About the Role

Working within the framework of the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public sector procurement legislation, the Head of Procurement is responsible for leading and managing the Council’s Procurement Service, ensuring the delivery of professional, compliant, and value-driven procurement and commercial activity across the organisation.

This strategic leadership role is central to supporting the Council’s Corporate Plan, transformation agenda, and Medium-Term Financial Plan through supporting effective commissioning, sourcing, contract management, supplier engagement, governance, and procurement assurance.

The postholder will lead a high-performing procurement function that delivers excellent customer service, maximises social value and commercial outcomes, promotes ethical and sustainable procurement practices, and ensures robust governance and compliance with the Council’s Contract Procedure Rules.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading and managing the Council’s Procurement Service, resources, performance, and delivery of procurement operations across the organisation.
• Providing strategic procurement and commercial advice to Executive Leaders, Elected Members, senior managers, and service teams.
• Leading complex and high-value procurement projects, ensuring compliant and effective routes to market.
• Developing and maintaining procurement governance, assurance frameworks, policies, and procedures in line with legislative requirements and best practice.
• Translating the Council’s strategic priorities into operational procurement delivery, supporting transformation and continuous improvement.
• Embedding social value, sustainability, and ethical procurement practices across procurement activity.
• Leading strategic supplier and stakeholder relationships to maximise value, manage risk, and improve outcomes.
• Supporting robust commissioning, business case development, and early market engagement activity.
• Maintaining oversight of the Council-wide procurement pipeline and identifying opportunities for collaboration and efficiencies.
• Leading procurement-related transformation programmes, continuous improvement initiatives, and implementation of innovative procurement approaches and systems.
• Developing and motivating teams, promoting a culture of professionalism, accountability, innovation, and excellent customer service.
• Preparing and presenting reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership, Cabinet, committees, and scrutiny.
• Representing the Council at local, regional, and national forums, partnerships, and collaborative procurement initiatives.

This role will suit an experienced procurement professional with strong leadership capability, commercial acumen, and extensive knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and governance. The successful candidate will be confident operating within a political environment, leading change, influencing strategic decision-making, and delivering high-quality outcomes for the communities of Sefton.

Please see Appendix A (page 9) for a full copy of the Job Description and Person Specification.

The closing date for this vacancy is 3rd July 2026 (or earlier in the event of high volume of applications being received).

Provisional interview dates are week commencing 13th July 2026.