Scotland Excel was established as the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector in. We are a leading non-profit organisation servicing Scotland’s 32 local authority and over associate members from across the public and third sector. We pride ourselves in being a Centre of Procurement Excellence and this is a great opportunity to join our award-winning organisation.
Due to an internal promotion, we are looking for an Assistant Procurement Specialist to join our Flexible Procurement Services team. As we continue to build the flexible procurement Services team, we are offering a fixed-term contract for 24 months. Now in our fifth year of successfully delivering tenders on behalf of our member organisations, our portfolio and client base is still growing.
About the role
Applicants should be aware of the unique working environment within the Flexible Procurement Services team. Whereas the core business of Scotland Excel is collaborative at the national level for the 32 Scottish local authorities (councils) and our member organisations, this team works on behalf of our member organisations delivering local contracts for use by individual public bodies. As such, this is a client-facing position with a focus on customer relations and client satisfaction.
In this role, you will:
1. be client-facing with a focus on customer relations and client satisfaction
2. support preparatory work for Category C contracts delivering tender exercises for our member organisations
3. be responsible for realising the benefits of collaborative procurement for Category C goods and services
4. assist in implementing procurement strategies to deliver team targets and goals
5. liaise with and co-ordinate feedback from key stakeholders
6. monitor developments in new procurement practices and techniques, including e-technologies
7. provide a wide range of support to the team including on the job training
8. be responsive to the instruction and advisement given by team members
9. support full compliance with statutory provisions, legislation, policies, procedures and processes e.g. health and safety
10. support the delivery of Category C contract recommendations through the development of consistent and robust assessments, in accordance with procurement principles
11. undertake a range of research and analysis duties
The successful candidate will have the following qualifications and relevant experience:
12. Educated to HNC level in a business-related subject or equivalent qualification/experience
13. Achieved, working towards or willing to work towards full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) or equivalent
14. Effective communication and analytical skills
15. Highly organised in terms of work management and delivery of work targets
16. Demonstrable understanding of Scotland Excel’s customer care focus and continuous service improvement objectives
17. Skilled in the use of relevant software systems used to process contracts and management information
18. Experience of working to support a team of professionals in project management or similar, or experience in an academic course of study which has enabled the development of complex analysis and stakeholder engagement skills
The following values are at the heart of everything we do at Scotland Excel and the successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate these daily:
19. Professional
20. Respectful
21. Courageous
22. Integrity
More about Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel provides a wide range of procurement, commissioning, consultancy, and learning and development services for our members which is growing on a monthly basis. We are also an effective driver for local and national economic growth and wellbeing.
Our £2bn portfolio of collaborative contracts supports the delivery of savings, social value, community benefits, fair work practices and environmental policy, and covers a wide range of public services including construction, roads, transport, environment, corporate and education.
What we can offer you
As well as a competitive salary, you will have:
23. Access to a defined benefits pension with Strathclyde Pension Fund. Current combined contribution of employee and employer varies depending on earnings but can be between 24-32%
24. A generous holiday allowance of 33 days including public holidays. This increases on a sliding scale up to an additional ten days subject to length of service
25. Flexible working opportunities including hybrid working and a nine-day fortnight
26. Access to staff discounts through Viv-up employee benefit platform
27. Time off during office closure over Christmas and New Year (included in holiday allowance)
28. Our commitment to employee engagement including regular corporate and team events as recently recognised by us retaining our Gold Investors In People award
29. A wealth of training opportunities including from our own award-winning Academy
You can find out what makes Scotland Excel an employer of choice and what benefits we can offer you by visiting>How to apply
We welcome applications from all backgrounds, whether it is public or private sector. Secondment opportunities may also be available subject to agreement from current employer and Scotland Excel. Applications are also welcome from candidates with disabilities and guarantee an interview to those candidates who meet the essential requirements for the position. If you have a disability, please make us aware when submitting your application.
All applicants will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon verifying documentary evidence before employment commences.