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- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement to ensure our emergency services are equipped and ready.
- Company: Join Kent Fire and Rescue Service, a vital organisation dedicated to community safety.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, a generous pension scheme, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community by ensuring frontline teams have the best resources.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strategic planning, and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team focused on innovation and safety.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ 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 16.5% employer contribution
Holidays: In addition to bank/public holidays you will receive 31 days holiday
Closing date: 15th February 2026
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.
Being the Head of Procurement
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 critical 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.
We are looking for:
- 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).
Head of Procurement in Maidstone 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 in Maidstone
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching KFRS and understanding their mission. Show us how your strategic thinking aligns with their goals, and be ready to discuss how you can influence change in their procurement processes.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You want to convey your experience in managing complex procurements clearly and confidently. Highlight your background in Facilities Management and Construction, and how it can benefit KFRS.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our organisation.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Maidstone
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Procurement role. Highlight your experience in strategic procurement and any relevant projects that showcase your ability to navigate Public Contracts Regulations.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a critical leadership role, we want to see how you've influenced teams and built trust with stakeholders. Share specific examples where you've led change or modernised processes in procurement.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills related to Facilities Management and Construction.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you 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 exciting opportunity at Kent Fire and Rescue Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kent Fire and Rescue Service
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Public Contracts Regulations before your interview. Being able to discuss how you navigate these regulations while maintaining commercial agility will show that you're the strategic thinker they need.
✨Showcase Your Influencing Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built trust and influenced stakeholders in previous roles. Whether it's frontline staff or senior management, demonstrating your ability to connect with diverse teams will be key to showcasing your fit for this leadership role.
✨Highlight Your Change Management Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience modernising procurement processes. If you've implemented digital e-sourcing tools, share specific outcomes and improvements. This will illustrate your capability as a change agent within the organisation.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant Contracts
Since a strong background in Facilities Management and Construction is preferred, make sure you understand JCT and NEC contracts. Discussing your experience with these will demonstrate your readiness to handle the biggest spend areas effectively.
