Head of Procurement

Head of Procurement

Full-Time 75000 - 90000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
The City of Edinburgh Council

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategies that drive innovation and sustainability for Edinburgh's public services.
  • Company: The City of Edinburgh Council, a dynamic local authority with a global reach.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and a chance to shape the city's future.
  • Other info: Join a progressive team focused on digital innovation and community benefit.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on how public money is spent and invested in Edinburgh.
  • Qualifications: Proven leadership in procurement and commercial management within complex organisations.

The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.

The City of Edinburgh Council is one of Scotland's largest and most dynamic local authorities serving a vibrant city with global reach. We are on an ambitious journey to transform how we deliver services and maximise value for our citizens, and procurement sits right at the heart of that mission.

We are seeking a visionary and driven Head of Commercial and Procurement Services to lead our high-performing team driving innovation, sustainability and best practice across a £1bn organisation.

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to take a strategic leadership role where your expertise will directly impact how public money is spent and invested to deliver value for Edinburgh's people. You will oversee all aspects of commercial and procurement activity from shaping strategic partnerships and embedding social value to driving digital innovation and ensuring our processes are fit for the future. This role brings influence, leadership and innovation together—a chance to drive meaningful change at scale in Scotland's capital city.

About You
  • A strong and inspiring leader able to motivate and develop a talented team.
  • A strategic thinker with a proven track record in procurement and commercial management ideally in large complex organisations.
  • Experienced in shaping procurement strategies that deliver value for money, sustainability and positive social impact.
  • Collaborative and influential able to work across political, corporate and partner landscapes.
  • Passionate about using procurement as a tool for transformation, innovation and community benefit.
Why Join Us
  • Lead procurement in Scotland's capital city, driving the vision for how we buy and manage goods, services and works while balancing robust compliance with creative forward-thinking approaches.
  • Play a key role in shaping Edinburgh's future by supporting local businesses and enabling major infrastructure and service transformation.
  • Be part of a progressive organisation embracing digital innovation and sustainability.
  • Enjoy a unique leadership opportunity in one of the world's greatest cities.

This is more than a procurement job—it is a chance to lead change that matters. If you have the drive, vision and expertise to take procurement to the next level in Edinburgh, we want to hear from you.

This post is subject to a basic disclosure check. We are committed to creating a workplace culture where all our people feel valued, included and able to be their best at work, and we recognise the benefits that a diverse workforce brings to us as an organisation.

As part of our goal to improve our organisational culture and create a great place to work, we want to bring the best people into our roles—not just in their skills and experience but also in their approach to work. To achieve this, we are changing the way we interview and assess candidates by moving from a competency-based interview to a behavioural and technical (skills for the job) based approach. This new way will allow us to assess how you think and how you would bring Our Behaviours of Respect, Integrity and Flexibility into your ways of working.

You can find out more on Our Behaviours web page: Our Behaviours The City of Edinburgh Council. Our salary range typically reflects the initial starting salary and annually increases until it reaches the top of the range. Happy to talk flexible working.

Head of Procurement employer: The City of Edinburgh Council

The City of Edinburgh Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to lead procurement in one of the world's most vibrant cities. With a strong commitment to innovation, sustainability, and community benefit, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a supportive work culture that values diversity and inclusion. Join us to shape the future of Edinburgh and drive transformative change in a dynamic environment that prioritises professional growth and flexible working arrangements.

The City of Edinburgh Council

Contact Details:

The City of Edinburgh Council Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Procurement

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those already working in procurement. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the City of Edinburgh Council and understand their procurement strategies. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and innovation. Tailor your responses to show you’re the perfect fit for their vision.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your leadership skills! Be ready to discuss how you've motivated teams and driven change in previous roles. Use specific examples that highlight your strategic thinking and ability to deliver value for money—this is key for a Head of Procurement role.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining us in making a difference in Edinburgh’s procurement landscape. Let’s make it happen!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Procurement

Strategic Leadership
Procurement Management
Commercial Management
Team Development
Sustainability Practices
Social Value Integration
Digital Innovation

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion:When writing your application, let your enthusiasm for procurement and its transformative power shine through. We want to see how you can bring that passion to the role and make a real difference in Edinburgh.

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight your experience in strategic leadership and procurement management. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your ability to drive innovation and sustainability in large organisations.

Be Authentic:Don’t be afraid to show your personality! We value authenticity and want to know who you are beyond your qualifications. Share your unique approach to leadership and how you embody our values of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility.

Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at The City of Edinburgh Council

Understand the Role and Its Impact

Before your interview, take time to really grasp how the Head of Procurement role fits into the broader mission of the City of Edinburgh Council. Think about how procurement can drive innovation and sustainability, and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've done this in the past.

Showcase Your Leadership Style

As a potential leader, it's crucial to demonstrate your ability to motivate and develop a team. Prepare anecdotes that highlight your leadership style, focusing on how you've inspired teams to achieve strategic goals and fostered collaboration across different departments.

Prepare for Behavioural Questions

Since the interview will focus on behavioural and technical skills, practice answering questions that reflect the Council's values of Respect, Integrity, and Flexibility. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and illustrate how you embody these behaviours in your work.

Discuss Your Vision for Procurement

Be ready to articulate your vision for procurement in a large organisation like the City of Edinburgh Council. Think about how you would approach strategic partnerships, digital innovation, and social value. This is your chance to show how you can lead meaningful change and contribute to the city's future.