Strategic Commissioning And Procurement Lead

Head of Commissioning & Procurement - Local Government

Location:

Bedfordshire (Hybrid)
Salary: £700 - £800 per day, depending on experience

Contract:

6 months minimum
Agency : [Optional placeholder]

Are you a senior leader ready to drive major transformation across a complex, high‑profile public‑sector organisation? We’re partnering with a local government organisation to recruit an outstanding Head of Commissioning & Procurement on an interim basis - a pivotal leadership role shaping how services are designed, commissioned, and procured across the Council.

This is a rare opportunity to lead strategic change at scale, build a culture of continuous improvement, and ensure services deliver maximum value for residents and stakeholders.

• Leading and championing organisational change across Corporate Services and the wider Council
• Driving continuous service improvement and operational excellence
• Overseeing end‑to‑end procurement and commissioning across all service areas
• Setting strategic procurement policy and providing expert advice across the organisation
• Implementing robust governance and delivering effective commissioning processes
• Building strong partnerships with suppliers and external stakeholders
• Ensuring year‑on‑year efficiencies while enhancing customer and supplier satisfaction
• Contributing to emergency planning and business continuity arrangements

This is a highly influential role offering breadth, autonomy, and the opportunity to deliver meaningful impact.

• Degree‑level education and a relevant professional qualification
• A strong track record of achievement at senior level within a local authority or large complex organisation
• Significant expertise in procurement, commissioning and public procurement
• Experience managing high‑value contracts and leading major programmes or projects
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑influencing skills
• Proven ability to build high‑performing teams beyond direct line management
• Strong financial management skills and a commitment to customer‑focused service
• Political awareness, credibility, and integrity
• A commitment to digital transformation and equality of opportunity

You’ll be motivated, visionary, and able to lead others through complexity and change.

• High‑profile strategic leadership role
• Opportunity to shape procurement and commissioning at organisation‑wide level
• Work within a forward‑thinking, collaborative leadership team
• Play a key role in delivering efficiencies and improving services for local residents

If you are interested in the role, please apply online and a member of the team will be in touch.

Sellick Partnership is proud to be an inclusive and accessible recruitment business and we support applications from candidates of all backgrounds and circumstances. Please note, our advertisements use years' experience, hourly rates, and salary levels purely as a guide and we assess applications based on the experience and skills evidenced on the CV. For information on how your personal details may be used by Sellick Partnership, please review our data processing notice on our website.