About the Role
Reading Borough Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to support the Housing Team in our Communities and Adult Social Care directorate. This role acts as a dedicated business partner for budget managers and technical experts, ensuring robust contract management for a range of subject‑matter including repairs, maintenance, renovations, professional services, and property‑related works.
Hybrid working is supported with an expectation of 1–2 days per week in the office.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, seeking talent from the widest pool of candidates. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively support the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
This position ensures procurement processes run efficiently and in full compliance with regulations, helping to deliver high‑quality services that benefit the community, with contract values ranging from £5k up to multi‑million development schemes.
Key legal frameworks include the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015; top candidates will have completed the Procurement Act eLearning course. The role involves services such as service contracts, framework and DPS call‑offs, and JCT contracts, driving value for money and effective contract delivery.
A Level 4 or higher CIPS qualification is preferable, though apprenticeship and training options will be available.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage end‑to‑end procurement processes, including complex tenders and competitive quotation exercises across a range of spend categories.
* Ensure adherence to public procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023.
* Embed category management approaches to optimise procurement outcomes and maximise supplier engagement.
* Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful delivery of procurement activities, meeting deadlines and achieving Council priorities.
* Incorporate social value, ethical procurement and sustainability principles into procurement strategies.
* Oversee contract management, ensuring delivery of outcomes, performance and cost monitoring, and change/risk management.
About You
* Experience in leading complex procurement programmes, ideally in the public sector.
* Strong understanding of a range of contracts and commercial agreements.
* Ability to ensure adherence to governance structures and corporate compliance.
* Knowledge of category management, supplier negotiations and commercial risk mitigation.
* Ability to provide professional challenge and secure outcomes.
* Familiarity with budget management and financial planning within procurement operations.
* Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and cross‑functional collaboration.
* Understanding of repairs contracts and/or housing knowledge to bring strong experienced advice to the service.
Working at Reading Borough Council
You'll be part of Team Reading, contributing to making Reading a successful and vibrant community. Our vision ensures that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play.
Our values guide how we work:
* Work Together – Collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals.
* Drive Efficiency – Show initiative, adapt to change, and seek improvements.
* Be Ambitious – Strive for excellence and challenge constructively.
* Make a Difference – Provide outstanding customer service and flexibility in service delivery.
Our Offer
* 25 days holiday plus public holidays (rising to 33 with service).
* Flexible working opportunities to support work‑life balance.
* Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
* Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life assurance (three times annual salary).
* On‑site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery).
* Season ticket loan to assist with travel costs.
* Lease car salary sacrifice scheme.
Contact
For more information or an informal discussion, contact Isabelle Robson – Head of Housing Repairs and Property Services – Isabelle.robson@reading.gov.uk.
Closing Date
Tuesday 28th October 2025
Interview Process
Competency‑based interview.
Salary Range
* £50,269 – £56,730 per year
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