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- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to ensure our emergency services are always equipped and ready.
- Company: Join Kent Fire and Rescue Service, dedicated to community safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holidays, and access to the Local Government Pension Scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by ensuring frontline teams have the tools to save lives.
- Qualifications: MCIPS qualification or equivalent experience in strategic procurement.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to professional growth and community impact.
The predicted salary is between 63500 - 74000 £ per year.
Locations: Service Headquarters (Maidstone)
Hours: Full Time – 37 Hours per week
Pension: Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme – career average pension scheme with 18.5% employer contribution
Holidays: In addition to bank/public holidays you will receive X days holiday
Base Salary: £73,590 - £79,604 per annum depending on experience
Date Advertised: 2 February 2026
Closing date: 15 February 2026
Vacancy Ref: R000971
Being a part of Kent Fire and Rescue Service: Everyone is unique. Everyone has value. Everyone helps to make Kent Fire and Rescue Service a great place to work. We are one team. Together with our customers we are creating a safer future for Kent and Medway.
The Head of Procurement at Kent Fire and Rescue Service (KFRS) is a critical leadership role where your foresight will ensure our organisation is ready for its mission to keep our customers safe.
The Mission: When emergencies occur, every second counts. Behind every life-saving intervention is a complex web of infrastructure, technology, and equipment that must work perfectly, every time.
We are looking for an experienced, high-calibre Head of Procurement to ensure our frontline colleagues have the tools they need to protect our community. The role is about strategic procurement planning with the purpose of ensuring the resilience, safety, and innovation of a vital emergency service.
The Team is formed of five Categories: Facilities Management and Construction (Property); ICT; Fleet; Professional Services; Operations, the biggest spend being FM & Construction.
As the Head of Procurement, you will be the architect of our commercial strategy. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance, you will move beyond transactional purchasing to drive a value-based, socially responsible procurement culture.
Your key priorities:
- Strategic Leadership: Leading a dedicated team to deliver a multi-million-pound capital and revenue program, from high-tech fire appliances to specialized PPE.
- Commercial Innovation: Navigating complex public sector frameworks while seeking creative ways to drive efficiency and sustainability.
- Risk & Resilience: Managing critical supply chains to ensure we are never "out of stock" when an emergency hits.
- Social Value: Ensuring our spending power supports local economies and aligns with our commitment to environmental carbon reduction.
- Collaboration: Identifying opportunities to work with other fire services and partner organisations to deliver procurement activities that are mutually beneficial and provide best value.
Who you are: You are an experienced procurement professional who thrives on complexity and purpose. Ideally you will come from a public sector background, or you may be a private sector leader looking to transition into a role where your work has a tangible impact on human life.
We are looking for:
- MCIPS Qualification (or equivalent senior experience).
- A Strategic Thinker: Someone who can navigate the Public Contracts Regulations while still being commercially agile.
- An Influencer: The ability to build trust with everyone from frontline firefighters to senior stakeholders.
- A Change Agent: Experience in modernising procurement processes and implementing digital e-sourcing tools.
- Construction and JCT / NEC: Preferably have a strong background within Facilities Management and/or Construction along with working with NEC and JCT contracts.
- Desirable, not essential: Proven experience managing high-value, complex procurements within a public sector environment (Blue Light, Local Government, or NHS).
Why Join Us?
- Meaningful Impact: Every contract you sign contributes to saving lives.
- Stability & Benefits: Access to the Local Government Pension Scheme, generous holiday allowance, and flexible working arrangements.
- Professional Growth: We invest in our leaders through continuous professional development and executive coaching.
Benefits:
- Automatic membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme
- Blue Light Card discount scheme supported by several high street retailers
- A range of family friendly policies promoting work-life balance
- Access to health and wellbeing services and advice
- Free parking
Above all you’ll become part of a service that is committed to the safety of our community.
How to apply: Please complete an online application and CV by midnight on Sunday 15 February 2026. Interviews will take place week commencing 23 February.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We know that great minds don’t think alike, so we rely on diverse thoughts, feelings, beliefs and backgrounds to create the best working environment that we can possibly offer.
Kent Fire and Rescue Service, its employees and volunteers, are committed to safeguarding, protecting and supporting children, young people and adults at risk. As part of our safer recruitment process, we will undertake pre-employment checks to verify your suitability for the role. These checks will include your references and a standard or enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Enhanced DBS check with barred lists are carried out for roles with direct and unsupervised access to children, young people and adults at risk. Risk assessments will be undertaken on any disclosures identified as part of the pre-employment checks.
As a Public Sector organisation with added responsibilities under the Equality Act, 2010 the candidate must demonstrate an understanding of what is meant by Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and how these fits in with their everyday work.
Head of Procurement employer: Kent Fire and Rescue Service
Contact Detail:
Kent Fire and Rescue Service Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by researching Kent Fire and Rescue Service thoroughly. Understand their mission and values, and think about how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets what they’re about.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your strategic thinking skills during interviews. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've navigated complex procurement challenges in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and innovate in the role of Head of Procurement.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application is seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your strategic thinking and procurement expertise, especially in public sector environments.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial innovation or managed complex procurements in the past.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a leadership role, we want to see how you've led teams and influenced stakeholders. Include instances where you've successfully navigated challenges and implemented change in procurement processes.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this impactful position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around public sector frameworks and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges faced by emergency services like Kent Fire and Rescue Service, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll need to lead a team effectively. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure situations. Highlight your ability to influence and build trust across different levels of an organisation.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can contribute to the strategic goals of KFRS. Be ready to discuss your approach to developing a value-based procurement culture and how you would ensure resilience in supply chains. This is your chance to show that you can think beyond just transactional purchasing.
✨Emphasise Social Value and Collaboration
KFRS values social responsibility and collaboration. Prepare to talk about how you've previously supported local economies through procurement and any partnerships you've fostered with other organisations. This will demonstrate your alignment with their commitment to community safety and sustainability.
