Procurement Consultant (Social Care)

Hybrid Working | Initial 6-Month Contract | Outside IR35

Rate: Up to £500 per day (Outside IR35)

Contract: Initial 6-Month Contract

Start Date: ASAP

Working Pattern: Hybrid / Flexible Working

Summary

We are seeking a seasoned Procurement Consultant to join a dynamic public sector procurement team for an initial six-month engagement. This role involves collaborating with commissioners, technical experts, and senior stakeholders to spearhead and oversee intricate procurement initiatives across Adults' Services, Children's Services, and Public Health. The objective is to ensure outcomes that are compliant, commercially sound, and offer excellent value for money. This position offers a unique chance to engage in a diverse range of strategic procurement projects while contributing to the delivery of essential public services.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the entire procurement process from start to finish.
  
• Lead pre-market and supplier engagement initiatives.
  
• Provide strategic advice on procurement routes and methodologies.
  
• Formulate procurement strategies and assist in obtaining governance approvals.
  
• Act as a trusted adviser in the development of specifications.
  
• Create and evaluate procurement documentation.
  
• Design commercial models and pricing structures.
  
• Develop evaluation methodologies, including questions and scoring frameworks.
  
• Manage procurement activities using eTendering platforms like Delta and Mercell.
  
• Handle supplier communications and clarify procurement queries.
  
• Facilitate competitive dialogue and negotiation processes as needed.
  
• Lead evaluation moderation sessions and ensure compliance.
  
• Prepare award recommendations and support governance processes.
  
• Assist in contract mobilization and transition to operational teams.
  
• Cultivate strong relationships with commissioners, service leads, and suppliers.
  
• Mentor and support a designated Procurement Apprentice when necessary.
  

Requirements

Requirements:

• Demonstrated experience in executing end-to-end public sector procurement projects.
  
• In-depth knowledge of UK Public Procurement Regulations and best practices.
  
• Proven ability to manage complex procurement exercises in a regulated setting.
  
• Exceptional skills in stakeholder engagement and relationship building.
  
• Strong commercial acumen and experience in developing procurement strategies.
  
• Collaborative experience with commissioners, operational teams, and technical experts.
  
• Proficiency in using eTendering systems such as Delta, Mercell, or similar platforms.
  
• Excellent communication, facilitation, negotiation, and project management skills.
  
• Capability to handle multiple procurement projects simultaneously and work autonomously.
  

Desirable Experience

• Procurement experience in:
  • Adult Social Care
    
  • Children's Services
    
  • Public Health
    
  • Local Government
    
• MCIPS qualification or progress towards MCIPS.
  
• Experience with competitive dialogue procedures and complex service procurements.
  

What's on Offer?

• Up to £500 per day (Outside IR35)
  
• Initial 6-Month Contract
  
• Hybrid / Flexible Working
  
• Opportunity to engage in high-profile social care procurement projects.
  
• Collaborative and supportive procurement team environment.
  
• Potential for contract extension.
  
• Opportunity to mentor and support the development of procurement talent.
  

Ideal candidates may have backgrounds as a Procurement Consultant, Category Manager, Procurement Manager, Senior Procurement Officer, Commercial Consultant, Strategic Procurement Lead, Commissioning Procurement Specialist, or Public Sector Procurement Professional.