Head of Procurement

Are you ready to lead the strategic direction of public procurement policy in Scotland and drive outcomes that matter to society, the economy and the environment?

This post heads up the Policy Branch of the Scottish Procurement & Property Directorate. It leads on specialised, technical advice to Ministers, policy makers and senior stakeholder across Scotland on the development and support of public procurement and commercial policy, setting the legal framework and strategy on - and enabling the delivery of - what can be delivered through public procurement to contribute to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Scotland and wider government priorities.

Procurement is much more than buying the goods, services or works the public sector need. Colleagues in the profession balance cost, quality and time considerations. It’s also about ensuring we use our collective spending power to innovate and to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework.

This post heads up the Policy Branch of the Scottish Procurement & Property Directorate. It leads on specialised, technical advice to Ministers, policy makers and senior stakeholder across Scotland on the development and support of public procurement and commercial policy, setting the legal framework and strategy on - and enabling the delivery of - what can be delivered through public procurement to contribute to the economic, social and environmental wellbeing of Scotland and wider government priorities.

• This is a 12-month fixed-term appointment, offered on a fair and open basis.
• Secondment opportunities will also be considered.

This post attracts a procurement pay supplement of £5,250, subject to eligibility criteria and review.

Responsibilities:

• Overseeing the implementation and development of public procurement legislation, both domestic and to meet wider international obligations.
• Overseeing the development of procurement policy and guidance for Scotland to ensure that we use our procurement spend innovatively to deliver on the priorities of the Scottish Ministers, whilst ensuring integrity of process.
• Maintaining effective working relations with other governments and key stakeholders, conversant with emerging priorities and challenges, and guiding the development of targeted strategies, policies and approaches through a whole-systems approach.
• The provision of a trusted advisory service on matters of procurement policy - including emerging legal, social and climate matters.
• Responding to issues regarding compliance with procurement legislation through formal channels, including, as necessary, at an international level.
• Leading development and publication of the annual Scottish Government Procurement Strategy setting out how we plan to carry out our regulated procurement to deliver on the government’s ambition.
• Directing the development and publication of the Scottish Ministers annual report on procurement giving an insight into where more than 100 of the highest procurement spending bodies in Scotland are in meeting the requirements of the Procurement Reform (Scotland) Act 2014 and highlighting opportunities through procurement to improve social, economic and environmental wellbeing.
• Collaboratively leading, mentoring and developing a high-performing team of procurement policy and subject matter experts and practitioners.
• Professional/Technical requirements 
• [You can find out more about Procurement Skills Required at: Procurement Competency Framework] 
• Leading and Influencing at Level 5: Master / Leader
• Communications at Level 5: Master / Leader

Essential professional qualifications (or accreditation)

This is a specialist procurement role and requires evidence of commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of MCIPS/FCIPS, WCC Expert Certification or relevant equivalent; a pass at UK Government Commercial Organisation assessment centre at appropriate level; and/or appropriate evidence of delivering in a senior procurement role.

Experience Required Required

• Extensive policy development experience and practiced in implementing legislation, with all that this entails in respect to building and testing a robust evidence base.
• Highly developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to command the confidence of senior colleagues and external stakeholders; to build and maintain effective, trusted relationships; and to provide clear, succinct advice on complex and sensitive issues to diverse audiences including Ministers.
• Excellent analytical skills, preferably with experience of researching, monitoring and evaluating policies in a complex landscape, ideally in a procurement or a commercial environment are required.

Key Behaviours

• Seeing the Bigger Picture - Level 4
• Working Together - Level 4

You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How To Apply

Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of up to 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for Mid-Late October however this may be subject to change.

About Us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security Checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide. 

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. 

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

• Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
• This post is open to Internal Scottish Government candidates, Common Citizenship organisations and wider UK Civil Service (OGD) only.