At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement transformation and deliver innovative solutions for public services.
- Company: Join Tower Hamlets, a dynamic local authority making a real difference.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and the chance to influence strategic decisions.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement and drive meaningful change in local communities.
- Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 75600 - 92400 £ per year.
Directorate: Resources
Reporting to: Director of Finance, Procurement and Audit
Location: Tower Hamlets (Hybrid Working Available)
Lead Procurement Transformation. Deliver Better Outcomes. Shape the Future.
Are you an ambitious procurement leader ready to make a significant impact in one of London’s most dynamic local authorities? Tower Hamlets is seeking an exceptional Head of Procurement to provide strategic leadership for our corporate procurement function, overseeing approximately £450 million of third-party spend annually. This is a unique opportunity to influence how public services are commissioned, delivered and improved, ensuring maximum value for residents, communities and local businesses.
As Head of Procurement, you will lead the continued transformation of procurement across the Council, driving innovation, commercial excellence and best practice while embedding a culture of continuous improvement and accountability.
About the Role
This is a highly visible leadership position where you will work closely with senior officers, elected members, partners and suppliers to shape and deliver the Council’s procurement strategy. You will lead a service of up to 22 procurement and commercial professionals, directly managing senior leaders within the function and ensuring procurement plays a central role in delivering the Council’s strategic priorities. The role combines strategic leadership, commercial expertise and organisational influence, providing the opportunity to drive meaningful change across a large and complex public sector organisation.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and deliver the Council’s procurement transformation programme, championing innovation, efficiency and best value.
- Develop and implement the Council’s procurement strategy, ensuring compliance with legislation, regulations and best practice.
- Provide expert procurement and commercial advice to Corporate Directors, Directors, Members and senior stakeholders.
- Take overall responsibility for procurement governance, contract management frameworks and procurement policies.
- Lead major commercial negotiations and supplier relationships on behalf of the Council.
- Identify and deliver sustainable savings, efficiencies and commercial benefits across a £450m spend portfolio.
- Support and challenge services to redesign delivery models and achieve improved outcomes for residents.
- Drive collaboration opportunities with other London boroughs and public sector organisations.
- Lead procurement input into major transformation programmes and strategic projects.
- Promote social value, sustainability, innovation and responsible procurement across all Council activities.
- Oversee procurement reporting, performance management and compliance monitoring.
- Manage procurement service budgets of approximately £2m.
- Represent the Council at local, regional and national forums, conferences and professional networks.
What We’re Looking For
We’re seeking a strategic and commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering results within a complex organisation. You’ll bring:
Essential Experience
- Significant experience leading a procurement function within a large, complex organisation in either the public or private sector.
- A demonstrable record of delivering procurement transformation, commercial savings and service improvements.
- Experience leading organisational and cultural change programmes.
- Strong experience managing budgets, teams and performance in a leadership capacity.
- A track record of developing innovative procurement and commercial strategies that deliver measurable outcomes.
- Experience working with senior stakeholders, executives, boards, elected members or equivalent governance structures.
Essential Knowledge & Skills
- Deep expertise in procurement, sourcing, contract management and commercial strategy.
- Strong understanding of the financial, legal and governance requirements associated with procurement.
- The ability to develop and implement long-term strategic plans while maintaining operational delivery.
- Excellent negotiation, influencing and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical capability and confidence using data to inform decision making.
- The ability to build high-performing teams and create a culture focused on excellence and continuous improvement.
Qualifications
- Degree-level qualification or equivalent experience.
- Relevant professional qualification (such as CIPS) is highly desirable.
Why Join Tower Hamlets?
Tower Hamlets is one of the UK’s most exciting and diverse boroughs, serving vibrant communities and delivering ambitious programmes that make a real difference to residents’ lives. As Head of Procurement, you’ll have the opportunity to:
- Influence strategic decisions at the highest level.
- Lead a high-profile transformation agenda.
- Manage significant commercial activity and expenditure.
- Drive innovation and best-value outcomes for local communities.
- Develop procurement excellence across a large and complex organisation.
- Build partnerships across London and the wider public sector.
Our Values
We are looking for leaders who embody the Council’s TOWER Values:
- Together – Collaborating across boundaries to achieve the best outcomes.
- Open – Communicating clearly and transparently.
- Willing – Challenging convention, innovating and taking accountability.
- Excellent – Inspiring high performance and continuous improvement.
- Respectful – Valuing diversity and putting communities at the heart of everything we do.
Additional Information
This role does not require a DBS check. Occasional evening and weekend working may be required to meet business needs. Flexibility to work across locations as required. Hybrid and flexible working arrangements available.
Ready to Lead Change? If you’re an inspiring procurement leader with the vision, commercial expertise and ambition to transform procurement services and deliver outstanding value for residents, we’d love to hear from you.
Head of Procurement – AR employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement – AR
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨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 – AR
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 Carrington Blake Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carrington Blake Recruitment. 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment!
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment. 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment's culture.
