Deputy Head of Procurement

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About ARK

ARK is a social enterprise, empowering local communities through the provision of agile and sustainable interventions to create greater stability, opportunity, and hope for the future. We believe that strong, resilient communities are the foundation of local, national, regional, and international development and stability – and ultimately a safer, peaceful, and more prosperous world. Since 2008, we have delivered research and programmatic interventions across more than twenty countries, partnering with communities, donors, and other implementers to build local capacities and bring sustainable change.

Learn more about our impact:

Location: UK-based (Remote)

Reporting to: Head of Procurement

Role type: Full-time, Permanent

Closing date: 20th Jan 2026

Purpose of the Role

The Deputy Head of Procurement ensures the effective, consistent, and compliant delivery of ARK's logistics and procurement functions in support of organisational and programme objectives. The role provides operational leadership, continuity, and quality assurance across procurement and logistics activities, ensuring that deliveries align with internal policies, donor requirements, and operational realities. It supports the Head of Department by strengthening oversight, maintaining operational coherence across projects, and ensuring that procurement and logistics activities enable, rather than constrain, programme delivery, thereby contributing to risk management, service continuity, and the effective use of resources across ARK's operations.

What You'll Be Doing

Leadership and Oversight

• Manage the department's daily operations, ensuring tasks are conducted efficiently, effectively, and compliantly.
• Serve as the initial point of contact for resolving operational issues and process inefficiencies, escalating to the Head of Department when necessary.
• Provide guidance and coaching to department staff and encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing to develop a cohesive, high‑performing team.
• Stand in for the Head of the Department to maintain continuity in leadership and decision‑making when required.

Compliance and Documentation

• Supervise and assist in drafting high‑value and complex procurement documentation, such as tenders, contracts, and service agreements.
• Conduct pre‑checks of procurement documents to ensure they are drafted to a high standard of English, comply with ARK's protocols, and adhere to procurement best practices.
• Provide constructive feedback to team members, supporting their development in producing high‑quality, audit‑ready documents.

Operations Management

• Review procurement and logistics plans, identify challenges, and develop solutions to minimise their impact on project delivery.
• Support team members in resolving operational challenges by assisting them in identifying and framing problems and developing solutions.
• Conduct risk assessments and develop contingency plans for high‑risk and high‑value activities.

Training, Development, and Decision-Making

• Identify gaps, inefficiencies, and areas for improvement in procurement processes.
• Collaborate with the Head of Department to develop solutions to enhance and optimise staff and department performance.
• Develop and deliver training sessions for staff.
• Assist L&P Officers with personal development plans.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in supply chain management, full MCIPS accreditation (or significant progress towards completion), or equivalent experience.
• Fluent English with strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to draft, review, and proofread contracts and related documentation.
• Ideally, a minimum of four years’ experience working within the public sector, grant‑funded, or charity environments.
• Demonstrated leadership abilities, with experience in guiding teams and advising stakeholders on best procurement practices.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, ERP systems, and other procurement‑related tools.

Desirable Requirements

• Full MCIPS accreditation
• MSc in Supply Chain Management
• Foreign language – preferably Arabic or French
• Experience or knowledge of procurement within the defence, military, or law enforcement sector
• Competency with MS SharePoint and MS Dynamics
• Working within a culturally diverse environment

Benefits

• Impactful Work: Your expertise will directly impact the lives of those in need.
• Global Reach: Collaborate with international experts and local stakeholders.
• Innovation: Engage in pioneering solutions for sustainable change.
• Career Growth: Expand your horizons with varied projects and challenges.

Our People

Our team covers a diverse range of professional backgrounds, from diplomacy, humanitarian, development and the military, to the UN, civil society groups, multilateral organizations, journalism, and the private sector.

Smart: We think deeply about things. We're proud of our institutional knowledge and our grounding in rigorous research, which we use to make informed decisions.

Humble: Our work leaves little room for pride or arrogance. We recognize our limitations and rely on the education and experiences of others while remaining quick to read, invite feedback, and ask sensible questions.

Accountable: We take initiative, assume ownership when necessary, and never give up on our beneficiaries. We are committed and accountable, to both our donors and the communities we serve.

Collegiate: We know we are stronger together and that every contribution counts. We trust each other and always support each other.

Outspoken: We tackle diverse challenges and always seek the best solution. We aren’t afraid to share our opinions and want to hear those of others.

ARK Group is an equal opportunity employer. We actively seek a diverse applicant pool and encourage candidates of all backgrounds to apply. ARK Group does not discriminate on the basis of ability, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, race and ethnicity, religious beliefs or sexual orientation. We welcome all kinds of diversity. ARK Group places human dignity at the center of its development and stabilization work and is committed to the protection from sexual exploitation and abuse of children and adults. All ARK Group employees and related personnel are expected to share this commitment and only those who also uphold these values will be recruited as part of our team. This vacancy is therefore subject to a range of due diligence checks.

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