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- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and develop innovative solutions across various services.
- Company: Join a dynamic team in Slough, a thriving economic hub with excellent transport links.
- Benefits: Enjoy career development opportunities and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative journey that makes a real difference in the community.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in procurement; CIPS or MCIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: This is a permanent, full-time role with a focus on driving procurement excellence.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Specialist Area: Category Manager
Sector: Private sector
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: Full Time
Slough is a dynamic economic hub at the gateway to London and the Thames Valley, with excellent transport links including the Elizabeth line and proximity to Heathrow Airport. We are seeking exceptional finance professionals ready for a challenging, career-defining role. With a new S151 officer and a balanced budget for 2025/26, we are poised for financial resilience and a bright future. Our Finance and Procurement Teams have a robust improvement programme focused on career development. Be part of our critical transformation and thrive in a supportive, demanding environment.
We are seeking two proactive and experienced Procurement Specialists to join our team. These roles offer a varied and diverse portfolio which can include providing procurement expertise in areas such as highways, construction, children's services, adult social care, and IT.
The ideal candidates will have a CIPS or MCIPS qualification or be working towards it (at least level 4).
Responsibilities:
- Lead procurement processes across various services, ensuring compliance and best value
- Collaborate with commissioners and stakeholders to drive service delivery and performance
- Manage 3rd party spend effectively, focusing on cost-benefit and added value
- Shape and implement the procurement strategy for the council
- Ensure due diligence and compliance with the recently enacted UK Procurement Act 2023
What You Will Do:
- Develop and deliver innovative procurement solutions
- Monitor market trends and adapt procurement strategies accordingly
- Provide high-quality procurement support and advice
- Drive continuous improvement in procurement practices
- Network with sector adjacent organisations and understand funding streams and grants
Your Skills:
- At least 5 years experience in procurement, with a strong understanding of public procurement
- CIPS or MCIPS qualification (or working towards it)
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Ability to make difficult decisions and drive change
- Proactive approach with strong organisational skills
Are you ready to lead and transform Slough's financial landscape? We need resilient, adaptable professionals who can develop sustainable strategies, drive procurement excellence, and support broader economic objectives. If you thrive on complexity and see challenges as opportunities, join us in making a real difference. We offer a genuine career-defining opportunity for those who are prepared to step up, challenge the status quo, and make a real difference. If you are a finance professional who thrives on complexity, sees challenges as opportunities, and wants to be part of a transformative journey, we want to hear from you. Apply now and turn potential into performance.
Procurement and Category Manager employer: Joveo
Contact Detail:
Joveo Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Category Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the UK Procurement Act 2023, as understanding this legislation will be crucial for your role. Being able to discuss its implications during interviews will demonstrate your proactive approach and knowledge of current procurement practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement sector, especially those who have experience in public procurement. Attend relevant events or webinars to build connections and gain insights that could give you an edge in your application.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your stakeholder management skills by preparing examples of how you've successfully collaborated with various teams in previous roles. This will highlight your ability to drive service delivery and performance, which is key for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Slough's economic landscape and recent developments in their procurement strategies. Being knowledgeable about the local context will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their financial transformation.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Category Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in procurement and category management. Emphasise your CIPS or MCIPS qualifications and any specific projects that demonstrate your ability to lead procurement processes.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the organisation. Mention how your skills align with their needs, particularly in areas like stakeholder management and compliance with the UK Procurement Act 2023.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your application, focus on your past roles that involved managing third-party spend and developing procurement strategies. Use specific examples to illustrate your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Proactive Approach: Demonstrate your proactive nature by discussing instances where you identified opportunities for improvement in procurement practices. This will show that you are not just reactive but also forward-thinking, which is crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joveo
✨Showcase Your Procurement Expertise
Be prepared to discuss your experience in procurement, particularly in the public sector. Highlight specific projects where you've led procurement processes and how you ensured compliance and best value.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since the role requires excellent relationship-building skills, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with stakeholders. Be ready to explain how you managed expectations and drove service delivery.
✨Understand Current Market Trends
Research recent trends in procurement, especially those relevant to the sectors mentioned in the job description. Being able to discuss how these trends could impact procurement strategies will show your proactive approach.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your decision-making abilities. Prepare to discuss scenarios where you've had to make tough decisions or drive change, focusing on the outcomes and lessons learned.
