Head of Procurement

Do you want to help make Gateshead a place where everyone thrives? If that sounds like you, keep reading - we might be the perfect match.

We're delighted that you're interested in working with us. You'd be joining us at a very exciting time. We pride ourselves on our ambitious and forward-thinking approach to taking care of Gateshead and its people, and we passionately believe that our employees reflect that spirit in truly enabling Gateshead to thrive.

At Gateshead Council you'd be a highly valued member of a team that recognises and respects the skills that you bring to your role, encourages creativity and passionately advocates a great work / life balance. Our actions speak louder than words, and with flexi-time and hybrid working available across many of our roles, as well as a full suite of outstanding employee benefits, we're confident that it isn't just the salary that attracts our staff.

Empowering Better Outcomes Through Smarter Procurement. Working with the Service Director, Financial Management, directorates across the Council, and our external partners, the service is key in shaping and delivering procurement strategies that underpin the Council's long-term financial resilience.

As part of the Financial Management service, procurement leads the development and implementation of approaches that are aligned with the Council's overarching objectives, ensuring that every pound spent contributes to better outcomes for residents. By embedding strategic procurement practices, the service ensures value for money, ethical sourcing, and sustainable supply chains that support local economic growth and social value.

Through strategic leadership and collaborative working, the service ensures that procurement is not just a transactional function, but a key enabler of the Council's ambitions for its communities.

Are you ready to lead strategic procurement at the heart of a forward-thinking Council? We're seeking an exceptional Head of Procurement to drive value for money across our contracts and supplier relationships. This pivotal role offers the opportunity to shape and deliver our procurement strategy, enhance service delivery, and maximise the benefits to Gateshead. You'll bring strong business acumen, a passion for change leadership, and the ability to build a shared vision across teams, with a focus on customer satisfaction, e-procurement implementation, and procurement skills development.

If you're a dynamic leader who thrives on making things happen and developing high performing teams, we'd love to hear from you.

What you'll get to do:

• Shape strategic direction by contributing to the Council's leadership and strategic management, supporting the Thrive agenda and driving corporate initiatives that deliver meaningful change.
• Lead Procurement Strategy to develop and implement procurement policies, procedures, and sourcing strategies that ensure compliance, deliver best value, and support national procurement objectives.
• Champion Social Value by maximising social value and community wealth building through procurement, embedding corporate social responsibility across all activity.
• Lead the implementation of e-procurement systems and digital solutions to improve efficiency, transparency, and service delivery to drive innovation.
• Develop capability by overseeing procurement learning and development to ensure staff across the Council have the skills and knowledge to deliver effective procurement.
• Act as the Council's key liaison with NEPO and other consortia, representing Gateshead at local, regional, and national levels to influence policy and promote the Council's interests.
• Lead teams, budgets, and performance management to deliver high-quality, efficient services aligned with Council objectives.

Whilst specific professional areas are allocated to individual roles, there is an expectation that members of the Senior Leadership Team work across any service, group or area within the Council, as required.

What you'll bring:

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
• Proven experience in public sector procurement, including managing complex purchasing activities.
• Demonstrable track record of leading and delivering organisational change initiatives.
• Experience in managing teams and performance to achieve service objectives and continuous improvement.
• Strong background in contractual negotiations and supplier relationship management.
• In-depth knowledge of strategic procurement principles and public sector procurement regulations.
• Effective leadership and collaboration skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and work across organisational boundaries.

What's in it for you:

• Competitive Salary: We offer fair and transparent pay that reflects your skills and experience.
• Outstanding Pension Scheme: We don't just offer a great salary - we invest in your future too.
• Generous Annual Leave: Enjoy 28 days of annual leave, rising to 32 days after 5 years, plus the option to buy up to 10 extra days.
• Flexible Working Hours: Giving you more control over your time.
• Hybrid & Flexible Working: We support a healthy work-life balance with flexible and hybrid working options.
• Learning & Development: Access a wide range of training, development, and progression opportunities to help you grow your career.
• Health & Wellbeing Support: From discounted gym memberships to mental health resources, we care about your wellbeing.
• Cycle to Work Scheme: Save money and stay active with our tax-efficient cycle to work programme.
• Electric & Hybrid Car Scheme: Get behind the wheel of a brand-new electric or hybrid vehicle through our salary sacrifice car scheme.
• Exclusive Discounts & Salary Sacrifice: Enjoy discounts on shopping, travel, and services through our employee benefits platform.