Head of Procurement & Commercial Services

Interim Head of Procurement & Commercial Services

Location: Greater Manchester (hybrid - 1 day per week on site)

Contract: 3-6 months

Rate: Up to 650 per day DoE

Spencer Clarke Group are seeking an experienced Interim Head of Procurement & Commercial Services to provide senior-level leadership and assurance to a local authority in Greater Manchester during a period of service redesign and transition.

The Role

Reporting to the Executive Director of Resources, you will lead and support the procurement function through a critical period, ensuring continuity of service while the permanent leadership team is recruited. Key responsibilities include:

• Providing senior-level advice on complex, high-value procurement projects across the organisation.
• Overseeing the category management workstreams and supporting commissioners in the procurement of goods and services.
• Leading on the development of the procurement pipeline and contract register.
• Reviewing and signing off reports, procurement strategies, tenders, and award documentation.
• Coordinating FOI responses and ensuring robust governance and compliance.
• Representing procurement on cross-council project boards.
• Supporting the recruitment and transition of the new permanent procurement team.

About You

• Extensive experience at senior procurement leadership level (Head of or above) within the public sector.
• MCIPS (or equivalent)
• Project Management Qualifications highly desirable
• Must have completed all PA23 Government Commercial Function 10 modules; advanced practitioners (3-day deep dive completed) will be prioritised.
• Strong background in public procurement and contract management with the ability to manage complex, high-value projects.
• Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills, able to provide assurance at senior and political level.
• Local authority experience is essential

How to Apply

If you're interested in applying, please apply now with your CV and contact Joe O'Halloran at Spencer Clarke Group on (phone number removed).