Head of Procurement

Job Purpose

The Head of Procurement will lead and shape EMCCA’s strategic and commercial approach to procurement, acting as the organisation’s professional procurement lead. The post holder will establish procurement policy, provide expert advice to senior leaders, and ensure compliance with all relevant legislative and regulatory requirements.

The role is responsible for developing and delivering a forward-looking procurement strategy that drives value for money, maximises social and economic impact, and supports EMCCA’s long-term priorities for the region. Working collaboratively with internal and external partners, the post holder will align procurement activity with organisational priorities, influence markets and supplier behaviour, and support the delivery of sustainable public benefit.

The Head of Procurement will build and lead a high-performing procurement service, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, and overseeing complex procurement activity, contract lifecycle management, and procurement systems. As a senior leader, the post holder will anticipate legislative, market, and policy change, providing strategic insight and assurance to support informed decision-making across the Authority.

• Provide strategic leadership and professional oversight of EMCCA’s procurement function, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives and statutory requirements.
• Establish and implement procurement policy and functional objectives that deliver value for money, social value, and regional benefit.
• Act as EMCCA’s principal procurement advisor, providing expert counsel to Directors, the Executive Team, elected members, and the Mayor.
• Lead complex, high-risk commercial negotiations and procurement programmes with significant financial, operational, and reputational impact.
• Ensure robust governance, transparency, and assurance across all procurement activity.

• Establish, implement, and review procurement policies and objectives in line with EMCCA’s Procurement Strategy, streamlining delivery of operational plans and maximising impact on organisational and regional priorities.
• Lead the development and delivery of major procurement programmes, including policy, people, financial, governance, and systems frameworks, ensuring full statutory and regulatory compliance.
• Set and manage significant budgets and lead complex commercial negotiations, managing risk and safeguarding EMCCA’s financial and reputational interests.
• Build, inspire, and lead an inclusive, high-performing procurement team, developing capability and capacity, and driving collaboration and behavioural change.
• Provide visionary specialist guidance, anticipating legislative, market, and funding changes beyond the immediate horizon, and scenario‑planning their impact on EMCCA services.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across procurement services, connecting stakeholders to the innovation ecosystem, leading market research, and communicating insights in a timely and effective manner.
• Establish and manage strategic alliances with industry, regulators, Government, suppliers, and EMCCA partners, ensuring effective joint working and integration to deliver public benefit.
• Oversee the operational management of procurement activity, ensuring transparency, integrity, and adherence to EMCCA’s governance frameworks.
• Represent EMCCA in market engagement activities, influencing supplier behaviour to align with organisational priorities and deliver sustained performance.
• Monitor and report procurement performance through KPIs, assurance mechanisms, and performance frameworks linked to EMCCA’s strategic objectives and medium‑term outcomes.

As a line manager, the post holder will:

• Provide clear leadership and direction, fostering a positive, inclusive, and accountable team culture.
• Set objectives and conduct regular one‑to‑one meetings and performance reviews in line with the EMCCA Exchange.
• Support team development through coaching, mentoring, training, and career development opportunities.
• Ensure transparent, timely communication and encourage open feedback…