Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence

Join the Mission to Shape a Sustainable, Net-Zero Future!

We're looking for a passionate and innovative Head of Procurement Centre of Excellence to join a forward-thinking fast paced Utilities/Public Sector organization committed to achieving a net-zero carbon neutral future. You will be at the forefront of delivering robust procurement practices and processes for an organisation dedicated to embedding environmental responsibility into everything they do, ensuring that they deliver long-term value to both the community and the planet.

You must have significant experience in public sector procurement, with a proven track record of leading procurement functions or Centres of Excellence in a complex, regulated greenfield/transformation environment.

Role Overview:

The Procurement Centre of Excellence will be responsible for establishing and leading a strategic framework for procurement activities across the organization. This will include providing expert guidance, ensuring compliance with the latest public sector procurement regulations, and driving continuous improvement initiatives. You will work closely with senior leadership, stakeholders, and external partners to maximize value, mitigate risks, and enhance procurement capabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead the development and implementation of a procurement strategy aligned with organizational goals and public sector best practices.
• Governance & Compliance: Oversee and maintain governance frameworks to ensure adherence to procurement policies, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Procurement Excellence: Promote and champion the application of procurement best practices, ensuring high standards of service delivery and value for money.
• Continuous Improvement: Identify opportunities for process improvements, efficiencies, and innovation within the procurement function.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and maintain effective relationships with internal teams, external suppliers, and government agencies to ensure alignment on procurement priorities and objectives.
• Reporting & Analytics: Provide timely and accurate procurement data, reports, and insights to senior leadership, driving informed decision-making.

Key Skills & Experience:

• Experience: Significant experience in public sector procurement, with a proven track record of leading procurement functions or Centres of Excellence in a complex, regulated environment.
• Leadership: Strong leadership and management skills with the ability to inspire and develop teams, foster collaboration, and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Expert Knowledge: Deep understanding of public sector procurement regulations, policies, and best practices within the public sector.
• Analytical & Strategic Thinking: Excellent analytical skills with the ability to develop and implement strategic procurement plans and initiatives.
• Communication Skills: Exceptional communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to effectively engage with senior leaders, stakeholders, and suppliers.
• Qualifications: Relevant professional qualifications in procurement (e.g., CIPS, MCIPS) and a degree in a relevant field is desirable.

THIS ROLE CAN BE BASED IN LONDON, S.E OR MIDLANDS - 1-2 DAYS ON SITE PER WEEK