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

James Andrews are acting as an employment agency and business in relation to this role.

We aim to respond to all applications personally; however, due to the volume of applications this is not always possible. If you have not heard from us within 72 hours, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.