Job Advertisement: Head of Strategic Procurement (Temporary Position)
Location: Aylesbury
Duration: Immediate start until end of January 2025
Hours: Full time, 37 hours per week - £600 £700 per day
Home working: 2 days in the office

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking for a new challenge? Our client is seeking a dedicated Head of Strategic Procurement to lead their procurement service. This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a significant impact.
Job Purpose and Context: The Head of Strategic Procurement will lead a customer-focused procurement team, ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and best practices. The role involves providing specialist professional advice within a local authority environment, managing the effective use of a substantial third-party expenditure budget, and supporting supplier management initiatives.
Main Responsibilities and Duties:

• Lead and manage a professional, collaborative procurement service that adds value and ensures compliance with Procedure Rules and legislative requirements.
• Act as the principal adviser on procurement and commercial matters to Chief Officers and Elected Members, supporting effective decision-making.
• Develop and implement the procurement strategy, working with various departments to achieve corporate objectives and deliver savings.
• Analyze financial data to identify savings opportunities and contract improvements.
• Develop and maintain supplier relationship management policies and ensure contract management roles are understood.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, suppliers, and stakeholders.
• Ensure procurement policies, processes, and systems are fit for purpose, identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Align service delivery with the One Resources programme.
• Contribute to the wider Finance area as a key member of the Finance and Resources Extended Leadership Teams.

Essential Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:

• Expert and current knowledge of procurement best practices and substantial experience in leading a similar service.
• Thorough understanding of public procurement regulations and the local government framework.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage and explain specialist information to non-specialists.
• Strong persuasion, influencing, and negotiation skills.
• Proven research skills with the ability to gather and interpret information effectively.
• Ability to identify and solve problems, developing effective solutions.
• Strong planning and organizational skills, with the ability to prioritize and meet deadlines.
• Excellent literacy and numeracy skills, with experience in writing reports, specifications, and agreements.
• Experience in financial processing, budget monitoring, and evaluating contract compliance/performance.
• Proven ability to manage large and complex projects.
• Relevant professional qualification (MCIPS or equivalent experience) and educated to degree level or equivalent standard.
• Customer-facing role requiring the ability to converse at ease with the public and provide accurate spoken advice.

If you are a motivated procurement professional with the skills and experience to excel in this role, we encourage you to apply. This is a unique opportunity to make a significant contribution to our client's procurement strategy and operations.