At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and oversee £24m annual expenditure for maximum impact.
- Company: Join Sense, a charity dedicated to supporting disabled individuals and promoting inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent training, flexible work environment, and generous annual leave.
- 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: We value diversity and encourage applications from underrepresented backgrounds.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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. 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.
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.
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. If you require any further assistance, please contact the Recruitment Team on 0121 415 6735 or recruitment@sense.org.uk.
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 in Brighton employer: Sense
Contact Detail:
Sense Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of procurement in Brighton
✨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 procurement strategies. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate how your experience aligns with their mission and values, especially around ethical and sustainable practices.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Head of Procurement, you’ll need to showcase your ability to drive value and build strategic partnerships. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Head of procurement in Brighton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Read the Job Description Carefully: Before you start writing, take a good look at the job description. We want to see how your experience aligns with what we're looking for, so make sure to highlight relevant skills and achievements that match the role.
Be Authentic and Personal: Let your personality shine through! We’re not just looking for qualifications; we want to know who you are. Share your passion for procurement and how it connects with our mission at Sense. This is your chance to stand out!
Tailor Your Application: Don’t send a generic application. Customise your CV and cover letter to reflect the specific requirements of the Head of Procurement role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we need.
Submit Early and Follow Up: We recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid missing out. Once you’ve submitted your application through our website, feel free to follow up if you haven’t heard back in a week or two. We love proactive candidates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sense
✨Know Your Procurement Strategy
Before the interview, make sure you understand the key elements of a successful procurement strategy. Be ready to discuss how you would develop and deliver a national procurement strategy that maximises value and reduces risk, as this will show your strategic thinking and alignment with Sense's goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led multi-disciplinary teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your leadership resulted in measurable commercial results. This will demonstrate your capability to drive transformation and continuous improvement in procurement operations.
✨Emphasise Ethical Sourcing
Since Sense values ethical and sustainable practices, be prepared to discuss your experience with social value and ethical sourcing. Share examples of how you've championed these principles in previous roles, which will resonate well with their mission and values.
✨Build Rapport with the Interviewers
During the interview, focus on building relationships with the interviewers. Use your collaborative skills to engage them in conversation about their current procurement challenges and how you can help. This will not only showcase your interpersonal skills but also position you as a trusted adviser right from the start.