The Head of Procurement Services leads the Procurement profession within UK Shared Business Services (UKSBS), the shared services body for government clients. The post centres on people management, performance and professional development across the procurement teams, along with setting consistent professional standards. It sits within a transformation programme that includes a move to a multi-ERP platform and new government clients. Candidates need a CIPS qualification or equivalent and may need National Security Vetting.
What the job involves
- Set the strategic direction for the Procurement profession, aligned to organisational objectives and service delivery goals
- Hold overall accountability for developing the Procurement Services teams, building capability and career progression while keeping delivery customer focused
- Work with the other Heads of Profession and Heads of Service Delivery to embed strategic objectives and cascade them to all team members
- Define, implement and uphold professional standards for the profession to ensure consistency and quality across teams
- Horizon scan for emerging trends and changes to legal requirements, and communicate their impact on future service provision
- Resource services appropriately, prioritise work, limit non-service activity and initiate recruitment when the profession needs more staff
- Own risk management, assurance and governance, monitoring adherence to industry standards, policies and regulatory requirements
- Own the Procurement service budget, including resource coordination, financial planning and forecasting with the Operations Business Partner
- Represent the Procurement profession at executive and cross-government forums to influence organisational priorities and decisions
What's required
Qualifications
- CIPS qualification or equivalent
Experience
- Proven leadership experience in a procurement-focused role in a large, shared services or multi-client environment
- Demonstrable experience defining and assuring professional standards across complex organisations
- Proven people management experience, including performance management, professional development and workforce planning
- Demonstrated leadership of managers, including matrix resourcing, coaching and influencing stakeholders
Skills & knowledge
- In-depth knowledge of public-sector procurement frameworks and professional standards
- Strong expertise in public-sector sourcing, tendering and governance, with audit and compliance literacy
- Knowledge of framework and DPS procurement routes
- Excellent communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills, with credibility at senior levels
Checks & eligibility
- National Security Vetting, which may be required for successful candidates
- Normally at least five years of UK residence
- Background, identity and criminal record checks
Nice to have
- Knowledge and experience of Workday ERP in procurement
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Contact Details:
The Methodist Church in Britain Recruitment Team
