Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies to drive value and innovation for the North East.
- Company: North East Combined Authority, committed to sustainability and social impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and a focus on professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while making a real difference in your community.
- Qualifications: Experience in strategic procurement and a professional qualification like CIPS.
- Other info: Inclusive employer welcoming diverse backgrounds and promoting a positive work culture.
The predicted salary is between 83663 - 88633 £ per year.
Location: The Lumen, St James' Boulevard, Newcastle upon Tyne, various ‘spoke’ offices throughout the North East and remote working arrangements.
Salary: SM3, £83,663 – £88,633 per annum.
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Reporting to: Director of Finance and Investment
Closing Date: Tuesday 28 April 2026 at 23:59
We are seeking an influential and strategically minded Head of Procurement to lead the North East Combined Authority’s commercial and procurement agenda at a senior level. This pivotal leadership role will shape a modern, high‑performing procurement function that supports the region’s ambitions across transport, skills, housing, sustainability and economic growth.
You will set the strategic vision for procurement, provide authoritative commercial leadership, and ensure the organisation operates with strong governance, assurance and a clear focus on long‑term value, social impact and financial sustainability. As the organisation’s senior commercial expert, you will guide Cabinet and senior leaders through major commercial decisions and complex, high‑value commissioning. You will embed robust policies and assurance frameworks, ensure compliance with new legislation such as the Procurement Act 2023, and lead a transparent, best‑practice approach to commercial activity.
Alongside this, you will drive commercial excellence through strategic sourcing, category management and innovative tendering to secure high‑quality outcomes and long‑term value for money. You will build strong relationships with suppliers, consortia and partners to promote ethical procurement, sustainability and meaningful social value. You will mentor and inspire a high‑performing procurement team, while supporting commercial capability across the wider organisation. Through collaborative leadership and continuous improvement, you will help ensure procurement is strategic, impactful and future‑focused for the North East.
About you
You are a strategic procurement leader capable of shaping organisation‑wide decisions and positioning procurement as a key driver of value, innovation and good governance. You bring experience from large or complex environments, offering clear, confident advice to senior leaders and Cabinet, anticipating risks and navigating complexity with sound judgement. You will be a people‑centred leader who builds strong teams, champions modern and efficient ways of working, and fosters a collaborative, positive culture. You will help strengthen systems, improve processes and ensure procurement operates as a trusted strategic partner across the organisation. A professional procurement qualification such as CIPS, or equivalent senior‑level experience, is essential. Above all, you will lead with integrity and a commitment to delivering meaningful, long‑term impact for the North East.
If you have the strategic insight, professional expertise and people‑centred leadership we’re looking for, we would love to hear from you. We are proud to be an inclusive employer, and we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, communities and experiences. We support flexible working and encourage applications from candidates who are under‑represented including women, disabled people, LGBTQ+ people and those from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds.
To arrange an informal discussion about this role, please contact Noel Kay, Strategic Finance Business Partner; noel.kay@northeast-ca.gov.uk
For further information about the North East Combined Authority please visit our website www.northeast-ca.gov.uk
Head of Procurement in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
Contact Detail:
North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement in Newcastle upon Tyne
✨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 on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation thoroughly. Understand their procurement strategies, recent projects, and challenges they face. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in making an impact in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your vision for procurement and how you can drive value and innovation. Use examples from your past experiences to demonstrate your leadership skills and strategic thinking. Confidence is key!
✨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. So, get your application in and let’s make great things happen together!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement in Newcastle upon Tyne
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our strategic vision for the North East Combined Authority.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve driven value and innovation in previous roles. We love to see quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for a people-centred leader, so don’t hesitate to share your leadership style and how you foster collaboration within teams.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application via our official website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at North East Mayoral Combined Authority (NECA)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and legislation in procurement, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss how these changes impact strategic sourcing and governance will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also forward-thinking.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in complex environments. Highlight your ability to mentor and inspire others, as well as how you've fostered a collaborative culture. This role is all about people-centred leadership, so make sure to emphasise your experience in this area.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Think about how you can position procurement as a key driver of value and innovation. Be ready to discuss your vision for a modern procurement function and how you would implement best practices to achieve long-term sustainability and social impact.
✨Build Relationships
Since this role involves working with suppliers and partners, prepare to talk about your experience in building strong relationships. Share specific examples of how you've promoted ethical procurement and created meaningful social value through collaboration.