Procurement Adviser - EAD08632

East Dunbartonshire Council is looking for talented, adaptable and enthusiastic professionals to enrich our Corporate Procurement service, and provide insightful, proactive and commercial support across the wider organisation. Corporate Procurement covers Technical Procurement, Contract Management/Support and Accounts Payable and is currently recruiting to the following vacancy.

The specific skills and knowledge sought for this post are set out below, and the successful applicants will demonstrate initiative, excellent communication, and people skills and a positive and pragmatic approach. A ‘can do’ attitude and a willingness to provide a first-class, solutions-focused service to the Council is essential to all roles, with a willingness to take on new challenges, sometimes on a daily basis.

It is a requirement that this post supports the Corporate Procurement Service in the effective and efficient delivery and development of the Council’s Procurement activities, including the provision of specialist advice, leading tendering and contracting activities, efficient and timely payment processing and all related tasks. The postholder will also work with the wider service to ensure compliance with relevant legislative requirements, best practice & best value whilst supporting the development of pragmatic solutions to support operational service delivery.

The Corporate Procurement Service provides excellent opportunities for personal development and career progression within the public sector procurement environment. In addition to a competitive salary, the posts offer all the benefits of working for a public sector organisation which includes automatic access to a contributory pension scheme, generous holiday allowances, and hybrid and flexible working which reflects our commitment to supporting a genuine work-life balance.

The successful applicant will have the opportunity to join a dedicated and innovative procurement service. The Team is friendly, supportive and talented, and interacts with and supports all areas of the Council’s business and to deliver high quality services for people living and working in East Dunbartonshire.

The Procurement Adviser will work within the Technical Procurement Team and will be responsible for leading and managing Procurement processes, covering areas to include social care, construction, roads, transport, environment, corporate, education and ICT and will report directly to the Corporate Procurement Team Leaders, whilst supporting the delivery of Best Value and best practice within a local authority environment.

Applicants must hold a Degree in a related subject (e.g. Business, Law, Finance, Marketing, Construction, Risk, or CIPS) or have equivalent related work experience.

The following criteria applies to all roles within East Dunbartonshire Council where PVG/Disclosure checks are essential criteria:

• Where the post you are applying for is considered a Regulated Role under the Disclosure (Scotland) Act 2020, successful candidates will be required to join the PVG Scheme, or undergo a PVG Scheme Update check, prior to confirmation of employment being made by East Dunbartonshire Council.
• Successful candidates will be expected to meet the cost of the relevant check which will be deducted from the successful candidate’s first salary payment.
• In specific circumstances the payment could be deducted in instalments from an employee’s wages following commencement of employment. Approval in such circumstances will be made by the HR & OD Manager.
• Should an employee leave in advance of the payment being deducted, the full amount will be deducted from the employee’s final salary.
• The criteria outlined above will apply to existing employees of East Dunbartonshire Council who apply for roles for which a PVG/Disclosure check is required.

The commitment by East Dunbartonshire Council to job applicants is as follows:

• Individuals will be treated in a polite, friendly and welcoming manner.
• Equalities monitoring will be conducted to ensure a fair and equitable process with screening being carried out to anonymise sensitive information such as age, gender and disability.
• The information that we receive will be treated in confidence and with discretion. Only the relevant HR representative/team and the relevant service will see the application form.
• We will encourage and welcome applications from applicants under the disability symbol. Where the essential criteria are met an interview will be offered to those applying under the disability symbol.
• We will be pleased to make any reasonable adjustments to ensure accessibility at the interview.
• We will advise you within reasonable time after the closing date if you have not met the interview criteria. (Normally within 4 weeks)
• We will advise you of meeting the criteria for interview normally within 3 weeks.
• We will advise you if you have been successful or unsuccessful at the interview stage as soon as practically possible.