University Hospital Southampton NHS FT
WPL Head of Governance and Compliance
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Job Overview
Wessex NHS Procurement Limited is delighted to offer a fantastic opportunity to work with us.
Job Title: Head of WPL Governance and Compliance
Contract Type: Permanent
Please note WPL does not hold a Home Office Workers Licence and therefore unable to offer sponsorship.
Main duties of the job
This is an exciting opportunity to join our team at Wessex NHS Procurement Ltd as Head of Governance and Compliance, a pivotal Band 8A role reporting directly to the Chief Procurement Officer.
You will provide strategic leadership for the development, implementation and oversight of procurement governance frameworks, ensuring compliance with NHS standards, public procurement legislation and organisational objectives while driving consistently high standards across the organisation.
We offer flexible hybrid working, opportunities for professional development and career progression, access to NHS employee benefits, and the chance to influence major procurement and governance initiatives across the NHS. Guided by our values of being Agile, Supportive, Trusted, Engaged and Responsive, we provide an environment where talented people can develop their careers while making a meaningful difference to patient care.
Working for our organisation
As one of the largest acute teaching Trusts in England, University Hospital Southampton works in partnership with Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust through Wessex NHS Procurement Ltd, supporting services across Southampton and Basingstoke.
At WPL, we play a key role in supporting the NHS in Hampshire, delivering end-to-end procurement and supply chain services for University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust and Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. As a wholly owned subsidiary of both Trusts, WPL offers the opportunity to contribute to the wider NHS family and improve healthcare services across the region.
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Our services include strategic sourcing, value creation, tendering, contract management, inventory oversight, distribution, and materials management across Southampton, Basingstoke, Winchester, and Andover. Joining WPL means being part of a dynamic, forward-thinking team, working alongside stakeholders to drive innovation, efficiency, and value.
Employee Benefits
- Generous NHS pension scheme
- NHS terms of service and annual leave
- Access to an employee benefits platform offering discounts on groceries, high street shopping, family outings, holidays, and more
For more information, visit: www.wessexprocurement.nhs.uk
Southampton offers an excellent quality of life, located on the south coast with an international airport and direct train links to London. The area boasts the stunning New Forest National Park, beautiful beaches along the Jurassic Coast, and living costs around 20% lower than London. With 14 Ofsted-rated “Outstanding” schools, it’s a great place to live and work.
Detailed Job Description And Main Responsibilities
You'll be an experienced procurement governance professional with a strong understanding of NHS and public sector procurement legislation, governance frameworks, audit and compliance requirements. You'll have a proven track record of leading teams, influencing senior stakeholders and implementing effective governance controls that reduce risk and support organisational performance.
You'll combine strategic thinking with excellent attention to detail, be confident interpreting complex regulations and translating them into practical solutions, and have the leadership skills to drive continuous improvement across procurement systems, policies and assurance processes. Professional procurement qualifications and experience operating within a complex NHS environment will help you stand out.
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Person specification
Qualifications / Training Required
Essential criteria
- Educated to degree level or equivalent experience in Procurement or a related discipline
- Member of Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) or appropriate professional institute or relevant experience
- Qualification(s) in Governance, Risk, Audit, Contract Management, or Project Management
Previous or relevant experience necessary
Essential criteria
- Significant experience within the Health or Public Sector procurement environment
- Experience in interpreting and applying public procurement legislation, NHS guidance, and governance frameworks
- Experience developing and implementing procurement policies, procedures, and controls
- Experience overseeing procurement systems, e-Tendering/e-Sourcing platforms, or contract management systems.
- Experience managing teams or leading staff development activities.
- Strong knowledge of NHS procurement governance requirements and public procurement regulations.
- Understanding of Standing Financial Instructions (SFIs) and procurement assurance processes.
- Knowledge of contract management principles
- Knowledge of risk management and compliance monitoring processes
- Understanding of social value, sustainability, and modern slavery requirements within public procurement
Desirable criteria
- Experience supporting external audit or regulatory inspections
- Procurement Category Management Experience
Special requirements of the post
Essential criteria
- Travel required to customer and site locations
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