Head of Procurement

Job description

Job responsibilities

Job Purpose:

Reporting to the Executive Director, this role is an integral member of the Senior Leadership Team, to drive the strategic direction of YPOs Procurement Services. The postholder will lead and execute a robust business plan, assuming accountability for revenue, service, and efficiency to meet the organisations overall growth and profitability.

This essential role will guide and empower the team, ensuring delivery of exceptional services that directly cater to members and customer needs. The primary goal is to meet organisational targets for outstanding service quality, streamlined procurement processes, cost efficiency and overall business expansion.

Supplier engagement and development strategies will be pivotal to the role to deliver customer-centric services. These services must encompass diverse outcomes, including but not limited to social value and sustainability. Supplier relationship management strategies will be developed and implemented to achieve these objectives.

Dimensions:

The role has responsibility for a team of 60 people located in Wakefield.

Responsible for YPOs customer expenditure in excess of £2bn

Responsible for the department budget circa. £3.7mResponsible for delivery of a growing revenue stream of £7m of rebate and services income.

Principle Accountabilities:

1. Leadership and Strategy

Lead the commercial growth and profitability of Procurement Services in alignment with strategic plans.

Drive a culture of continuous improvement and development within the procurement team.

Attend Board meetings occasionally, setting agendas and facilitating informed decision-making.

2. Customer Engagement and Business Development

Engage with customers to identify growth opportunities and ensure the ongoing development in procurement services are meeting the needs of the customers both now and in the future.

Proactively manage outsourced procurement services to support future organisational growth.

3. Relationship Management

Manage key relationships with public sector partners, fostering YPO's reputation for procurement excellence.

Actively contribute to the YPO Senior Management and Strategy Leadership Teams, driving organisational strategy.

1. Leadership and Team Development

Champion the ongoing enhancement of Procurement Service capabilities, fostering efficiency and strengthen the team's capacity to fulfill evolving customer needs.

Provide direct leadership to the Procurement Services Department, empowering a team of 40 staff members to pursue and achieve their individual and collective objectives with ambition and competence.

2. Department Strategy and Performance

Formulate and implement procurement strategies aligned with Board directives, emphasising leadership development within the team.

Manage resources, recruitment, HR policies, and procurement leadership, ensuring compliance and efficient operations.

Ensure high performance, efficient capability, and compliance with supplier agreements, enabling the team to excel.

Establish category management approaches and enduring supplier partnerships for quality and value.

Effectively manage resource conflicts and complex issues arising from procurement initiatives.

1. Financial Oversight and Collaboration

Monitor and manage the department's budget effectively.

Guide the team in driving collaborative benefits through strategic sourcing and contract management.

Proactively engage with customers to understand their efficiency plans to ensure future services meet the needs of the customer plans.

2. Strategic Contribution, Compliance, and People Management

Actively contribute to strategic decisions within YPO while ensuring compliance with corporate governance and legislative requirements.

Manage, appraise, and develop staff, nurturing their growth in alignment with departmental objectives.

3. Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

Foster strong working relationships across the organisation and with key suppliers, facilitating effective communication of YPO's strategies and objectives.

4. Continuous Learning and Service Excellence

Stay updated with relevant information and professional development opportunities, reinforcing service delivery standards and compliance.

Share knowledge and information with the Team to ensure continuous development across all levels.

5. Adherence to Standards

Ensure services align with legislation, YPO objectives, and policies regarding equality, diversity, customer care, and health & safety.

Undertake additional responsibilities within the role's scope and grade as required.

Person Specification

Qualifications

Essential

• Relevant Degree or equivalent through demonstrable professional experience in a similar role
• Other professional or management/leadership qualification at a senior level
• In-depth knowledge of creating a customer focused service culture
• Knowledge and understanding of Public Procurement regulations
• Extensive in-depth knowledge of the Public Sector Market

Employer details

Employer name

North Yorkshire Council

Address

Yorkshire Purchasing Organisation

Kenmore Road

Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate

Wakefield

West Yorkshire

WF2 0XE

Employer's website

https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)