Interim Head of Procurement (3‑month contract)

About the role

This interim position will lead the procurement function for a South East England local authority on a three‑month contract. You will shape strategy, ensure compliance, and drive value across all purchasing activities while working within the council’s senior leadership team.

Key responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for all procurement, ensuring consistent, compliant, and effective commissioning, procurement, contract management and commercial assurance.
• Develop and implement procurement and contract management strategies, policies, procedures and governance that meet legislative requirements and best practice.
• Maintain robust systems, processes and controls, monitor performance and compliance, and report regularly to senior leaders and governance forums.
• Lead strategic sourcing and contract activities, helping services review contracts, identify savings and secure high‑quality, cost‑effective, socially valuable outcomes.
• Build and sustain productive relationships with council members, senior officers, partner organisations, suppliers and other stakeholders.
• Manage and develop the Procurement service, including workforce planning, performance management, learning and development, and fostering an inclusive, psychologically safe, high‑performing team culture.

Required profile

• Degree‑level qualification in a relevant discipline or substantial equivalent senior‑level experience.
• Professional procurement qualification such as MCIPS or demonstrable equivalent expertise.
• Extensive knowledge of public procurement legislation, governance, contract management and commercial assurance.
• Strong understanding of local government structures, decision‑making processes and the political context.

Required skills