Procurement Manager

3 Month Contract With A Local Authority

Job Purpose

Provide strategic procurement advice and end-to-end procurement support across Council services, ensuring procurement activities deliver value for money, comply with UK procurement legislation and align with the Council's corporate objectives. Lead complex procurement projects, develop commercial strategies and build strong relationships with stakeholders to achieve effective service outcomes.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic procurement advice and support for complex procurement projects and programmes valued over £100,000.
  
• Lead the full procurement lifecycle, including procurement planning, tender development, evaluation, contract award and commercial contract management.
  
• Develop procurement strategies that deliver value for money, reduce risk and support service transformation and innovation.
  
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with UK procurement legislation, Public Contracts Regulations, Procurement Act requirements, Council policies and best practice.
  
• Advise senior managers and directors on procurement strategy, commercial risks and contract management.
  
• Develop tender documentation, evaluation criteria and procurement project plans, ensuring projects are delivered on time and within budget.
  
• Build and maintain effective relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and external partners to identify future procurement needs.
  
• Monitor supply markets, identify opportunities for innovation and supplier development, and implement procurement strategies that maximise competition and commercial value.
  
• Support the Council's social value objectives and procurement governance requirements, including contract registers and committee reporting.
  
• Promote continuous improvement through market research, benchmarking and the effective use of procurement systems and Office 365 applications.
  

Requirements

• Degree and/or full membership (or working towards membership) of the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (MCIPS).
  
• Extensive experience managing complex public sector procurement projects and delivering end-to-end procurement activities.
  
• Strong knowledge of UK public procurement legislation, including the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act.
  
• Experience developing procurement strategies, tender documentation and evaluation methodologies.
  
• Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
  
• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and manage multiple competing priorities.
  
• Experience using e-procurement systems and contract management tools.
  
• Excellent communication, analytical and problem-solving skills.
  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 applications.
  

Additional Information

• Location: Northampton NN1 1ED (office attendance 1 day a week)
  
• Hours per week: 37 hours
  
• Payment: Bi-weekly