Head of procurement
The head of procurement and the commercial leadership team lead how the organisation buys goods and services and manages its suppliers. They set procurement policy and commercial strategy, make sure spending is lawful and gives value for money, and advise the board on commercial risk. In a digital health care organisation they give particular attention to technology and clinical system contracts, supplier resilience, and exit.
- UK GDaD PCF role
- None: this reference defines the role
- ESCO occupations
- procurement department manager (ISCO-08 1213); purchasing manager (ISCO-08 1324)
- On GitHub
- Role document · Role data
Levels
| Band | Role level | UK GDaD PCF level | Civil Service grades | Job evaluation points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8c | Head of procurement | — | — | 646 |
| 8d | Head of commercial | — | — | 703 |
| 9 | Director of procurement and commercial | — | — | 739 |
In a digital health care organisation
- Large technology and clinical system contracts can shape services for a decade, so commercial leaders plan for interoperability, portability, and future competition from the start.
- Critical suppliers support services that run 24/7, so supplier failure and cyber incidents in the supply chain are board-level risks.
- Public procurement rules apply, and the organisation must be able to defend its procurement decisions if challenged.
- The organisation is expected to deliver social value and carbon reduction through its spending.
- Commercial leaders often work with other health and care organisations on collaborative buying and shared contracts.
ESCO occupations and skills
ESCO lists the skills and knowledge that employers usually need (essential) or may need (optional) for each occupation. Use them as a checklist for development conversations.
procurement department manager
Procurement department managers ensure that the organisation's policy goals are transformed into concrete actions and support their teams to achieve the best results for their clients and the public. They oversee the public procurement professionals in the organisation to deliver on their objectives.
Essential skills and knowledge (37)
Skills and competences
- adapt to changing situations
- address problems critically
- adhere to organisational code of ethics
- adhere to organisational guidelines
- apply certification and payment procedures
- assess procurement needs
- cooperate with colleagues
- develop performance orientation in public administration
- develop procurement strategy
- evaluate tender
- implement procurement of innovation
- implement risk management in procurement
- implement sustainable procurement
- keep up-to-date with regulations
- maintain relationship with suppliers
- manage a team
- manage contract disputes
- manage contracts
- manage procurement planning
- manage relationships with stakeholders
- monitor developments in field of expertise
- negotiate buying conditions
- negotiate improvement with suppliers
- negotiate supplier arrangements
- perform contract reporting and evaluation
- use communication techniques
- use e-procurement
Knowledge
Optional skills and knowledge (12)
Skills and competences
- analyse business processes
- analyse legal enforceability
- apply change management
- control financial resources
- develop organisational policies
- gather feedback from employees
- manage budgets
- train employees
Knowledge
purchasing manager
Purchasing managers are in charge of buying goods, equipment and services for their company, and try to ensure the most competitive prices. They are also responsible for negotiating contracts, reviewing the quality of products and analysing suppliers, and for the use and resale of goods and services.
Essential skills and knowledge (25)
Skills and competences
- analyse logistic changes
- analyse supply chain strategies
- analyse supply chain trends
- assess supplier risks
- coordinate purchasing activities
- estimate costs of required supplies
- follow company standards
- identify suppliers
- issue sales invoices
- liaise with managers
- maintain relationship with customers
- maintain relationship with suppliers
- manage budgets
- manage contracts
- manage inventory
- negotiate buying conditions
- negotiate sales contracts
- order supplies
- strive for company growth
- study sales levels of products
Knowledge
Optional skills and knowledge (28)
Skills and competences
- advise on sustainable management policies
- analyse consumer buying trends
- assess procurement needs
- attend trade fairs
- calculate purchasing levels of raw materials
- carry out statistical forecasts
- ensure equipment availability
- implement procurement of innovation
- implement sustainable procurement
- maintain contract administration
- manage procurement planning
- manage rented goods returns
- manage staff
- manage supplies
- monitor stock level
- perform procurement market analysis
- recruit employees
- track price trends
- train employees
- use e-procurement
Knowledge
Contains ESCO v1.2.1 data (https://esco.ec.europa.eu/). © European Union. Reuse authorised under Commission Decision 2011/833/EU.