At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the Procurement, Purchasing and Insurance team for Gosport Borough Council.
- Company: Join Gosport Borough Council, a supportive organisation focused on community improvement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with a £10k market supplement and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and influence at all levels within the council.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while shaping governance and best practices.
- Qualifications: MCIPS Level 6 or equivalent experience, strong leadership, and procurement expertise.
The predicted salary is between 60027 - 63569 £ per year.
Location: Gosport
Hours: 37 per week, Monday–Friday
Employer: Gosport Borough Council
Grade: 12
Salary: £60,027 to £63,569 - (Plus a £10k market supplement payment)
About the Role
Gosport Borough Council is seeking an experienced Head of Procurement to lead our Procurement, Purchasing and Insurance administration function. This is a key strategic role responsible for managing complex, high‑value procurement activity, ensuring compliance with legislation, and delivering value for money across the organisation. You will act as the Council’s expert on procurement law, best practice, governance, and shaping our approach and ensuring robust processes that support the Council’s corporate priorities.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading, managing and developing the Procurement, Purchasing and Insurance team.
- Providing authoritative advice on procurement legislation, contract development, and governance.
- Overseeing the Council’s procurement portal and ensuring processes reflect the latest legal requirements.
- Managing procurement activity to ensure compliance with Contract Procedure Rules and all statutory obligations.
- Supporting staff and senior leaders with training on procurement, purchasing, insurance and financial procedures.
- Managing the Council’s insurance function, ensuring adequate cover, risk reduction, and value for money (all claims made being managed by the Councils Insurer).
- Preparing reports, policies and updates, including Contract Procedure Rules.
- Representing the Council at key meetings, including the Hampshire Insurance Forum.
About You
You’ll bring a strong background in procurement with the credibility to influence at all levels. You will have:
- MCIPS Level 6 (or equivalent experience or qualification)
- Proven experience managing procurement and contract governance
- Strong leadership skills with experience developing teams
- Up‑to‑date knowledge of procurement law and best practice
- Excellent analytical, communication and relationship‑building skills
- A commitment to integrity, value for money, and continuous improvement
Why Work With Us
You’ll join a supportive organisation where your expertise will directly contribute to improving services for the Gosport community. Flexible working arrangements are available.
How to apply
To make sure your application is above the rest, please review the “job profile” and “how to apply” to ensure your application matches the requirements of the role. Please ensure you fully read and follow the guidance so you can demonstrate how you meet the criteria under “who is the person” on the “job profile”.
PLEASE DO NOT JUST SUBMIT A CV. Please ensure you refer to the “how to apply” document when you complete your application as there is information in there that you need to include and evidence in your application for this role. This is really important or you are likely not to be short listed.
Email your submission to; gbcrecruitment@gosport.gov.uk
Application Closing Date: 15 June 2026
The interview process will include a written assessment. Successful candidates will be informed of the assessment details in their interview invitation. Interviews Date: to be confirmed.
Head of Procurement and Insurance - Gosport Borough Council employer: Portsmouth City Council
Gosport Borough Council is an excellent employer that values the contributions of its staff, offering a supportive work environment where your expertise in procurement will play a vital role in enhancing community services. With flexible working arrangements and a commitment to professional development, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within the organisation, making it a rewarding place to build a career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement and Insurance - Gosport Borough Council
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation! Research Gosport Borough Council and understand their values, priorities, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your approach during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network like a pro! Connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Ask them about their experiences and any tips they might have for the interview process. This insider knowledge can give you an edge over other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for the written assessment! Since it's part of the interview process, brush up on your procurement knowledge and practice writing concise, clear reports. This will not only help you ace the assessment but also demonstrate your expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We encourage you to submit your application directly via the Gosport Borough Council site. This ensures your application is seen by the right people and gives you the best chance of standing out.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement and Insurance - Gosport Borough Council
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Profile Thoroughly:Before you start writing, make sure to dive deep into the job profile. It’s crucial to understand what they’re looking for so you can tailor your application to match their needs.
Don’t Just Send Your CV:Remember, they specifically mentioned not to just submit a CV. Make sure you follow the 'how to apply' guidance and include all the necessary information they’re asking for in your application.
Showcase Your Experience:When detailing your experience, focus on your procurement and contract governance skills. Use specific examples that highlight your leadership abilities and how you've delivered value for money in past roles.
Proofread Before Sending:Always give your application a good once-over before hitting send. Typos or unclear language can make a bad impression, so let’s make sure we present ourselves in the best light possible!
How to prepare for a job interview at Portsmouth City Council
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest procurement laws and best practices. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you’re an expert who can lead the team effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you developed your team to overcome them. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and inspire others.
✨Understand the Council's Needs
Research Gosport Borough Council’s current procurement strategies and any recent projects. Tailoring your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals will make you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their needs.
✨Prepare for the Written Assessment
Since the interview process includes a written assessment, practice writing concise reports or policy updates related to procurement. This will help you feel more confident and prepared when it comes time to showcase your analytical skills.
