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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and oversee £24m annual expenditure for impactful resource management.
- Company: Join Sense, a leading charity dedicated to supporting disabled individuals.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and excellent training opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference by driving ethical and sustainable procurement practices.
- Qualifications: Significant senior-level procurement experience and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to inclusion and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 84000 £ 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.
About you
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 in 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.
About Sense
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 apply
Please 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 - Permanent - Full Time in Birmingham employer: Sense
Contact Detail:
Sense Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of procurement - Permanent - Full Time 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 values. Since Sense is all about ethical and sustainable practices, be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! When you get the chance to interview, highlight your experience in leading teams and driving transformation. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've made a measurable impact in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Sense.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of procurement - Permanent - Full Time in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start your application, take a good look at the job description and person specification. This will help you tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Experience: When filling out your application, make sure to emphasise your senior-level procurement experience and any measurable results you've achieved. We want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles!
Be Authentic: Let your personality shine through in your application. We value collaboration and ethical leadership, so don’t hesitate to share your passion for sustainable practices and how they align with our mission at Sense.
Apply Through Our Website: Make sure to submit your application via our website. This ensures it gets to the right people quickly and helps us keep track of all applications efficiently. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the procurement strategy of the organisation. Familiarise yourself with their current practices and think about how you can contribute to their goals, especially in terms of sustainability and innovation.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Head of Procurement, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership style and how you've successfully managed multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight any measurable results you've achieved through your leadership.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving and decision-making skills. Think about challenges you've faced in procurement and how you overcame them, particularly focusing on ethical sourcing and building strategic partnerships.
✨Align with Sense’s Values
Research Sense’s mission and values, especially their commitment to ethical and inclusive practices. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can help drive their mission forward through effective procurement strategies.
