Job description
Role Overview
We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Senior Procurement Officer to join our public sector procurement team. This role plays a critical part in delivering strategic procurement outcomes, ensuring compliance with UK public procurement regulations, and driving innovation and value across procurement activities.
-----------------------------------
Key Responsibilities & Objectives
* Gather intelligent information from diverse sources to support strategic commissioning and procurement planning.
* Develop and implement effective training and communication programmes for both procurement specialists and non-specialists.
* Ensure robust governance and compliance with legal standards, protecting the Council from risk and supporting transparency.
* Provide performance insights to senior officers and stakeholders, demonstrating procurement's contribution to strategic goals.
* Lead complex procurement projects using flexible and robust approaches, including tenders and negotiations.
* Deliver successful market engagement processes, incorporating innovation into service specifications and commercial models.
* Promote user-friendly procurement systems and processes across the organisation.
* Drive challenge and innovation to maximise savings and improve service outcomes.
* Foster high levels of satisfaction and confidence among internal customers and suppliers.
* Ensure all procurement processes are fair, open, transparent, and secure.
* Empower and build capability within the procurement team through knowledge sharing and peer support.
* Enable self-service procurement for low-value activities across the Council.
* Embed strategic priorities such as social value, savings delivery, and SME/VCS engagement into procurement projects.
* Continuously improve governance and procurement processes for greater efficiency.
-----------------------------------
Candidate Requirements
* CIPS Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply (Level 5), or willingness to work towards it within an agreed timeframe.
* Strong knowledge and practical experience of UK public procurement rules and regulations.
* Proven experience managing procurement/tender processes in a public sector context, ideally within local government.
* Demonstrated ability to work in multi-disciplinary project teams and manage risk in commercial/political environments.
* Experience in delivering service improvements, cost reductions, and value-for-money initiatives.
* Skilled in analysing procurement data and making strategic recommendations.
* Understanding of category management and strategic sourcing initiatives.
* Proven ability to build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders, partners, and suppliers.
* Strong communication skills, with experience presenting complex issues to senior managers and stakeholders.
* Creative and innovative approach to procurement challenges.