Head Of Procurement jobs in United Kingdom

Are you a senior procurement professional looking to be part of double, national award-winning team? Want the opportunity to get stuck into region-shaping procurement projects?

A landmark decision was made in May 2025, to revolutionise the West Midlands bus services, by transitioning from a private operator-led network to a franchised bus service. It’s an exciting transformation for the WMCA and the communities within the region.

In this role, you’ll be working closely with the Procurement Business Partner and the Bus Franchising Team to procure and deliver associated services. You’ll also work closely with other senior stakeholders across the business, providing best-practice procurement advice, and assist in the implementation of strategic change.

What you will be doing.

• Lead and manage a portfolio of procurement projects, from advertising requirements to compiling/ issuing contractual documentation and holding contract review meetings to monitor performance.
• Ensure appropriate governance is in place adhering to all internal and external public sector regulations and advising the same to stakeholders and 3rdparty suppliers.
• Identify any risks to procurement strategies and ensure appropriate audit trails are in place.
• Manage multiple workstreams for various teams across the CA, all at different stages of development.
• Manage a team of Procurement Lead Officers to include objective setting, creating development plans.
• Provide advice and guidance on appropriate systems and portals.
• Ensure timely delivery of all procurement process stages to meet the demands of the business.
• Ensure workload databases are developed and kept current and support the team with prioritisation of deliverables and objectives.

What’s essential.

• Excellent stakeholder management skills, from the ability to build credibility from scratch to influencing stakeholders to accept and endorse new proposals, procedures, systems and methods of working.
• Ability to present information, proposals and ideas to a range of senior audiences.
• Demonstrable commercial awareness with a track record of delivering against targets.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Outlook and similar systems.
• Excellent report writing skills to include presenting, commercial analysis and negotiating skills.
• Previous experience working with Public Sector Procurement Regulations.
• Previous experience of delivering complex procurements
• Experience of managing a team.
• Purchasing experience is essential for this post, demonstrating the ability to develop procurement strategies and lead on tender responses, undertake bid conditioning and bid clarification, supplier debriefs, award contracts, manage supplier relationships, supplier performance and undertake supplier and contract management activities.

Location.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account.Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile.Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• Ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK.

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).