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- Tasks: Lead procurement for Cardiff Council and partner authorities, managing complex projects and driving strategic initiatives.
- Company: Join Ardal, a collaborative procurement service across four local authorities in South Wales.
- Benefits: Enjoy a full-time permanent role with opportunities for professional growth and impactful work.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public sector procurement while championing sustainability and value for money.
- Qualifications: Must have MCIPS membership and extensive experience in public sector procurement.
- Other info: This role requires a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
Ardal is a new procurement collaboration across the four local authorities serving the people and communities of Cardiff, Monmouthshire, Torfaen and the Vale of Glamorgan. Annual spend on goods, services and works across the four authorities is over £1 billion per annum. We have an exciting opportunity to lead our award winning Commissioning & Procurement Team hosted by Cardiff Council.
As Head of Commissioning and Procurement you will be responsible for leading the Procurement function for Cardiff Council and also providing these functions to the Ardal participating local authorities—along with Cardiff Council - Monmouthshire County Council, Torfaen County Borough Council, and Vale of Glamorgan Council—through the Ardal Collaborative Procurement Service. This position requires a highly skilled procurement professional with proven expertise in public sector procurement, collaborative working, and leading high-value, complex projects.
The role will also be responsible for managing three South East Wales (SEW) regional collaborative frameworks. The successful candidate will drive strategic procurement initiatives, ensure compliance with relevant regulations, and deliver value for money through efficient procurement practices. You will also lead a multi-authority team and develop strong relationships with key internal and external stakeholders to deliver innovative procurement solutions across the partnership.
You and your service will be providing technical procurement advice and support to our category teams and service colleagues across Cardiff Council and our partners to develop solutions which meet business needs whilst complying with legislative requirements. You will be championing the application of category management and developing, delivering and implementing category specific sourcing strategies in order to achieve cost savings, quality improvements and support delivery of wider objectives.
You will be working to ensure that all procurement activity supports the delivery of the Council’s Socially Responsible Procurement Strategy (2022-2027), wider Council policy objectives and UK and Welsh legislation. You will be the key relationship manager with relevant service areas across Cardiff and its partners and support them in the development of sourcing strategies to ensure they are aligned to corporate priorities and objectives and encourage the concept of both internal and external partnership working.
You will be working in a collaborative manner with service colleagues and maintain a constant scrutiny of best value and value for money and supporting the effective delivery of the socially responsible procurement strategy, policies and processes.
What We Are Looking For From You
You will be a highly motivated leader who will drive and inspire the multi disciplinary teams across different local authorities. You will be fully committed to partnership working and building and delivering the public sector values of fairness, sustainability and value for money. You will have full membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS) and have obtained extensive experience in leading procurement functions within the public sector, preferably local government.
You will have experience in and a proven track record of managing successfully complex procurement activities including framework agreements and collaborative projects. You will also have strong understanding and knowledge of Procurement legislation Public Contract Regulations.
This post is subject to a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service check.
OM COMMISSIONING & PROCUREMENT employer: Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council
Contact Detail:
Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land OM COMMISSIONING & PROCUREMENT
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific procurement legislation and regulations relevant to public sector procurement in Wales. Understanding the Public Contract Regulations will not only help you in interviews but also demonstrate your commitment to compliance and best practices.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in local government. Attend relevant workshops or seminars to build connections and gain insights into the challenges and opportunities within the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in leading complex procurement projects and collaborative frameworks. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven value for money and implemented successful sourcing strategies in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting instances where you've inspired and motivated teams across different departments or authorities. Emphasising your ability to foster partnership working will resonate well with the values of the role.
We think you need these skills to ace OM COMMISSIONING & PROCUREMENT
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Thoroughly read the job description for the Head of Commissioning and Procurement position. Make sure you understand the responsibilities, required skills, and the values of the organisation, particularly around partnership working and socially responsible procurement.
Tailor Your Supporting Information: In the supporting information section, specifically address how your experience aligns with the requirements outlined in the job description. Highlight your expertise in public sector procurement, collaborative projects, and your membership with the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
Showcase Leadership Skills: Emphasise your leadership abilities and experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams. Provide examples of how you have inspired teams and driven successful procurement initiatives in previous roles.
Adhere to Application Guidelines: Ensure that you follow the application guidelines provided on the website. Remember that CVs are not accepted, so focus on crafting a compelling narrative in the supporting information section that showcases your qualifications and commitment to the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cyngor Caerdydd/Cardiff Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of the Head of Commissioning and Procurement. Familiarise yourself with the procurement processes, collaborative working, and the specific needs of the local authorities involved.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples that demonstrate your leadership experience, especially in managing multi-disciplinary teams across different local authorities. Highlight how you've inspired teams to achieve common goals and drive strategic initiatives.
✨Demonstrate Knowledge of Procurement Legislation
Be ready to discuss your understanding of procurement legislation, particularly the Public Contract Regulations. This knowledge is crucial for ensuring compliance and delivering value for money in public sector procurement.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle complex procurement activities. Think about past experiences where you've successfully managed challenges and how you can apply those lessons to this role.
