management qualification

Job description

East Midlands Councils is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement Category Manager to lead a strategic procurement function across a designated directorate. You will partner with senior leaders, drive high-value procurement activity, ensure governance and compliance, and champion proactive planning.

You will mentor procurement colleagues, deputise for the Strategic Procurement Manager when required, and promote innovation and best practice while shaping commercial outcomes across services.