This is a remote position.
Summary:
This role operates within a category management structure, providing comprehensive, professional, and project-focused commercial advice and support throughout the entire Commercial Lifecycle. The position is crucial in ensuring the consistent implementation of the Council's Procurement Strategy across all service directorates. The ideal candidate will be a tenacious, high-performing commercial specialist who applies expertise and effective relationship management to drive improvements across all elements of the Commercial Lifecycle.
Responsibilities:
* Provide professional commercial expertise to support Category Leads and the Professional Lead in delivering authoritative advice and practical support to the Council.
* Ensure adherence to UK Procurement Regulations and the Council's corporate standards and policies, achieving required outcomes within specified time and cost constraints.
* Prepare tender documentation in consultation with Service Directorates, considering service requirements and market conditions.
* Lead and deliver procurement tender projects for goods, services, and works, evaluating tenders and making contract award recommendations.
* Support service areas in contract management according to the Council’s Contract Management Framework.
* Assist the Category Lead in identifying, compiling, and reporting data to develop and execute Category Strategies, Commercial Strategies, and Sourcing Plans.
* Monitor and maintain designated e-procurement systems, negotiating contract re-lets as necessary.
* Provide assistance in optimising resources within the Commercial Services function, including leading specific category projects and cross-cutting activities.
* Ensure commercial systems and data records are up-to-date, including Contracts Register and Procurement Pipeline.
* Maintain continuous stakeholder management and engagement in procurement projects, negotiating favourable commercial terms.
* Undertake appropriate training and maintain Continuous Professional Development as directed by the category lead.
Requirements
* Relevant experience in procurement within the public or private sector, including sourcing, tendering, and contract operations.
* Experience in negotiating and placing contracts.
Understanding of e-procurement principles and technologies.
* Practical experience in managing goods, services, and works contracts.
* Working knowledge of Contract Law and UK Procurement Directives (desirable).
* Degree in a related subject or equivalent experience.
* Willingness to work towards full CIPS qualification.
* Completion of Government Commercial Function Contract Management Foundation Level training within one month of contract start.
* CIPS qualification to at least level 6 or equivalent experience.
* Recognized Project Management qualification or equivalent experience.
* Effective and confident communication and persuasion skills.
* Demonstrated commercial acumen.
* Ability to explain complex or controversial concepts clearly.
* Competence in information technology.
* Strong relationship management and analytical skills.
* Valid full driving license.
* Project management skills (desirable)