At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage the Council’s Procurement Service, ensuring value-driven procurement across the organisation.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to inclusivity and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, full-time hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values innovation and ethical practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector procurement and support community transformation.
- Qualifications: Extensive knowledge of public sector procurement and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 72859 - 79930 £ per year.
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Salary: HAY 5, INC 1-5, £72,859 to £79,930 per annum
Location: Council Region & Work from Home
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 03/07/2026 at 23:59
Reference: CorpSC/26/339492
About the Role
Working within the framework of the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public sector procurement legislation, the Head of Procurement is responsible for leading and managing the Council’s Procurement Service, ensuring the delivery of professional, compliant, and value-driven procurement and commercial activity across the organisation. This strategic leadership role is central to supporting the Council’s Corporate Plan, transformation agenda, and Medium-Term Financial Plan through supporting effective commissioning, sourcing, contract management, supplier engagement, governance, and procurement assurance.
The postholder will lead a high-performing procurement function that delivers excellent customer service, maximises social value and commercial outcomes, promotes ethical and sustainable procurement practices, and ensures robust governance and compliance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading and managing the Council’s Procurement Service, resources, performance, and delivery of procurement operations across the organisation.
- Providing strategic procurement and commercial advice to Executive Leaders, Elected Members, senior managers, and service teams.
- Leading complex and high-value procurement projects, ensuring compliant and effective routes to market.
- Developing and maintaining procurement governance, assurance frameworks, policies, and procedures in line with legislative requirements and best practice.
- Translating the Council’s strategic priorities into operational procurement delivery, supporting transformation and continuous improvement.
- Embedding social value, sustainability, and ethical procurement practices across procurement activity.
- Leading strategic supplier and stakeholder relationships to maximise value, manage risk, and improve outcomes.
- Supporting robust commissioning, business case development, and early market engagement activity.
- Maintaining oversight of the Council-wide procurement pipeline and identifying opportunities for collaboration and efficiencies.
- Leading procurement-related transformation programmes, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementation of innovative procurement approaches and systems.
- Developing and motivating teams, promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and excellent customer service.
- Preparing and presenting reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership, Cabinet, committees, and scrutiny.
- Representing the Council at local, regional, and national forums, partnerships, and collaborative procurement initiatives.
This role will suit an experienced procurement professional with strong leadership capability, commercial acumen, and extensive knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance. The successful candidate will be confident operating within a political environment, leading change, influencing strategic decision-making, and delivering high-quality outcomes for the communities of Sefton.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential.
We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role.
Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview. If you are currently in care or have previously been care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
How to apply
Please apply online via the link provided. Please note, we do not accept CV’s (unless specified on the advert). Please fully complete the online application form.
Head of Procurement employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and a supportive work culture, making it an ideal place for the Head of Procurement role. With a commitment to inclusivity and social value, employees benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation and continuous improvement, all while contributing to the betterment of the Sefton community. The Council offers competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and opportunities for career advancement within the public sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement
✨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 Sefton Council.
✨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 Head of Procurement
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 Sefton Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨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 Sefton Council!
✨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 Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council's culture.
