Deputy Head of Procurement

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Deputy Head of Procurement to play a pivotal role in shaping and delivering strategic procurement activity across a large, complex public sector organisation. This is a senior leadership opportunity for a procurement professional with strong public sector expertise, excellent people leadership capability, and a passion for delivering value for money within a highly regulated environment.

This role is ideal for a proactive, customer-focused leader who can balance strategic direction with operational delivery, act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, and drive continuous improvement across commercial and procurement activity.

As Deputy Head of Procurement, you will provide strategic leadership and professional oversight across organisation-wide procurement and commercial activities. You will lead complex and high-value procurements, ensure compliance with public procurement legislation, and support the delivery of organisational objectives through effective commercial solutions.

• Lead and deliver complex procurements, including above-threshold tenders, frameworks, and RFQs, in line with Public Contract Regulations and best practice.
• Provide expert advice, guidance, and training to procurement teams on public sector procurement processes and compliance.
• Act as the principal advisor on legal, policy, and governance matters relating to commercial and procurement activity.
• Build and maintain strong, effective relationships with senior internal stakeholders to maximise long-term value and outcomes.
• Lead, motivate, and develop Commercial Leads, ensuring high performance, professional development, and succession planning.
• Manage and oversee commercial projects, resources, and priorities to ensure delivery against objectives and timescales.
• Drive continuous improvement and lead change initiatives to enhance commercial effectiveness, compliance, and value for money.
• Ensure procurement activity mitigates financial, reputational, and operational risk.
• Support governance and compliance with Standing Orders and Financial Regulations across an annual organisational spend of approximately £250m.
• Represent the Commercial function internally and externally, including at regional and national forums, when required.

• Substantial senior-level experience across a broad range of procurement and commercial functions within the public sector.
• Strong working knowledge of Public Contract Regulations, contract law, and their practical application.
• Proven experience of leading and managing teams to deliver challenging organisational objectives.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex, high-value procurements and commercial projects.
• Strong stakeholder management skills, with experience operating in complex and politically sensitive environments.
• Experience of project management methodologies (PRINCE2 or equivalent preferred).
• Commercially focused with a strong commitment to value for money and customer outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to explain complex commercial and legal issues to non-specialist audiences.
• Highly analytical, decisive, and capable of developing creative, risk-managed procurement solutions.

• MCIPS (or equivalent professional experience).
• Degree-level education or equivalent experience.