Main purpose of the job:

• Support the Assistant Director to a) deliver a programme of procurement projects as prioritised by the A&I Procurement Management Team b) deliver effective commercial challenge to the organisation and c) enable all spend owners (directorate / category) to maximise the value they receive from every £ they spend in the market.
• Formulate and drive a consistent approach towards all sourcing, purchasing and tendering activity across nominated spend categories, ultimately ensuring that value for money is maximised, cost savings are generated, and social value benefits are delivered. The post holder will have indirect influence   for an approximate spend of £30m pa.
• Be personally responsible for the strategic planning, management and implementation of medium value / complex procurements / commissioning categories and deliver recurring cost effective outcomes, best value and continuous improvements, in line with internal/external constraints and corporate objectives.
• Provide professional procurement advice and services to stakeholders, up to and including Assistant Director level based on their business objectives, challenges, and strategy creating savings and added value for all.

Qualifications and professional memberships

• Educated to degree level or equivalent skills and knowledge
• Procurement / commissioning professional qualification (CIPS or equivalent)
• In depth technical procurement knowledge / experience and knowledge of contract law.
• Knowledge of specialist systems in use across the Council, e.g. Oracle
• Demonstrable knowledge of own office systems including e-tendering, and P2P as well as standard Microsoft Office products including, Word, Excel, PowerPoint.
  • Exhibits the council’s values and behaviours
  • Demonstrates personal resilience and accuracy under pressure or when faced with conflicting demands
  • Adapt behaviours and approach to ensure maximum performance from direct reports
  • Able to influence and negotiate at all levels of the organisation and with external agencies, bodies, and suppliers
  • Can plan, prioritise, and manage own and team’s workload as required
  • Values and personal qualities
  • Budgetary and Finance experience

Specialist knowledge skills and experience

• Proven successful experience of working at a senior level in procurement within a large, complex and multi-disciplinary organisation. Understanding of the strategic context for procurement.
• Proven experience in developing and implementing business processes and strategies which effectively link to departmental and corporate objectives.
• Project management and planning skills and experience, with capacity to manage complex projects.
• Proven enhanced interpersonal skills, including strong persuasive and negotiating skills and excellent written and verbal communications skills.
• Proven commercial skills and commercial awareness. Understanding and awareness of different funding and contract arrangements.
• Able to identify, develop and foster key partnerships with suppliers, customers and partners.
• Experience of effective change management to improve performance both within the organisation and in the supply market.
• Knowledge of legislation relevant to public procurement, data protection and transparency.
• Able to analyse data and information, and present to a variety of audiences using appropriate media/communications
• Ability to prepare and present a business case to colleagues, senior officers and County Councillors
• Ability to write and present reports and ideas to colleagues, senior officers and County Councillors

Understanding of council structure and political processes