At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public procurement policy and provide expert advice to senior stakeholders.
- Company: Join a dynamic team within the Northern Ireland Civil Service.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, permanent contract, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public procurement and shape policies that matter.
- Qualifications: Chartered membership in a relevant professional body and 2 years of management experience.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace welcoming applications from all backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 61673 - 64469 £ per year.
The Head of Procurement Policy will be expected to maintain detailed knowledge of procurement policy matters and legislation; a high level of understanding of policy and departmental issues; a broad awareness of political and current affairs; detailed knowledge of supply market and industry matters related to public procurement and their effect on market sectors; public departmental policies.
Responsibilities
- Providing advice and guidance on public procurement to Ministers, Assembly Committees, and other senior stakeholders;
- Supporting the Executive to deliver The Public Procurement Policy Statement;
- Engaging with internal and external stakeholders to ensure policies and best practice guidance are developed to help deliver best value for money and wider Executive priorities;
- Establishing and maintaining appropriate relationships with similar procurement organisations in England, Scotland and Wales as well as CoPEs and the private sector;
- To liaise with Cabinet Office and the other Devolved Administrations to discuss matters relating to procurement policy through the Common Framework (Public Procurement Provisional Common Framework);
- Consulting with departments and CoPEs during the formation of public procurement policy proposals.
Skills and Qualifications
- Be a current member (or higher) of a Chartered Professional Body incorporated under or with Royal Charter; For example; Chartered Procurement Professional, Registered Architect, Chartered Engineer, Chartered Surveyor or hold a professional qualification of equal standing from another construction profession. Please note that the successful candidate must remain Registered/Chartered whilst in the post. Checks will be completed with the appropriate professional body to confirm Chartered/Registered membership status.
- Provide evidence that demonstrates the application of in-depth knowledge of existing public procurement legislation, policy, and practice as it applies to supplies and services and/or construction procurement.
- Demonstrate at least 2 years' management experience of successfully leading and managing a high performing team in complex operational and/or policy areas, setting strategic direction, managing change, and effective management of resources.
Further Information
- Location: Clare House, 303 Airport Road West, Belfast.
- NICS Application form only.
- Vacancy closing date 17th April 2026 at 12 noon.
- Applications from females, young people (people under the age of 35), people with a disability and people from minority ethnic communities are particularly welcomed applications for this post. The Northern Ireland Civil Service is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
- Vacancy ID 1766661 Job ref. IRC324878 Job Sector Public Sector, Business, Policy and Projects Area Belfast Location Belfast Salary £61,673 - £64,469 per annum No. vacancies 1 Contract Type Permanent Weekly hours 37 Published date 30/03/2026 Closing date 17/04/2026 Worktime Monday to Friday, to be confirmed Area: Derry or Londonderry Closing date: 30 Apr 2026
Public Procurement Policy Director in Belfast employer: NICS
Contact Detail:
NICS Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Procurement Policy Director in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in public procurement. Familiarise yourself with current legislation and policy changes. We want you to walk into that interview room feeling confident and ready to discuss how your knowledge can benefit the organisation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! If you’ve managed teams before, be sure to highlight your experience in leading high-performing groups. We’re talking about specific examples where you set strategic direction and managed change effectively. This is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged. So, get your application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Public Procurement Policy Director in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff: Make sure you have a solid grasp of public procurement policy and legislation. We want to see that you can demonstrate your in-depth knowledge in your application, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic application! We’re looking for how your experience aligns with the specific responsibilities of the Public Procurement Policy Director role. Highlight relevant achievements and skills that match what we’re after.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing a high-performing team, make sure to include examples of your management experience. We want to know how you've led teams through complex challenges and achieved results.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there too.
How to prepare for a job interview at NICS
✨Know Your Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the latest public procurement legislation and policies. Being able to discuss specific laws and how they impact procurement will show that you’re not just familiar with the basics, but that you have a deep understanding of the field.
✨Engage with Current Affairs
Stay updated on current political and economic events that could affect public procurement. This knowledge will help you engage in meaningful discussions during the interview and demonstrate your awareness of the broader context in which the role operates.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
Prepare examples that highlight your management experience, especially in leading high-performing teams. Be ready to discuss how you set strategic direction and managed change effectively, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you would establish and maintain relationships with stakeholders. Be prepared to share strategies or past experiences where you successfully engaged with similar organisations or departments, as collaboration is key in this role.