Strategic Procurement Manager

We are working with a local authority to recruit an experienced Strategic Procurement Manager to join the council and play a key role in the developing of the strategic procurement plan for a given major spend area, with a two-year horizon.

Key Responsibilities:

• To collaborate in matrix teams with colleagues across Procurement to deliver an end-to-end Procurement service for our senior stakeholders at directorate level.
• To collaborate with the Procurement Programme Management Office to ensure projects are resourced, and that project and benefits delivery are properly monitored and managed.
• To be responsible for delivery of the strategic procurement plan for the relevant major spend area, ensuring projects are delivered on time and to the right quality, and that there is proper compliance with Procurement Standing Orders and with relevant regulation and legislation. This will include leading large procurement projects to put in place major contracts of 3-5+ years' duration (£50m-£100m) which will often cover more than one partner authority, and ensuring that project delivery and benefits realisation is properly monitored and recorded.
• To be responsible for driving greater value for money from more effective and innovative procurement across the major spend area, advising senior stakeholders on the most appropriate route to market to deliver a visible impact on service design and strong commercial outcomes
• . To be responsible for delivery of social value from procurement projects, in line with agreed policy.
• To lead, coach and motivate a small team of professionals, and contribute to the development of Orbis’ service offer to our partner councils as part of the wider management team in Procurement. To represent Orbis at a local or regional level, networking with other public sector partners and industry forums to leverage greater value and insight and promote a strong reputation for excellence

Key Information:

• The Procurement Service has offices in the main locations of our partner authorities, and some flexibility and travel will be expected. Staff will be supported to operate in a flexible way to meet the needs of customers and work demands

Skills, experience and knowledge required:

• CIPS Level 5 or equivalent experience required
• Significant knowledge and understanding of the role of procurement best practice in changing organisations and meeting organisational objectives
• Good knowledge of category management principles and practice, and experience of deployment
• Good understanding of Public Procurement Regulations and other relevant legislation
• Good experience of public or private sector procurement including a sound understanding of standard contract terms and cost analysis/financial principles
• Commercial awareness and application in significant projects and programmes
• Understanding of the political context in which the service operates and ability to engage with council members