Head of Procurement

BD Group is seeking an experienced and strategic Head of Procurement to lead and develop our procurement function, ensuring the delivery of compliant, commercially effective, and value-driven procurement activity across the organisation.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior procurement professional with strong leadership capability, extensive public sector procurement knowledge, and a passion for driving innovation, social value, and operational excellence. The successful candidate will play a key role in shaping procurement strategy, supporting organisational objectives, and ensuring robust governance and best value across all procurement activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development, implementation, and continuous improvement of BD Group's procurement strategy, policies, procedures, and governance frameworks.
• Act as the organisation's lead procurement professional, providing strategic advice and guidance to senior leaders, directors, and stakeholders.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, regulations, and internal governance requirements, including emerging procurement reforms and industry best practice.
• Develop and deliver procurement plans that support organisational priorities, financial sustainability, and long‑term business objectives.
• Drive value for money, efficiency, innovation, and social value through all procurement and commercial activities.
• Lead complex procurement projects, contract negotiations, and supplier engagements, ensuring commercial risks are effectively managed.
• Oversee contract and supplier performance frameworks to ensure service quality, compliance, and delivery against agreed outcomes.
• Manage procurement budgets and resources effectively, identifying opportunities for cost savings and service improvements.
• Lead, motivate, and develop the procurement team, creating a high‑performing culture focused on collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Build strong working relationships with internal departments, external partners, suppliers, and key stakeholders.
• Develop procurement training and awareness programmes to improve commercial understanding and compliance across the business.
• Monitor procurement risks and market developments, ensuring opportunities and challenges are identified and addressed proactively.
• Produce reports, presentations, and performance updates for senior leadership teams and governance boards as required.
• Support organisational transformation projects and strategic initiatives, ensuring procurement contributes effectively to successful outcomes.
• Promote a customer‑focused and commercially minded approach across all procurement and contract management activities.

Qualifications, Skills & Experience

• Significant senior‑level procurement experience within a complex organisation.
• Strong understanding of public sector procurement regulations and governance frameworks.
• Proven experience leading complex procurement exercises, tendering activities, and high‑value contract negotiations.
• Demonstrable track record of delivering procurement savings, efficiencies, and service improvements.
• Experience developing procurement strategies, policies, and operating models.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing budgets, contracts, and supplier performance.
• Experience leading and developing high‑performing teams.
• Knowledge of social value principles and sustainable procurement practices.
• Strong understanding of risk management, compliance, and governance requirements.
• Excellent IT skills, including Microsoft Office applications and procurement systems.

Skills & Abilities

• Strategic thinker with strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent leadership and people management skills.
• Outstanding stakeholder engagement and influencing abilities.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Analytical mindset with the ability to interpret complex data and provide commercial insight.
• Ability to make sound decisions in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong organisational and project management skills.
• Collaborative, resilient, and adaptable approach.
• Commitment to continuous improvement and innovation.

Working Arrangements

• Working Pattern: Full Time
• Permanent Position
• Hybrid working available
• Flexibility required to attend meetings outside normal working hours when required
• Travel may be required across operational sites and partner locations

About Us

BD Group was created by the London Borough of Barking & Dagenham to deliver positive economic, environmental, and social change. We provide a range of high‑quality facilities and property services across London and the Southeast, with a strong focus on supporting local communities.

Our mission is to help people live, work, and grow by delivering safe, reliable, and customer‑focused services aligned to local needs.

In addition to a competitive salary, our benefits package includes:

• Heart Hub rewards, perks & benefits platform
• Private Medical Insurance
• Group Life Assurance
• Pension Scheme
• 26+ days annual leave
• Family-friendly policies supporting work‑life balance
• Health & wellbeing support, including Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Career development and training opportunities
• Free on‑site parking at our head office
• A supportive and collaborative team environment