National Highways plays a vital role in managing and improving England’s strategic road network, making journeys safer, smoother and more reliable for millions of users every day. As the government company which plans, designs, builds, operates and maintains the Strategic Road Network, it is central to the country’s economic success, connecting businesses, communities and key services, and supporting thousands of jobs and apprenticeships nationwide.

National Highways is seeking an exceptional leader to join as Procurement Director. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer and as a member of the Business Services directorate leadership team, the postholder will provide strategic direction and leadership to the Procurement Division, with responsibility for a team of around 200 colleagues and annual business spend of approximately £5bn.

They will lead the development and delivery of progressive, value-for-money procurement and category management strategies, ensuring commercial models, frameworks and contracts support the organisation’s objectives and deliver excellent outcomes for road users, customers and stakeholders. 

The Director will provide expert, timely advice to the Executive and Senior Leadership Team, embed procurement resources within major programmes, and oversee procurement vehicles and frameworks in excess of £10bn in accordance with Tier 1 governance procedures. They will also build and maintain strong internal and external relationships across Government, representing National Highways on a variety of bodies and boards as appropriate.

This role requires a highly experienced senior procurement leader with deep expertise in public regulated procurement policy including:

• extensive experience of procuring large complex infrastructure within procurement regulations 

• comprehensive knowledge of the legislative framework, gained in large, complex organisations in the public and/or blue-chip private sectors

• extensive experience of complex infrastructure, civil engineering and extensive knowledge of NEC forms of contract.

The successful candidate will bring a strong track record of strategic procurement leadership and line management, including leading large, diverse and matrixed teams, and delivering value-for-money outcomes across direct and indirect spend. They will be commercially astute, influential and collaborative, able to shape and communicate strategic organisational aims, modernise processes and systems, and drive continuous improvement in procurement practice and supplier performance. 

Educated to degree level or equivalent (a master’s is desirable) or able to demonstrate development of equivalent knowledge and expertise. A minimum of MCIPS professional qualification or demonstrable professional experience and willingness to study towards it. FCIPS is desirable. Candidates will role-model National Highways’ values and be motivated by delivering excellent outcomes for customers, taxpayers and colleagues.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to National Highways on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit roles.saxbam.com using reference HBRVE. Alternatively email belinda.beck@saxbam.com. Applications should be received by noon on Thursday 9^th July 2026.