Purchasing Officer - Immediate in Milton Keynes

Location: Milton KeynesSalary: 75,055 - 82,400 per yearEmployment: Full timeCategory: ProcurementPosted: 2026-09-19Valid to: 2026-10-19Employer: FCDO ServicesJob summaryHead of Procurement Salary: 75,055 - 82,400 plus a location allowance of 1,750 and excellent benefitsLocation: Based in Hanslope Park, Milton Keynes with the flexibility of hybrid working depending on business needFree shuttle bus is available between central Milton Keynes and Hanslope ParkAt FCDO Services we protect the UK's interests at home and overseas. We design and construct secure government buildings and courier diplomatic packages worldwide, safeguard government tech and a whole lot more. Job descriptionBehind every modern embassy or overseas project we support, there's a dedicated Procurement team here in the UK making it all happen. They strive to provide value for money supply chains in a compliant manner to support the organisation, FCDO and our wider market customers, shaping strategies for sustainable and ethical sourcing. Sourcing for global projects. Balancing cost with quality. Lead a strategically focussed procurement functionThe Head of Procurement role has evolved at FCDO Services, with increased strategic responsibility across customer needs and supply chain considerations, market development and value generation. Join us, and you'll shape the direction of a strategically focussed procurement function that delivers value for money while achieving long-term organisational objectives. With accountability for all procurement activities across the organisation, including high-value, high-risk and complex procurements, you'll drive the improvement and transformation of policies and systems. Developing a forward-looking procurement model and commercial strategy, you'll enhance efficiency while ensuring robust governance and risk management. Our work covers a broad range of activities, including supporting estates work for FCDO buildings in UK and overseas locations. So, you'll be responsible for providing strong leadership direction and performance management across multi-functional and geographically dispersed operations. You'll also lead the expansion of our overseas procurement activity, developing scalable operating models and strengthening organisational capability. Extend your influence as you work to defend the UK's global interestsMCIPS qualified, or with equivalent experience, you'll bring the ability to set strategy, governance and assurance frameworks and provide authoritative advice on high-risk issues. With proven ability to lead and influence decision-making at senior executive level, you'll bring experience of delivering organisational outcomes through others. You're confident operating with a high degree of autonomy to manage supplier relationships, complex procurement activity and associated risks. And, with strong working knowledge of UK procurement regulations, Government commercial standards and corporate governance, you should also be able to interpret external trends and shape strategies in response to changing organisational and market conditions. Experience of operating across international or overseas procurement environmentsis also desirable. Discover the support you need to grow your career furtherWorking with us you'll help keep people, information, and assets safe around the world. That's why when you join us, expect to receive a competitive salary, good holiday entitlement and a Civil Service Pension. Along with this, you'll also have access to training and other development opportunities to help grow your career with us. Our offices have an on-site gym, nursery, café, and restaurant, and we offer interest-free loans on season tickets and bikes to help you get there. Step into our Virtual Embassy and select a guide to take you round to see how we deliver for government customers and how you could help. Explore the embassy now at virtual-embassy.You can find out more about vetting on our website: ukClosing date: 18th October 2026It takes a diverse team to protect a diverse worldThe vital work we do takes an incredible community of colleagues, with different skills, backgrounds, cultures and identities. It's what makes us a Disability Confident employer. MCIPS qualification or equivalent experienceExtensive experience of leading a strategically focused procurement function, including the setting of strategy, governance, and assurance frameworks. Proven ability to lead and influence at senior/executive level, including providing authoritative advice on complex and high-risk issuesExtensive procurement experience in managing complex procurement activity, managing supplier relationships, developing strategic solutions, knowledge of supply chains for goods, services and works, and managing associated risks. Strong working knowledge and understanding of UK procurement regulations, Government commercial standards and corporate governance. Managing a Quality ServiceSeeing the Big PictureLeadershipTechnical skillsWe'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process: Extensive experience of leading a strategically focused procurement function, including the setting of strategy, governance, and assurance frameworksExtensive procurement experience in managing complex procurement activity, managing supplier relationships, developing strategic solutions, knowledge of supply chains for goods, services and works, and managing associated risks. Ability to interpret external trends and shape strategies in response to changing organisational and market conditionMCIPS qualification or equivalent experienceBenefitsAlongside your salary of 75,055, FCDO Services contributes 21,743 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides (opens in a new window).Learning and development tailored to your roleAn environment with flexible working optionsA culture encouraging inclusion and diversityA Civil Service pensionA leave allowance of 25 days per annum9 days per annum public and privilege daysThings you need to knowArtificial intelligenceArtificial intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks. MedicalSuccessful candidates will be expected to have a medical. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy. Diversity and InclusionThe Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see theCivil Service People Plan (opens in a new window) and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy (opens in a new window).ukFurther informationIf you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and you wish to make a complaint, you should contact FCDOServices. For more information, please visit their website. AttachmentsCandidate Pack- Head of Procurement - Copy Opens in new window (pdf, 2066kB)