Head of Procurement

Overview

As Head of Procurement you will lead a strategically focused function to deliver value for money and robust governance across the organisation. You will shape the procurement strategy, oversee high‑value and high‑risk activities, and drive policy and system improvements. The role combines international expansion with UK procurement governance, supporting estates and overseas projects. You’ll work with senior leadership to influence decisions and ensure compliant, ethical sourcing at scale. This is a mission‑driven opportunity to shape procurement for government customers and protect national interests.

Pay / Benefits

• Civil Service Pension
• training and development opportunities
• flexible working options
• on-site gym
• nursery, café and restaurant
• season ticket and bike loans

Responsibilities

• Lead a strategically focused procurement function and set the strategy, governance, and assurance frameworks
• Manage high‑value and complex procurements and key supplier relationships
• Drive policy and systems transformation to improve efficiency and risk management
• Develop forward‑looking procurement models and commercial strategy
• Oversee geographically dispersed operations and lead overseas procurement expansion
• Provide leadership and performance management across multi‑functional teams
• Interpret external trends and adapt procurement strategies to changing conditions
• Support estates work for UK and overseas FCDO buildings

Key requirements

• MCIPS qualification or equivalent experience
• Extensive experience leading a strategically focused procurement function
• Proven ability to influence at senior/executive levels and provide authoritative advice on high‑risk issues
• Experience managing complex procurement activity and supplier relationships
• Strong knowledge of UK procurement regulations and corporate governance
• Autonomy in decision‑making and risk management
• Experience operating in international/overseas procurement environments (desirable)

• leadership
• influencing at senior/executive level
• stakeholder management
• strategic procurement leadership
• governance and assurance frameworks
• complex procurement management

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