At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to ensure value for money and better outcomes for residents.
- Company: Brighton & Hove City Council, committed to diversity and community impact.
- Benefits: Flexible working, wellbeing support, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Join a diverse team dedicated to innovation and social value.
- Why this job: Shape public spending and influence services that matter to the community.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with strong strategic and analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 49505 - 60506 £ per year.
Do you have the leadership and commercial expertise to shape how public money is used to deliver value for money and better outcomes for residents? Are you motivated by leading change, influencing senior decision-making and building a high-performing procurement service in a complex and fast-moving environment? If so, we would like to hear from you. This is a pivotal leadership role at the heart of Brighton & Hove City Council. You will lead our sovereign procurement service at a critical point in its development - shaping strategy, strengthening governance and driving improvement across procurement, contract management and commercial assurance. You will work closely with Members, the Corporate Leadership Team and senior officers across the council to ensure procurement is forward-looking, compliant and delivers real value - supporting the Council Plan, the city’s wider priorities and providing a unique opportunity to influence services and outcomes across the city.
About the role
You will lead the council’s procurement, contract management and commercial assurance function, ensuring a consistent and effective corporate approach across all services. Your work will focus on strengthening governance, improving systems and processes, and leading strategic procurement activity that secures high-quality, cost-effective and socially valuable outcomes for the city. You will operate at senior level across the organisation, providing expert advice on complex, high-value and high-risk procurement decisions, while leading a service through change, stabilisation and development. With significant changes to the public procurement landscape, you will play a leading role in ensuring the council's approach remains compliant, innovative and commercially effective, helping to shape the future of procurement across the organisation.
What we’re looking for
You will be an experienced and confident senior leader with a strong track record in procurement or commercial leadership within a large and complex organisation. We’re looking for someone who can demonstrate:
- Strong strategic leadership and experience of developing and delivering procurement or commercial strategies
- Deep knowledge of procurement legislation, governance and best practice
- A proven ability to influence senior leaders and stakeholders on complex and high-risk issues
- Experience of leading and developing high-performing, inclusive teams
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate strategy into delivery
- Effective communication skills, with the ability to engage Members, senior officers, partners and suppliers
- A commitment to equality, inclusion and delivering social value through procurement
What we offer
This is more than a procurement leadership role. It is an opportunity to influence how public money is used, support the services residents rely on and help shape the future of Brighton & Hove. In return, we offer:
- The opportunity to shape how the council manages third-party spend and delivers value for money and social value at scale, playing a key role in delivering significant savings and improving outcomes
- A key leadership role influencing corporate strategy and decision-making
- The chance to lead a service through transformation, innovation and improvement
- A collaborative and supportive senior leadership environment
- A strong commitment to flexible working, wellbeing and continuous development
Our city is known and loved for its diversity. Not only is the mixture of people, culture and skills vital to the economic and social development of the city, it's what makes Brighton & Hove such a great place to live, work and visit. We are committed to developing and retaining a workforce that is representative of the diverse communities we serve so we welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds. In order to achieve our aims of proportionate representation, we particularly encourage applicants from a BME or White Other background as well as those who identify as disabled, male or trans.
How to apply
Please read our Apply for a job at the council pages carefully. They give you all the guidance you need to complete your application as well as information on what will happen after you’ve submitted your application and at interview. As part of your application, you will need to provide your education and career history and answer some application/shortlisting questions. Your answers to the application/shortlisting questions are the most important part of your application as they will be used in the shortlisting process to assess whether you meet the essential requirements for the role that are set out in the person specification and to decide whether you should be offered an interview.
Head of Procurement employer: Brighton & Hove City Council
Join us as a Software Engineer Manager and be part of a dynamic team dedicated to transforming digital services for our community. We offer a supportive and inclusive work culture, flexible working arrangements, and ample opportunities for professional growth through learning and development initiatives. With a commitment to employee wellbeing and a diverse workforce, this role not only allows you to lead innovative projects but also to make a meaningful impact on the lives of local residents in Brighton & Hove.
Contact Details:
Brighton & Hove City Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Brighton & Hove City Council.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Brighton & Hove City Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Brighton & Hove City Council. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Brighton & Hove City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Brighton & Hove City Council
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Brighton & Hove City Council!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Brighton & Hove City Council. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Brighton & Hove City Council's culture.
