Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and mentor high-performing teams.
- Company: Join a major public sector organisation transforming its Procurement & Commercial function.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a supportive work culture.
- Why this job: Be part of a high-impact team shaping modern procurement that supports frontline services.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in strategic procurement and team leadership is essential.
- Other info: Roles available in various categories: Frontline Operations, Assets & Estates, Technology.
The predicted salary is between 72181 - 89656 £ per year.
Salary: £72,181 – £89,656 per annum
Contract Type: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full-time, twice a week in office
Location: London
Overview
Our client, a major public sector organisation undergoing a significant transformation programme, is seeking to appoint three exceptional individuals to the role of Head of Procurement – Category Portfolio Lead. These newly created senior leadership positions are pivotal to the evolution of the organisation’s Procurement & Commercial function, which is transitioning to a more strategic, data-driven, and digitally enabled operating model. This is an exciting opportunity to join a high-impact team at a critical time, helping to shape and deliver a modern, resilient procurement function that directly supports frontline services and organisational priorities.
Available Portfolios
- Frontline Operations & Professional Services
- Assets & Estates
- Technology, Collaboration & Complex Transactions
Each role will report directly to the Director of Procurement & Commercial (Chief Procurement Officer equivalent) and will lead a team of category professionals to deliver strategic procurement outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, designing and delivering best-in-class commercial strategies.
- Develop and implement long-term category strategies that drive value, innovation, and operational efficiency.
- Lead complex, high-value procurement projects and negotiations, ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Build and maintain strategic supplier relationships to ensure performance, compliance, and continuous improvement.
- Lead, mentor, and develop high-performing procurement teams, fostering a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.
- Ensure compliance with relevant procurement legislation, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023.
- Champion sustainability and ethical sourcing practices in collaboration with internal sustainability teams.
- Contribute to cross-functional leadership initiatives and deputise for the Director as required.
Candidate Profile
We are looking for experienced procurement leaders who bring:
- A strong track record of delivering strategic procurement outcomes in complex environments.
- Deep expertise in category management, strategic sourcing, and supplier relationship management.
- Demonstrable experience of leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, including at executive level.
- A commitment to public service values and delivering positive impact through procurement.
- Knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and best practices.
Head of Procurement - Category Portfolio Lead employer: Procurement Heads
Contact Detail:
Procurement Heads Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement - Category Portfolio Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in public sector organisations. Attend industry events or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in procurement.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific portfolios available for this role. Understanding the nuances of Frontline Operations, Assets & Estates, and Technology will help you tailor your discussions and demonstrate your expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with strategic sourcing and supplier relationship management in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led high-value procurement projects and the impact they had on your previous organisations.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing practices. Research the organisation's current initiatives in these areas and be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their goals during your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement - Category Portfolio Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in strategic procurement, category management, and team leadership. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to deliver outcomes in complex environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, express your passion for public service and how your values align with the organisation's mission. Highlight your expertise in supplier relationship management and your commitment to sustainability.
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your experience in leading high-performing teams and mentoring others. Provide examples of how you've fostered a culture of excellence and continuous improvement in previous roles.
Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement: Illustrate your ability to engage and influence stakeholders at all levels, particularly in executive settings. Use concrete examples to show how you've successfully navigated complex negotiations and built strategic relationships.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Understand the Organisation's Transformation
Familiarise yourself with the major public sector organisation's transformation programme. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their shift towards a strategic, data-driven, and digitally enabled procurement function.
✨Showcase Your Category Management Expertise
Highlight your deep expertise in category management and strategic sourcing during the interview. Prepare examples of how you've successfully developed and implemented long-term category strategies that drive value and innovation.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Engagement Skills
Since the role involves acting as a trusted advisor to senior stakeholders, be ready to share specific instances where you've effectively engaged and influenced executive-level stakeholders. This will showcase your ability to build strong relationships.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Sustainability
Given the emphasis on sustainability and ethical sourcing practices, prepare to discuss how you've championed these values in previous roles. Share examples of how you've collaborated with teams to ensure compliance and continuous improvement in procurement practices.
