Job Description: Interim Procurement Manager - Professional Services

Location: London (Hybrid - on site two days per week)
Rate: Circa £450 per day (Inside IR35)
Contract Type: Interim
Duration: 3 months (with possibility of extension)
Department: Procurement / Commercial
Reports to: Head of Procurement / Commercial Lead

Role Purpose

The Interim Procurement Manager will lead and deliver professional services procurement activity across the organisation, ensuring compliance with public sector procurement regulations and internal governance. The role will provide expert commercial advice, support strategic sourcing, and manage stakeholder engagement to deliver high-quality, value-for-money outcomes for the organisation.

This role is ideally suited to an experienced procurement professional able to work independently, manage multiple priorities, and provide immediate impact within a public sector environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the end-to-end procurement of professional services categories (e.g., consultancy, legal, HR services, audit, financial services, temporary staffing, and specialist advisory services).

• Deliver procurements in line with public sector regulations (PCR 2015 or equivalent) and organisational governance.

• Develop and execute sourcing strategies that ensure value for money, transparency, and strong commercial outcomes.

• Prepare tender documentation including specifications, evaluation criteria, commercial terms, and contract award recommendations.

• Work closely with internal stakeholders to understand requirements, provide commercial guidance, and ensure robust planning of procurement pipelines.

• Manage supplier engagement, market analysis, and development of appropriate contracting models.

• Lead evaluation panels, moderate scoring, and support contract negotiation.

• Ensure that all procurement activities are audit-ready and fully compliant with internal and external regulations.

• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the procurement function.

• Provide clear, timely reporting on procurement activity, risks, and progress.

Person Specification

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong track record delivering professional services procurements in a public sector or regulated environment.

• Deep understanding of public sector procurement legislation (e.g., new procurement act) and best-practice governance.

• Experience developing sourcing strategies and running tender processes independently.

• Proven ability to influence, advise, and engage stakeholders at all levels.

• Strong commercial judgement and negotiation skills.

• Excellent written and verbal communication, including the creation of procurement documentation and governance papers.

• Ability to work autonomously and deliver results at pace within an interim/contract context.

Desirable

• MCIPS or equivalent procurement qualification.

• Experience within London-based government bodies, NHS, local authorities, or other public sector agencies.

• Experience supporting transformation, savings delivery, or procurement maturity programmes.

Working Arrangements

• Required to attend on site in London two days per week; remote working for the remaining time.

• Engagement is inside IR35.

• 3 months with view to extend

• Approx. £450 per day, via an accredited umbrella company.