At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead public sector procurements and manage contracts for essential services.
- Company: Join the London Fire Brigade, a vital public service organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, fantastic corporate benefits, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and involvement in community-focused initiatives.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a high-profile emergency services environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid, 2 days per week in office)
Salary: 56,071 + Fantastic Corporate Benefits
Procurement Heads is supporting the London Fire Brigade (LFB) in the appointment of a Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager within its Professional Services category, as part of a retained, multi‑role recruitment campaign across the procurement function. This role offers an opportunity to play a key part in shaping and delivering professional services procurement for one of London’s most critical public service organisations.
About the London Fire Brigade
The London Fire Brigade, governed by the London Fire Commissioner, is one of the largest fire and rescue services in the world, serving over eight million people across the capital. Beyond emergency response, LFB is a complex organisation with significant requirements across professional services, including consultancy, technical services, legal, HR, training and specialist support. Procurement plays a vital role in ensuring these services are sourced compliantly, deliver value for money and support operational effectiveness.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Procurement – Frontline Operations & Professional Services, the Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager will support the development and delivery of sourcing strategy and contract management across the Professional Services category. This is a hands‑on, senior practitioner role, combining regulated procurement delivery, contract management and stakeholder engagement within a governance‑led environment.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading end‑to‑end public sector procurements across professional services, from strategy through to contract award
- Managing and improving existing contractual arrangements to enhance value for money and service delivery
- Advising stakeholders on procurement strategy, routes to market and compliance
- Drafting and managing tender documentation, evaluation methodologies and contract award processes
- Supporting effective supplier performance, risk management and governance
- Producing high‑quality reports, business cases and procurement documentation
- Maintaining accurate procurement pipeline, financial and MI data
- Supporting and line‑managing junior procurement staff
- Embedding Responsible Procurement, social value and sustainability into sourcing and contracts
About You
This role will suit an experienced public sector procurement professional with a strong background in professional services procurement, who enjoys working closely with stakeholders and managing complex contracts. You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience in public sector procurement and contract management
- Strong working knowledge of public procurement regulations
- Experience drafting and managing tender and contract documentation
- Confidence operating in a stakeholder‑facing environment
- Strong organisational and analytical skills, managing multiple priorities
- Experience supporting or managing junior team members
- CIPS / MCIPS (or working towards) is preferred.
Why Join
- Opportunity to work within a high‑profile emergency services organisation
- Exposure to a broad and varied professional services spend portfolio
- Clear alignment to public value, governance and community impact
- Part of a wider procurement enablement and transformation agenda
Procurement Heads is managing this appointment on a retained basis as part of a wider recruitment programme for the London Fire Brigade. For a confidential discussion or further information, please contact us directly.
London employer: Procurement Heads
At Procurement Heads, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer by fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to thrive. With a strong focus on professional development and growth opportunities, particularly in the dynamic fields of Technology, Real Estate, and Professional Services, we offer a competitive benefits package and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements, making it an ideal place for talented procurement professionals to make a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land London
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like Procurement Heads.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Procurement Heads:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Procurement Heads. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like Procurement Heads.
How to prepare for a job interview at Procurement Heads
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at Procurement Heads!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at Procurement Heads. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into Procurement Heads's culture.
