At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement teams and drive transformation initiatives for a local authority.
- Company: Dynamic North West Local Authority undergoing significant change.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, immediate start, and impactful work.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence change and deliver value across diverse projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector procurement during a critical transition.
- Qualifications: Extensive procurement leadership experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
A North West Local Authority is seeking an experienced Interim Head of Procurement to provide strategic leadership and operational oversight of its procurement and commercial function during a period of change and transformation. This is a high-profile appointment requiring an accomplished procurement leader with a proven track record within the public sector, capable of delivering commercial excellence, governance compliance, and value for money across a diverse portfolio of spend.
The Role
- Reporting to the Director of Finance and Resources, the Interim Head of Procurement will lead the council's procurement function, ensuring effective commercial management and compliance with relevant legislation and regulations.
- Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading and managing the procurement and commissioning teams.
- Providing strategic procurement advice to senior leadership, elected members, and key stakeholders.
- Driving procurement transformation and continuous improvement initiatives.
- Ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public sector procurement regulations.
- Developing and implementing commercial strategies that deliver efficiency savings and social value outcomes.
- Managing complex, high-value procurement projects across multiple service areas.
- Strengthening supplier relationships, contract management, and governance arrangements.
- Supporting wider organisational change programmes and budget delivery objectives.
The Candidate
We are seeking a commercially astute procurement professional who can make an immediate impact. You will have:
- Significant senior-level procurement leadership experience within Local Government or the wider public sector.
- Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and best practice.
- Demonstrable experience managing large-scale, complex procurement programmes.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills.
- A track record of delivering savings, service improvements, and transformation outcomes.
- MCIPS qualification or equivalent professional accreditation.
- The ability to operate effectively within a political environment.
Contract Details
- Role: Interim Head of Procurement
- Location: Yorkshire (2 days in office)
- Duration: Initial 3 Months
- Rate: £750 per day
- Status: Inside IR35
- Start: Immediate
This represents an excellent opportunity for an experienced interim procurement leader to support a large and ambitious Local Authority through a critical period while delivering tangible commercial and organisational outcomes. For a confidential discussion or to express interest, please submit your CV at the earliest opportunity.
Interim Head of Procurement employer: Opus People Solutions Ltd
Opus People Solutions Ltd is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises sustainable outcomes for children and families. With a focus on professional development, employees have access to growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact in their community while working in a hybrid role that promotes work-life balance.
