At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and oversee ÂŁ24m annual expenditure for impactful resources.
- Company: Join Sense, a charity dedicated to supporting disabled individuals with innovative solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible hybrid work, excellent training, generous leave, and a pension scheme.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in procurement while driving ethical and sustainable practices.
- Qualifications: Senior-level procurement experience, strong analytical skills, and MCIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
We’re now looking for an inspiring and strategic Head of Procurement to shape the future of procurement at Sense and ensure our resources deliver maximum impact for the people we support. This is a hybrid position, working 2-3 days per week from our office in Selly Oak, Birmingham. As our new Head of Procurement, you’ll lead the organisation’s procurement strategy, overseeing around £24m of annual corporate expenditure. Reporting to the Chief Finance and Commercial Officer, you’ll play a pivotal role in driving sustainable value, innovation, and resilience across all areas of spend.
This is a fantastic opportunity to lead transformation—embedding digital capability, strong governance, and ethical leadership across the organisation. You’ll lead and develop a small, high‑performing team, while working collaboratively across departments to optimise procurement practices that support Sense’s long‑term financial sustainability.
Key responsibilities- Develop and deliver a national procurement strategy that maximises value, reduces risk, and ensures long‑term sustainability.
- Lead the transformation of procurement through digital tools, insight‑led decision making and data‑driven performance.
- Build strategic partnerships with suppliers, championing innovation, social value, and ethical sourcing.
- Drive continuous improvement, accountability, and excellence across procurement operations.
- Act as a trusted adviser to the leadership team, influencing strategy and supporting best‑in‑class commercial governance.
- You bring significant senior‑level procurement experience across indirect categories.
- You’ve led multi‑disciplinary teams and delivered measurable commercial results.
- You’re confident, collaborative, and highly skilled at building relationships across all levels.
- You combine strategic capability with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
- You hold (or are working towards) MCIPS qualification.
- You’re passionate about driving ethical, sustainable, and inclusive procurement practices that align with Sense’s mission and values.
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. We use our knowledge and expertise to deliver personalised, creative and flexible support at every stage of life. Sense is proud to be a disability‑confident leader.
Working at Sense can be incredibly rewarding; we offer the opportunity to work in a large, diverse and successful charity where people can develop their skills, knowledge and careers in a supportive and flexible environment. In addition, we have excellent training and development, the opportunity for you to join our Group Personal Pension scheme and a generous annual leave entitlement.
If you share these values and want to lead a function that helps a truly meaningful organisation deliver more impact, we’d love to hear from you.
To applyPlease use the link below to complete your application. Managers will use your application to shortlist candidates for interview, in relation to the Personal Specification. Therefore, it is very important you complete this section thoroughly. We would recommend that you read the job description and person specification before applying.
Please note to avoid disappointment, we advise you to submit your application as soon as possible as we reserve the right to close posts at any time.
No agency submissions please: any submissions without prior authorisation from the Sense Recruitment Team will be treated as our own and as such no fee will be payable.
Sense is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable children and adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. Therefore, all offers of employment, where appropriate, are subject to a DBS check; level dependent on the nature of the role.
For this role we particularly welcome applications from candidates from underrepresented Global Majority backgrounds and candidates with disabilities. Sense is committed to equality of opportunity, and to promoting and celebrating the diversity of staff, volunteers and the people we work with. Everyone's contribution is valued and we ensure they’re given the opportunity to realise their potential. We welcome applications from talented people from all sections of the community who share our values and belief that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
Head of procurement in Birmingham employer: paradise bali villas
Contact Detail:
paradise bali villas Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of procurement in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement practices. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission and values, especially around ethical and sustainable practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to showcase your ability to drive value and build strategic partnerships. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining a fantastic organisation like Sense.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of procurement in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start filling out the application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you tailor your responses to what we’re really looking for in our new Head of Procurement.
Be Thorough and Specific: When completing the online application form, make sure you provide detailed answers. We want to see how your experience aligns with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your skills and achievements!
Show Your Passion for Ethical Procurement: Since we’re all about driving ethical and sustainable practices, let us know why this matters to you. Share examples of how you’ve championed these values in your previous roles—it’ll definitely catch our eye!
Submit Early: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application! We recommend getting it in as soon as you can to avoid any disappointment, as we might close the position earlier than expected.
How to prepare for a job interview at paradise bali villas
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand procurement strategies and how they can maximise value and reduce risk. Be ready to discuss your vision for a national procurement strategy that aligns with the organisation's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multi-disciplinary teams in the past, focusing on measurable results and how you foster collaboration across departments.
✨Emphasise Ethical Sourcing
Sense values ethical and sustainable practices. Be prepared to discuss your experience with ethical sourcing and how you can champion innovation and social value in procurement. This will show that you align with their mission and values.
✨Prepare Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the organisation’s current procurement challenges and how they envision the role evolving. This demonstrates your strategic thinking and genuine interest in making an impact.