Procurement Partner - 12 month fixed term contract - Andover, SP10 4BF, United KingdomAre you a procurement professional looking for a new role? Do you consider yourself to be that trusted advisor for your business, that go to person, if so keep reading.We are looking to recruit a Procurement Partner who will join our growing procurement team. This will be one of those roles where you roll your sleeves up and really embed yourself into the procurement plans for the business. As a social housing provider, we procure from a large variety of suppliers, so you’ll be looking after multiple projects at the same time. You won’t be phased by this and will love the challenge of not only keeping to plan, but also building those strong relationships both internally and externally to support great outcomes.On a day to day basis you could find yourself – Proactively engaging and collaborating with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide procurement support and guidance.Managing procurement activities, including strategy development, tendering, contract management, and supplier relationship management.Ensuring compliance with procurement policies, procedures, and relevant legislation.Supporting the creation and implementation of category strategies.Monitoring market trends and conduct analysis to identify and implement opportunities.Supporting the negotiation of contracts and agreements with suppliers to secure favourable terms and conditions.You are going to be busy, but you’ll enjoy this and will thrive on the demands of the role. About youThis won’t be your first experience of procurement, you will have at least one to two years experience in a similar role. It would be great if you have experience within the housing sector or public sector and knowledge of estate services will be really helpful in the role. You may also hold a procurement qualification, like CIPS, but this is not essential.You will be confident with your analytical and problem solving skills. You’ll naturally be great at building working relationships and will be a strong communicator.You will be mindful of risk and this will always be a consideration that you take into account. You will demonstrate commercial acumen and will have a track record of delivering cost savings, giving added value.You’ll be able to demonstrate through your application your ability to work on a number of projects at any time. Your career will demonstrate knowledge of contract management and supplier relationship management.Knowledge of UK public sector procurement regulations and other relevant legislation is desirable.This is a hybrid role, so you can base yourself from home. The team come together on a quarterly basis so being happy to travel to our operating region is a must.Our operating region covers Hampshire, Wiltshire, Somerset, Dorset, Devon, Cornwall and London.What’s in it for meWe invest in our colleagues because we know if they have a better day at work, the service our customers receive will be better. The Aster Offer is our offer to our colleagues to ensure they have a great day at work and includes things like:Flexible working – whilst some roles need to be carried out in a specific place at a specific time, where possible we encourage our colleagues to work to their own schedule at a location that suits them, their team and our business’ needsA focus on colleague wellbeing – workshops, an employee assistance programme offering counselling and support, mental health training and a health cash planWe invest in colleagues’ careers and development through our leader and colleague development frameworksDefined Contribution Pension and attached life assuranceVolunteering hours available to all colleagues to enable them to give backSavings at cinemas, gyms, holidays, days out, various shops and eateries and lots moreEnhanced leaveWe celebrate colleagues who go above and beyond with a range of personalised recognition initiatives, and monthly and annual awards.Ready to apply?To apply, please use information provided in the advert and role profile to let us know why you’d be good for the job. Please submit a copy of your up-to-date CV along with a supporting statement.We create an inclusive workplace that promotes and values diversity and believe that creating an environment where everyone, from any background, can do their best work is the right thing to do.All candidates will be required to verify their right to work in the UK prior to commencement of employment with the Aster Group & it’s subsidiary brands.