Procurement Lead

Contract Type: Interim Contract Length: 12 months IR35 Status: Inside IR35 As the Procurement Lead you will take overall responsibility for leading the procurement function, managing professional procurement staff and delivering efficient, compliant and value‑driven procurement solutions. You will work closely with project teams and senior stakeholders to ensure procurement strategies support programme delivery, cost control and market resilience. This role requires a confident leader with strong commercial awareness, capable of operating at both strategic and hands‑on levels while driving continuous improvement and supplier performance. Key Responsibilities: * Lead and manage the construction procurement function and professional procurement team. * Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to project programmes, budgets and organisational objectives. * Drive cost efficiencies through robust tendering, negotiation and value‑engineering initiatives. * Manage and develop supplier relationships to ensure performance, quality and long‑term commercial advantage. * Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, contractual obligations and internal governance processes. * Coordinate consultation, governance and approval procedures across procurement activities. * Provide market intelligence, procurement risk assessments and material availability insights to project teams. * Optimise supply‑chain performance through KPI monitoring, continuous improvement and strategic partnerships. * Lead delivery against output‑driven KPIs and promote high standards of service and team engagement. What We’re Looking For: * Proven experience leading construction procurement teams or functions. * Strong negotiation skills with a track record of securing best‑value commercial outcomes. * Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of construction cost drivers and market conditions. * Experience managing suppliers, contractors and internal stakeholders at senior levels. * Analytical and strategic thinking skills, with the ability to assess bids and identify procurement risks. * Knowledge of construction contracts and frameworks, including NEC and JCT. * Ability to manage multiple procurement packages concurrently in a fast‑paced environment. Qualifications Required: * MCIPS Accreditation – Essential * Transforming Public Procurement (TPP) – Desirable * Construction‑related qualification – Desirable