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- Tasks: Support category management and sourcing strategies in a dynamic utilities organisation.
- Company: Join a leading utilities organisation making a difference in the public sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy opportunities for career advancement and valuable experience in procurement.
- Why this job: Perfect for those passionate about procurement and looking to impact the community positively.
- Qualifications: Procurement experience in regulated environments is preferred; fresh graduates are welcome to apply.
- Other info: Engage with diverse spend areas, from engineering services to operational services.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
A leading utilities organisation requires a Procurement Specialist to support category management and sourcing strategies. Applicants need procurement experience, ideally within a regulated, public sector, or services-based role.
The Procurement Specialist will support the development and execution of both category and sourcing strategies, working closely with Category Managers. The spend areas in focus broadly sit within engineering services (consultancies, project managers, designers), business and corporate services (FM, contact centre, HR, Fleet, H&S), and operational services (MEICA, valves, pumps, motors, capital equipment, chemicals). Previous experience across these areas is not required but exposure to the full sourcing and contract lifecycle would be beneficial.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a procurement professional who has operated as a Procurement Officer, Senior Procurement Officer, Category Officer, Category Specialist, or a Procurement graduate looking to advance their career.
Specific duties of the Procurement Specialist include:
- Develop category-specific strategies with stakeholders and procurement colleagues
- Conduct tendering and sourcing activities in compliance with internal procurement policies and external frameworks
- Monitor supplier and contract performance; report and share insights with procurement teams
- Drive cost reduction through standardisation, aggregation, and minimisation of tail spend
- Support broader commercial and procurement activities to create value with suppliers and minimise TCO
Applicants should meet the following criteria:
- Procurement experience in a regulated environment such as public sector, utilities, third sector, or services-based roles
- Knowledge of Procurement Act 2023, PCR, UCR, DSCR is desirable but not essential
- Experience across the full procurement lifecycle
- Understanding of category management and sourcing strategies
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
Contact Detail:
Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement regulations and frameworks relevant to the utilities sector. Understanding the Procurement Act 2023 and other compliance requirements will give you an edge in discussions and demonstrate your commitment to the role.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in regulated environments. Attend industry events or join online forums to gain insights and potentially find a mentor who can guide you through the application process.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with category management and sourcing strategies in detail. Think of specific examples where you've successfully managed supplier relationships or driven cost reductions, as these will be key talking points during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s current procurement practices and any recent projects they’ve undertaken. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your conversations but also show your genuine interest in contributing to their goals.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant procurement experience, especially in regulated environments or services-based roles. Emphasise any specific skills related to sourcing, category management, and contracting.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and how your experience aligns with the key responsibilities. Mention any exposure to the full sourcing and contract lifecycle, even if it's not extensive.
Highlight Relevant Skills: In your application, clearly outline your skills in stakeholder management and relationship-building. These are crucial for the Procurement Specialist role, so provide examples of how you've successfully managed relationships in past positions.
Showcase Your Knowledge: If you have knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 or other relevant frameworks, be sure to mention this in your application. Even if it's not essential, it shows your commitment to staying informed in the field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS)
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement processes, especially in regulated environments. Familiarise yourself with the Procurement Act 2023 and other relevant frameworks, as this will show your understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous roles and how they relate to category management and sourcing strategies. Highlight any specific projects where you successfully managed supplier relationships or drove cost reductions.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, be ready to provide examples of how you've effectively built relationships in past positions. Discuss your approach to managing expectations and resolving conflicts.
✨Prepare Questions for Them
Interviews are a two-way street, so think of insightful questions to ask about their procurement strategies and team dynamics. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
