Job summary
*Please only apply once as this advert is duplicated but all for the same role.
We are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Head of Commercial and Procurement who brings a strong commitment to ethical procurement practices. The ideal candidate will thrive in a fast-paced, evolving environment, demonstrating resilience and adaptability in the face of change. With a collaborative and inclusive leadership style, you will inspire and empower teams to deliver excellence. You will actively champion our organisational values, fostering a culture built on respect, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Main duties of the job
The post isanticipated to be home based but depending on the location and preference of the successful candidate, it will be possible to work out of one of ARPs offices (there are currently offices in Barnsley, Bristol and Central London).It is expected that for home-based candidates there will be a need for occasional travel to one of the offices or to meet external colleagues and/or other members of the ARP team.
About us
The Ambulance Radio Programme (ARP) is an enduring organisation directly appointed by the Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) to provide and upgrade emergency communications for UK ambulance services.
ARP has a team of over eighty staff consisting of commercial, finance, project, implementation, technical, user assurance and service colleagues.They are based all over the country to support the successful delivery and maintenance of a £460m programme of work.The aim of ARP is to implement new technology that provides innovation and enhances patient care with the latest equipment.ARPs solutions also play a longer-term role in preparing the ambulance service for the adoption of the Home Office's Emergency Services Network (ESN).
ARP is currently in the process of introducing an array of new technology-based services to Ambulance Trusts and Air Ambulance charities.The Services include the introduction of new technology to the national Ambulance fleet (approx. 6500 vehicles) and upgrading and developing new, data-rich communications products (apps and hardware) for use by over 15,000 frontline paramedic and Control Room staff. Overall, ARP is responsible for providing an end-to-end service covering installation, maintenance, and replacement, which plays a key role in enabling effective response to critical life-threatening incidents.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see attached the job description.
Although the team is delivering complex programmes on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the team is hosted by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which means the successful candidate will enjoy all the benefits that working for an NHS Foundation Trust has to offer. These include a generous annual leave allowance (starting at 27 days), career average NHS pension scheme, access to a network of NHS / Emergency Services discounts offered by third party partners and NHS tax free initiatives like a salary sacrifice lease car scheme, plus cycle to work and technology scheme tax saving initiatives.
This role requires Security Clearance, and you will need to have been a UK resident for at least 5 years. For more information on the Government requirements, please visit the Gov website.
Check out our website to find out more about us as an organisation, our programmes, and latest press releases where we celebrate the huge team effort required for a successful delivery.Ambulance Radio Programme - Providing national critical communication solutions to the English, Scottish and Welsh Ambulance Services
Interviews to be held 10th-12th September 2025 - Interview location will be the Barnsley Office.
Job description
Job responsibilities
For further information about this role please see attached the job description.
Although the team is delivering complex programmes on behalf of the Department for Health and Social Care (DHSC), the team is hosted by South Western Ambulance Service NHS Foundation Trust, which means the successful candidate will enjoy all the benefits that working for an NHS Foundation Trust has to offer. These include a generous annual leave allowance (starting at 27 days), career average NHS pension scheme, access to a network of NHS / Emergency Services discounts offered by third party partners and NHS tax free initiatives like a salary sacrifice lease car scheme, plus cycle to work and technology scheme tax saving initiatives.
This role requires Security Clearance, and you will need to have been a UK resident for at least 5 years. For more information on the Government requirements, please visit the Gov website.
Check out our website to find out more about us as an organisation, our programmes, and latest press releases where we celebrate the huge team effort required for a successful delivery.Ambulance Radio Programme - Providing national critical communication solutions to the English, Scottish and Welsh Ambulance Services
Interviews to be held 10th-12th September 2025 - Interview location will be the Barnsley Office.
Person Specification
Education, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Post Graduate Degree and Masters Level Qualifications
- CIPS professional diploma in procurement and supply
- Significant experience of managing a wide range of supplier and contracts
- Strong Team Leader and interpersonal skills & able to develop and maintain effective and credible relationships with business leaders and supplier management
- Respectful to and able to promote equality in opportunity, employment and service delivery
Desirable
- Experience of working within a large scale programmes and service management structure
- Practitioner level PRINCE2, MSP and/or ITIL qualifications
Person Specification
Education, Skills and Knowledge
Essential
- Post Graduate Degree and Masters Level Qualifications
- CIPS professional diploma in procurement and supply
- Significant experience of managing a wide range of supplier and contracts
- Strong Team Leader and interpersonal skills & able to develop and maintain effective and credible relationships with business leaders and supplier management
- Respectful to and able to promote equality in opportunity, employment and service delivery
Desirable
- Experience of working within a large scale programmes and service management structure
- Practitioner level PRINCE2, MSP and/or ITIL qualifications
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
Additional information
Disclosure and Barring Service Check
This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.
Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).
From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).
UK Registration
Applicants must have current UK professional registration. For further information please see
NHS Careers website (opens in a new window).
