Head Of Procurement

We are supporting a housing association based in South Wales who are looking for an experienced Interim Head of Procurement to join on an initial 6 month fixed-term basis.

This is a senior leadership opportunity to strengthen procurement and contract-management arrangements across the organisation, providing strategic direction, robust governance and clear assurance.

They are happy to consider both day rate and fixed term contract arrangements up to £90k and offer hybrid working (2/3 days from home) and the opportunity for a condensed hours 4 day work week.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Developing, maintaining and embedding a strengthened procurement control framework across the organisation
• Assessing current procurement capability and recommending an effective long-term operating model
• Strengthening procurement strategy, policies, procedures and practical guidance so they remain current, proportionate and easy to apply
• Operating robust procurement gateways, ensuring the correct route, approvals and controls are identified before commitments are made
• Setting clear, auditable standards for decisions, approvals, competition, exemptions and contract records
• Providing oversight and assurance across procurement and contract-management activity, escalating risks and supporting corrective action
• Advising and challenging colleagues throughout procurement processes, from initial planning to award
• Designing and delivering training, briefings and guidance to build organisational capability and consistent practice
• Maintaining a controlled exemptions process and ensuring contract signing authority is confirmed and evidenced
• Strengthening contract management, including ownership, performance monitoring, variations, extensions, expiry planning and record keeping

Experience required:

• Substantial procurement and contract-management experience gained in social housing, the wider public sector or another regulated environment
• Strong knowledge of relevant procurement legislation, governance requirements and good practice
• Proven experience of designing, strengthening and embedding procurement controls, policies, procedures and approval gateways
• A strong understanding of delegated authority, exemptions, contract approval, signing and record-retention requirements
• Experience of establishing effective contract-management arrangements and improving organisational oversight and assurance
• The ability to explain complex requirements clearly, guide colleagues through procurement activity and deliver practical training
• Strong judgement, attention to detail and the confidence to challenge incomplete evidence, unclear authority or weak controls
• The ability to work collaboratively at pace and communicate credibly with senior leaders, managers and staff
• A relevant professional procurement qualification or equivalent experience; experience following organisational change or merger and familiarity with the Welsh housing context would be advantageous