Head of Procurement in Belfield

Are you a strategic procurement leader with the vision, influence and expertise to shape the future of procurement across a major social housing organisation? Rochdale Boroughwide Housing (RBH) is seeking an exceptional Head of Procurement to lead and transform our procurement function.

This is a high-profile leadership role with significant organisational influence, responsible for delivering a strategic, compliant and value-driven procurement service across RBH. Reporting directly to the Director of Finance and Procurement, you will play a critical role in ensuring procurement delivers outstanding value for money, supports organisational priorities and contributes to better outcomes for our customers and communities.

This is an exciting opportunity for a senior procurement professional who can combine technical expertise with strong leadership, strategic thinking and commercial acumen to drive continuous improvement and lead change across the organisation.

About the Role

As Head of Procurement, you will lead the Procurement Team and set the strategic direction for procurement across RBH. You will be responsible for developing procurement strategies, policies and frameworks that ensure compliance, maximise value and support the delivery of organisational objectives. Working closely with the Executive Leadership Team, Senior Leadership Team, Board members and colleagues across the business, you will act as the organisation's lead procurement expert, influencing decision-making and ensuring procurement is recognised as a strategic enabler of business success.

You will build a culture of excellence, strengthen contract and supplier management practices, drive innovation and ensure procurement remains at the forefront of legislative, regulatory and sector developments. As a visible organisational leader, you will champion collaboration, accountability and high performance, while representing RBH externally with partners, suppliers and key stakeholders. Candidates are expected to regularly commute to Rochdale, as the role will require regular attendance at our Rochdale Head Office and may also involve travel within the Rochdale Borough.

What are some of your key responsibilities?

• Leading and developing a high-performing procurement function that delivers an effective, compliant and customer-focused service across RBH.
• Setting and delivering the strategic direction for procurement, ensuring alignment with organisational priorities and objectives.
• Developing and implementing procurement strategies, policies, procedures and guidance that support best practice and legislative compliance.
• Acting as the organisation's lead expert on procurement matters, advising senior leaders on complex commercial, contractual and procurement issues.
• Leading major procurement and tendering projects across a diverse portfolio of goods, services and works contracts.
• Leading, supporting, motivating and developing the Procurement Team, creating a culture of continuous improvement, accountability and professional excellence.
• Ensuring compliance with all relevant procurement legislation and governance requirements.
• Driving value for money through strategic sourcing, robust supplier management and commercial innovation.
• Embedding strong contract management and supplier performance frameworks across the organisation.

About You

You will be an accomplished procurement leader with substantial experience operating at a senior level within a complex organisation. You will have a proven track record of leading procurement functions, influencing senior stakeholders and delivering transformational change. Equally comfortable operating strategically and operationally, you will combine technical procurement expertise with outstanding leadership and relationship-building skills. You will be commercially minded, politically aware and confident in providing expert advice on high-value, high-risk and business-critical procurement activities.

You Will Have:

• Significant experience leading a professional procurement function within a complex public sector or social housing sector organisation.
• Extensive experience developing and implementing procurement strategies that deliver measurable business outcomes.
• Strong knowledge of public procurement legislation and procurement best practice.
• Experience leading major procurement projects and complex tender exercises.
• Demonstrable success in delivering value for money, efficiencies and service improvements through procurement activity.
• Experience establishing and embedding effective contract management and supplier performance frameworks.
• Strong commercial acumen and contract negotiation skills.
• Experience advising and influencing senior leaders, executives and boards.
• A proven ability to lead, inspire and develop high-performing teams.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build credibility and influence at all levels.
• Experience managing procurement risks and developing robust governance arrangements.
• A strong understanding of social value, sustainability and responsible procurement principles.
• Excellent report writing, presentation and communication skills.
• The ability to build productive partnerships internally and externally and represent RBH with confidence and credibility.

Qualifications

MCIPS qualified or equivalent professional procurement qualification.

Why Join RBH?

This is a unique opportunity to shape and influence procurement at a strategic level within one of the region's largest housing organisations. As Head of Procurement, you will have the opportunity to lead a critical corporate function, influence organisational decision-making and deliver procurement strategies that have a direct impact on our customers, communities and future success. You'll join an ambitious organisation committed to continuous improvement, innovation and delivering excellent services, while working alongside senior leaders who recognise the strategic importance of procurement.

What Do We Have to Offer You?

In addition to a competitive salary of £75,000, you will also benefit from:

• 30 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
• Flexible and smart working arrangements
• Healthcare cashback plan, virtual GP access and subsidised gym membership
• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7
• Paid volunteering days
• Enhanced family-friendly policies
• Learning and development opportunities
• Plus so much more

Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging

RBH is committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued, respected and supported. We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for applicants who declare a disability, as defined by the Equality Act 2010, and meet the role's minimum requirements as set out in the advert and role profile.