Head of Construction Procurement (Job Reference: 26003709)
Primary Location : Tyrone-Omagh-Omagh Office
Other Locations :Antrim-Belfast-Belfast Office, Armagh-Armagh-Armagh Office, Antrim-Ballymena-Ballee Centre
Contract Type : Permanent
Duration of Contract/Contract End Date : N/A
Status : Full-Time
Hours per Week : 36 hours per week
Working Pattern : Monday - Friday
Grade/Scale : Education Officer | NJC pts 53 - 56 | £65,226 - £68,475 per annum
Additional Allowance(s) : Not Applicable
Anticipated Interview Date(s) : 30 June 2026
Additional Information: Base location to be determined on appointment. The EA reserves the right to create a reserve list. Suitable applicants who are not appointed to this immediate vacancy may be placed on a reserve list which will remain valid for one year and may be offered similar appointments at the discretion of the EA during that period.
Job Description
Service area: Commercial Procurement Services
Responsible to: Head of Commercial Procurement Services
Responsible for: Reporting to the Head of Commercial procurement Services the Head of Construction Procurement will be responsible for developing and leading aspects of a high-quality Commercial Procurement Service to the EA, schools and other education partners. Direct line management responsibility for senior category managers and overall leadership responsibility for a large, diverse and geographically dispersed team of professional, technical and administrative staff within construction categories within the service regionally.
1.1 JOB PURPOSE
The overall purpose of the role is to provide leadership of transformation changes, provide leadership of transformational change and implement new structures, strategy policy, procured and processes for the service.
To strategically lead, manage and develop the portfolio of Construction Procurement (and other procurement categories deemed appropriate by the HOS) accountable for ensuring that service delivery is focused on fostering and driving continuous improvement in meeting the needs of EA Services and Schools.
The Head of Construction Procurement will support the Head of Commercial Procurement Services and lead in the development and delivery of a procurement function for EA. This includes the contributing and management of a Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE). The post holder will primarily support the delivery of the corporate objectives of the EA, using strategic and operational procurement best practice which is compliant with Government Policies, EU and National Directives and the corporate governance arrangements of the EA and its sponsoring government departments. They will be responsible for providing procurement expertise, professional advice and assurance to the Head of Commercial Procurement Services, Assistant Director for Procurement and Corporate Services and the Head of CoPE on all procurement related matters including the supply and services category. The Head of Construction Procurement will also provide effective leadership to a team of procurement professionals to deliver an effective and compliant procurement service to EA and schools where procurement expenditure for, Construction Procurement is typically in excess of approximately £200m annually. The post holder will be reporting to the Head of Commercial will Procurement will assist in the management of the relationship and interface with Central Procurement Directorate (CPD) on all strategic policy and operational matters impacting the procurement activity of the EA. The post holder will also provide leadership of transformational change and implementation of new structures, strategy, policy and processes for the EA Procurement Service.
1.2 LEADERSHIP AND MANAGEMENT RESPONSIBILITIES
The Head of Service has the following leadership responsibilities for this portfolio of service;
1.3 SETTING VISION AND STRATEGY
Actively contribute to the strategic management of the Division as a member of the Senior Team including establish, maintain and communicate a clear and compelling strategic direction for the service and Construction Procurement portfolio.
Contribute to the development of a strategic plan for the Head of Commercial Procurement Services and lead on development of a specific procurement division business plan.
Translate the Corporate vision into Service and Construction Procurement function and provide specific direction..
Lead the regionalisation and transformation of the service, and all related processes and procedures.
Contribute and lead on the development and implementation of new policies in line with strategic direction.
Contribute to the management of the Assistant Directorate, attending Executive Team and Board meetings as required by the Assistant Director.
Challenge conventional approaches, harness new approaches and technology and maximise efficiencies.
1.4 MANAGING THE ORGANISATION TO DELIVER
Manage service delivery effectively to ensure that the service achieves the highest possible standards of performance and focuses on the needs of internal and external customers.
Develop, agree and implement service performance targets with the Head of Commercial Procurement.
Services and provide regular progress reports.
Develop, agree and implement a robust annual operational plan for the service and Construction Procurement category.
Delegate responsibilities and deploy staff according to their skills and abilities to meet the needs of the service.
Regularly monitor and review plans and make adjustments as required.
Manage and continuously improve the service to ensure delivery against performance targets, and to ensure that best value for money is achieved.
Ensure that the Construction Procurement functions contribute to overall Directorate and Corporate performance as appropriate and provide update reports as required.
Ensure that the Head of Commercial Procurement Services receives high quality service-specific advice.
Apply resources effectively across the service to maximise the delivery of front-line services.
Consider the financial implications relating to effective models of service delivery and contribute to the successful achievement of the Savings Delivery Plan.
Ensure compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and statutory performance requirements.
Follow agreed measures to deliver the service within budget, and take immediate corrective action as required.
Manage the service budget in accordance with all the relevant financial policies and procedures.
Contribute effectively to quality and performance management systems and ensure that the service is being managed as per the requirements of these systems.
Ensure that employees within the service team are provided with clear structure, roles and responsibilities and are supported to work in an integrated way.
Focus on addressing key workforce issues including recruitment, employee engagement, retention and training and development.
Investigate all complaints and adverse incidents where outcomes are below expected standards.
Establish effective and rigorous quality assurance systems to maintain high standards.
1.5 LEADERSHIP
Work closely with the Head of Commercial Procurement Services to provide the service with leadership and direction ensuring that corporate, directorate and service performance standards are achieved.
Promote the ethos, vision and values of the EA and ensure that the Service is focused on meeting the needs of customers, children and young people.
Foster a culture that supports achievement of the authority’s Strategic Plan by role modelling core values and leadership behaviours to staff in the service.
Lead/manage and communicate change and improvement initiatives within the service.
Lead, manage and develop staff within the service.
Encourage staff involvement and engagement in the strategic development and operational delivery of the service.
Actively encourage teamwork and self-development, and create opportunities to maximise individuals’ potential, stimulate innovation and connection at all levels with front line services.
Promote a positive culture of performance management within the service through individual and small-team accountability. Foster a culture of constructive feedback and learning, and a genuine commitment to regular and effective appraisals.
Prepare and deliver reports on behalf of the Authority as required.
1.6 BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS AND WORKING WITH OTHERS
Build and maintain effective, professional and respectful stakeholder relationships.
Ensure efficient and effective internal communication with staff in the service.
Work closely with partner organisations, the Head of Commercial Procurement Services Assistant Director/Director and colleagues to benchmark services and lead/manage and monitor change.
Build and maintain effective working relationships and clear lines of communication with other Heads of Service within the Directorate and in other Directorates.
Develop and maintain clear lines of communication and effective working partnerships with relevant external stakeholders and service user groups.
Lead on/manage engagement with staff, schools and the public on major changes in the service that may affect them.
Work with external agencies; for example, education sector partner organisations, to identify opportunities for joint working that might bring greater consistency across the sector, and/or improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery.
1.7 SERVICE-SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES
Promote Public Procurement Policy and best practice within the EA.
Supporting the Head of Commercial Procurement Services define and develop the necessary organisational structures, roles and governance arrangements for all procurement activity associated with Construction Procurement within the EA (including other procurement categories deemed appropriate by the Head of Procurement), to ensure compliance with the requirements of the CoPE accreditation model and to support the delivery of the EA’s strategic objectives.
Support and guide the Head of Commercial Procurement Services, Accounting Officer, Corporate Leadership Team and Board Members in relation to all procurement and related governance matters.
Provide professional leadership, management and guidance to the Procurement Staff, Initial Furniture and Equipment Unit, EA Service Managers and other Education stakeholders in all matters relating to procurement.
Enhance procurement standards across the EA to ensure continuing Centre of Procurement Expertise (CoPE) accreditation and ensure compliance with EU/National Directives, UK Regulations, Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy, Procurement Policy Notes and other relevant policies and best practice.
Lead, develop and maintain functional performance indicators and additional key performance metrics supported by a suite of performance management reports for all procurement activity across the EA.
Embed effective audit processes for all procurement activity, including, taking the lead with internal and external auditors, assisting with investigations and to be responsible for the closure of assigned actions in a robust, confidential and timely manner to ensure continuous improvement.
Take the lead in ensuring that the extensive procurement requirements for the EA are planned, regularly reviewed and effectively communicated.
To actively participate in the development and application of procurement strategies for all procurement exercises from initiation to contract award and the ongoing contract management.
Develop appropriate strategies and methodologies to determine the optimum staff resource levels, address identified skills gaps and the related staff development requirements to meet demand and ensure the benefits from effective procurement in both construction, Construction Procurement and Initial Furniture and Equipment are maximised for the EA.
Support the delivery of sustainable procurement and equality through sustainable procurement initiatives, action plans and ensure procurement advice and decisions incorporate sustainable procurement considerations.
Develop robust data capture and management information systems to enable the implementation of policies and best practice to be measured and reported on to inform strategic and operational decision making regarding procurement activity.
Regularly benchmark EA procurement activities both internally and externally through self-audit, benchmarking with relevant organisations and third-party accreditation.
Maximise the potential of EA Management Information Systems to integrate financial and procurement data to better inform procurement management, decision making and performance.
Develop engagement strategies and plans to ensure procurement delivery plans are developed and communicated for all procurement projects whether construction, Initial furniture and equipment, supplies or services and that there is regular and effective engagement with both customers and suppliers to ensure that procurement strategies take account of market and customer need.
Liaise with Central Procurement Directorate and contribute to the development of strategic Northern Ireland Public Procurement Policy, ensuring that the EA’s interests are appropriately represented and considered.
Represent EA on the Procurement Practitioners’ Group and other relevant procurement forums, using participation in this and other groups as an opportunity to share best practice and to avail of collaborative procurement opportunities.
Maximise opportunities for collaboration and innovation in procurement solutions, through drawing on market knowledge to assess market capability and encourage supplier innovation, working with CPD and other Public Sector CoPEs.
Maximise procurement benefits through the pro-active review of service specific and corporate spend and income generating opportunities.
Manage and develop the supplier base including Small and Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) and the Social Economy Enterprises (SEEs).
Actively pursue, implement and maintain a quality management system for the service and construction category
Develop a risk management strategy and the supporting risk management arrangements to ensure that adequate controls are in place for Construction Procurement.
Lead and direct in the area of procurement fraud, corporate risk avoidance and mitigation.
Continuously monitor and conduct regular risk assessments for all contracted suppliers within the supply chain.
Ensure consistency in the development, approval, renewal and cost recovery arrangements associated with current or proposed procurement related Memorandums of Understanding (MOA’s) and Service Level Agreements (SLA’s) with sponsoring Government Departments and other Education partners.
Develop, maintain and implement specialist commercial terms and conditions for contracts and provide advice on special conditions for specialist and complex procurements.
Provide professional expertise on procurement disputes, legal challenges and provide support to Service areas on high value procurements as required, in support of the Head of Commercial Procurement Services, Assistant Director for Procurement and Corporate Services, CLT and the EA Board.
Prepare reports and supporting papers to inform policy and strategic direction which will support future models of operational service delivery.
Ensure sound information governance and records management practices are always followed.
Meet with and respond to enquiries and complaints from parents, school principals, Board members, MLAs, MPs and other public representatives on all issues relating to service delivery, including correspondence, AQs, FOIs and the like.
Lead and manage the Initial Furniture and Equipment team responsible for advising schools and assisting schools with the requirements for fitting out schools.
This job description will be subject to review in light of changing circumstances and is not intended to be rigid and inflexible but should be regarded as providing guidelines within which the individual works. Other duties of a similar nature and appropriate to the grade may be assigned from time to time.
In accordance with Section 75 of the Northern Ireland Act (1998), the post-holder is expected to promote good relations, equality of opportunity and pay due regard for equality legislation at all times.
To view the summary of terms and conditions for this post, click here.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
1. You must clearly demonstrate on your application form under each question, how, and to what extent you meet the required criteria as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted. You should clearly demonstrate this for both the essential and desirable criteria, where relevant.
2. You must demonstrate how you meet the criteria by the closing date for applications, unless the criteria state otherwise.
3. The stage in the process when the criteria will be measured is outlined in the table below.
4. Shortlisting will be carried out on the basis of the essential criteria set out in Section 1 below, using the information provided by you on your application form.
5. Please note that the Selection Panel reserves the right to shortlist only those applicants that it believes most strongly meet the criteria for the role.
6. In the event of an excessive number of applications, the Selection Panel also reserves the right to apply any desirable criteria as outlined in Section 3 at shortlisting, in which case these will be applied in the order listed. It is important therefore that you also clearly demonstrate on your application form on how you meet any desirable criteria.
Section 1 - Essential Criteria
The following are essential criteria which will initially be measured at the shortlisting stage and which may also be further explored during the interview/selection stage. You should therefore make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet these criteria. Failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Qualifications/
Professional Membership
Hold a Bachelor’s Degree (UK Qualification and Credit Framework Level 6) or an equivalent, higher or professional qualification in Procurement or Business-related subject
Hold full Membership of CIPS or Chartered Member of RIBA, RICS , CIOB or equivalent
Shortlisting by Application Form
Experience
Have three years' experience of the successful management of a procurement function/procurement category and team in a **large complex organisation at *a senior level within a procurement/construction environment dealing with the procurement of supplies, services or works contracts that are regulated by the Public Contract Regulations/Procurement Act 2023
Demonstrable experience at *senior management level demonstrating an ability to lead, manage, develop, and motivate staff at all levels within a changing environment
Demonstrable experience of NEC terms and conditions and their application through contracts
Demonstrable experience of the successful implementation of Procurement policies, procedures and driving continuous improvement through the implementation of these
- A senior role is defined as: the candidate has a high level of responsibility for managing the day to day business tasks such as planning and supervision to ensure the smooth running of a procurement teams and procurement category within their organisation
** A large complex organisation means; one that has at least 250 employees or a turnover in excess of £50m
Knowledge
Demonstrates an extensive knowledge of NI Public Procurement Policy and NI Procurement Policy Notes and their application
Demonstrable knowledge of the current and anticipated challenges facing NI Public Sector Procurement
Shortlisting by Application Form
Other
Demonstrable commitment to continuous personal and professional development to ensure effective leadership and continuous improvement
The successful candidate will be required:
to have access to a suitable vehicle (appropriately maintained and insured for Education Authority business) that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion;
OR
be able to provide sufficient information on the application form that will satisfy the employer that he/she has access to an appropriate alternative form of transport that will enable them to carry out the mobility requirements of the post in an efficient and effective manner and thus meet this essential criterion.
Shortlisting by Application Form
Section 2 - Essential Criteria
The following are additional essential criteria which will be measured during the interview/selection stage in line with EA’s Game Changing People Model.
Factor
Essential Criteria
Method of Assessment
Skills/
Abilities
In line with EA’s Game Changing People Model we will look for evidence of:
Proven ability, at a strategic level, to identify and manage supply chain risks with appropriate procurement routes/methodologies and to work in partnership with key stakeholders to ensure the contracts ultimately delivered are fit for purpose
Proven ability to identifying and implementing continuous improvement initiatives within a strategic procurement function that has contributed to the organisations strategy and delivered tangible benefits
Ability to use own initiative and judgement to solve problems and respond to others and contribute to an Organisations Corporate Objectives
High level communication skills and influencing skills, with ability to communicate at all levels using different mediums
Ability to lead, manage and motivate others through change and in challenging circumstances
Ability to take a responsive and customer focused approach to work
Ability to work under pressure to address and meet conflicting priorities
Ability to successfully develop projects, programme of work and ability to deliver results to agreed timescales in a demanding work environment
Values Orientation
Evidence of how your experience and approach to work reflect EA’s ethos and values. You will find information about our Values here.
Section 3 - Desirable Criteria
Some or all of the desirable criteria may be applied by the Selection Panel in order to determine a manageable pool of candidates. Desirable criteria will be applied in the order listed. You should make it clear on your application form how, and to what extent you meet the desirable criteria, as failure to do so may result in you not being shortlisted.
Factor
Desirable Criteria
Method of Assessment
Experience
Demonstrable experience designing and implementing a methodology and framework for the reporting of annual procurement efficiencies and capturing savings
Shortlisting by Application Form
Our Values
Through the selection process we will also seek evidence that the personal values of candidates align with those of the EA. This will include evidence of commitment to equality and excellence in service delivery. These reflect our aim which is to meet the needs of all our children and young people equally, removing barriers to learning and ensuring equality of access to excellent education services so that every child can develop to his or her full potential.
DISCLOSURE OF CRIMINAL BACKGROUND
The Safeguarding Vulnerable Groups (Northern Ireland) Order 2007 defines working directly with children or young people or in specified places as ‘regulated activity’.
In the event that you are recommended for appointed to a post that involves ‘regulated activity’, the Education Authority will be required to undertake an Enhanced Disclosure of Criminal Background. Please note that you WILL be expected to meet the cost of an Enhanced Disclosure Certificate. Details of how to make payment will be sent to you at the pre-employment stage.
Further information can be accessed on www.nidirect.gov.uk/campaigns/accessni-criminal-record-checks or www.justice-ni.gov.uk/articles/about-accessni
