Deputy Head of Procurement

We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Deputy Head of Procurement - Contracts and DDAT, to join our Procurement & Supply Chain team for Maternity Cover. This is asenior leadership role responsible for overseeing the management, procurement, governance and performance of contracts as well as supporting Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) services. The post holder provides strategic and operational leadership for contract management activities, ensuring value for money, regulatory compliance, supplier performance, risk management and effective delivery of digital services. The role works closely with clinical, operational, finance, procurement and digital teams to support the Trust's digital transformation objectives, manage complex supplier relationships and ensure contracts align with organisational priorities and governance requirements.

Main duties of the job

• Work closely with stakeholders to understand requirements, support product selection, and drive evidence-based decision-making
• Lead the management and oversight of major contracts and supplier relationships.
• Support digital transformation programmes through effective contract and commercial management.
• Ensure compliance with procurement legislation, NHS guidance and Trust governance requirements.
• Monitor supplier performance, risks, KPIs and service delivery outcomes.
• Provide expert advice on commercial, contractual and procurement matters.
• Identify efficiencies, cost-saving opportunities and contract improvement initiatives.
• Prepare reports and assurance updates for senior management and Trust committees.

About us

Diversity makes us interesting... Inclusion is what will make us outstanding.

Inequality exists and the journey to eliminate it is not easy. Every step we take will be a purposeful step forward to deliver a truly inclusive culture where all our people are enabled to deliver outstanding care, where background is no barrier, and where everyone can be their authentic self and we truly represent our patient community.

If you need additional help with your application please get in touch by calling the recruitment team on 0118 322 6997 or 0118 322 5342.

Our primary method of communication will be via email. However, if you would prefer to be contacted through a different method, please inform the recruitment team.

Details

Date posted

15 October 2026

Pay scheme

Agenda for change

Band

Band 8c

Salary

£79,504 to £91,609 a year

per annum pro rata

Contract

Fixed term

Duration

12 months

Working pattern

Full-time

Reference number

193-8290230CORB8cPRO

Job locations

Princes House

London Road

Reading

RG1 5UZ

United Kingdom

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated procurement and contract management professional to join our team as Deputy Head of Contracts and DDAT. This senior role will lead the management of complex Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) as wellas other major contracts, ensuring high standards of commercial governance, supplier performance, value for money and regulatory compliance. Working closely with digital, operational and finance colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership, support digital transformation programmes, and drive continuous improvement across the Trust's contract portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual with strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise and a passion for delivering high-quality services that support organisational objectives.

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated procurement and contract management professional to join our team as Deputy Head of Contracts and DDAT. This senior role will lead the management of complex Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) as wellas other major contracts, ensuring high standards of commercial governance, supplier performance, value for money and regulatory compliance. Working closely with digital, operational and finance colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership, support digital transformation programmes, and drive continuous improvement across the Trust's contract portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual with strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise and a passion for delivering high-quality services that support organisational objectives.

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Degree in procurement or relevant related subject or Significant and demonstrable procurement knowledge and skill expected to be gained over approximately 2 - 3 years
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies qualification or a commitment to work towards it

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.
• Use of the Atamis and EFin Systems

Experience

Essential

• Excellent understanding of mechanisms to engage stakeholders

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.

Experience

Essential

• Contracts experience

Person Specification

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Degree in procurement or relevant related subject or Significant and demonstrable procurement knowledge and skill expected to be gained over approximately 2 - 3 years
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies qualification or a commitment to work towards it

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.
• Use of the Atamis and EFin Systems

Experience

Essential

• Excellent understanding of mechanisms to engage stakeholders

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.

Experience

Essential

• Contracts experience

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Additional information

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Certificate of Sponsorship

Applications from job seekers who require current Skilled worker sponsorship to work in the UK are welcome and will be considered alongside all other applications. For further information visit the UK Visas and Immigration website (Opens in a new tab).

From 6 April 2017, skilled worker applicants, applying for entry clearance into the UK, have had to present a criminal record certificate from each country they have resided continuously or cumulatively for 12 months or more in the past 10 years. Adult dependants (over 18 years old) are also subject to this requirement. Guidance can be found here Criminal records checks for overseas applicants (Opens in a new tab).

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Princes House

London Road

Reading

RG1 5UZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Employer details

Employer name

Royal Berkshire NHS Foundation Trust

Address

Princes House

London Road

Reading

RG1 5UZ

United Kingdom

Employer's website

https://www.royalberkshire.nhs.uk/ (Opens in a new tab)

Job responsibilities

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced and motivated procurement and contract management professional to join our team as Deputy Head of Contracts and DDAT. This senior role will lead the management of complex Digital, Data and Technology (DDAT) as wellas other major contracts, ensuring high standards of commercial governance, supplier performance, value for money and regulatory compliance. Working closely with digital, operational and finance colleagues, you will provide strategic leadership, support digital transformation programmes, and drive continuous improvement across the Trust's contract portfolio. This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic individual with strong commercial acumen, contract management expertise and a passion for delivering high-quality services that support organisational objectives.

Knowledge and Experience

Essential

• Degree in procurement or relevant related subject or Significant and demonstrable procurement knowledge and skill expected to be gained over approximately 2 - 3 years
• Membership of Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supplies qualification or a commitment to work towards it

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.
• Use of the Atamis and EFin Systems

Experience

Essential

• Excellent understanding of mechanisms to engage stakeholders

Desirable

• Previous NHS procurement experience within a non-clinical category.

Experience

Essential

• Contracts experience