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- Tasks: Lead procurement projects and engage with stakeholders to improve processes.
- Company: Join the British Council, a global leader in connecting people and cultures.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working options and a competitive salary of £30,839.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by supporting global connections and enhancing procurement efficiency.
- Qualifications: Undergraduate degree or relevant experience in procurement; CIPS qualification preferred.
- Other info: Five vacancies available; must have the legal right to work in the UK.
The predicted salary is between 30839 - 43375 £ per year.
We support peace and prosperity by building connections, understanding and trust between people in the UK and countries worldwide.
We work directly with individuals to help them gain the skills, confidence and connections to transform their lives and shape a better world in partnership with the UK. We support them to build networks and explore creative ideas, to learn English, to get a high-quality education and to gain internationally recognised qualifications.
Working with people in over 200 countries and territories, we are on the ground in more than 100 countries. In 2021–22 we reached 650 million people.
This role has five vacancies available.
Pay Band: 7/F
Virtual job fairs
Contract Type: Indefinite
Location: UK-wide
You must have the legal right to work in (United Kingdom) at the time of application. There is no relocation or sponsorship support.
British Council supports working in new ways such as hybrid working, subject to full approval by line management and conditional upon our ability to provide the appropriate level of service.This may not be appropriate for all roles but can be explored at interview.
About the role:
The Global Procurement function is split into clusters and this role will report to a Senior Procurement Manager. The role will support the implementation of a sourcing plan and delivering procurement projects as required within the cluster. This role will require effective stakeholder engagement within the cluster or globally whilst supporting the delivery of improvements and efficiency in procurement projects.
Main Responsibilities
Consultancy, analysis & problem-solving
Builds an in-depth understanding of the specific operational context, opportunities and challenges facing their internal customer(s) to ensure the provision of procedural advice and support based on informed business insight.
Pro-actively seeks internal customer and other stakeholder feedback to monitor satisfaction with the standard of functional advice and business support provided, enabling improvements to be made where issues are identified.
Applies core technical/professional knowledge, recognised best practice approaches and insight from previous experience to resolve non-standard issues which arise in the provision of functional support to a specific organisational unit or area of corporate activity.
Service improvement
Within their area of technical/professional expertise, identifies opportunities for procedural improvements within established policies and determines the most appropriate mechanisms and processes for implementing those changes.
Demonstrates awareness of relevant governance arrangements that relate to making system or procedural changes.
Makes technical/professional recommendations to resolve specific or localised issues but also offers ideas which contribute to the development of wider solutions to broader business challenges and problems.
Functional expertise
Provides pro-active professional advice and support to internal customers to ensure local or unit-specific business practices within their area of functional expertise are high quality, effective and compliant with relevant corporate policies.
Completes an annual cycle of formally recognised Continuing Professional Development (CPD) to maintain and deepen their professional expertise.
Uses a variety of information resources and professional networks to maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in external policy, practice, and regulation within their professional discipline.
Using agreed corporate systems and processes, plans and manages the budget for their area of activity/service provision, and conducts monthly and year-end reporting on income and expenditure, profitability, and risk.
Shows an understanding of value for money/cost effectiveness in the advice, recommendations or service support provided to internal customers.
Applies good judgment in a commercial context.
Relationship & stakeholder management
Develops good working relationships with appropriate colleagues throughout the British Council and in the relevant functional discipline to know who to engage with to enable effective implementation of procedural changes and improvements
Builds a network of with external suppliers/providers/contacts to support effective service provision and knowledge exchange
Leadership & management
Plans and prioritises own work activities to ensure effective delivery of diverse responsibilities and internal customer deliverables over a monthly to quarterly time horizon.
May act as formal line manager to a small team of para-professionals, working within the same (or related) area of functional expertise, responsible for their annual work plans and deliverables
Extensive experience of working in a similar role at a similar level managing procurement projects or procurement teams
Experience in leading and managing effective negotiations
In-depth understanding of procurement processes and complex competitive bidding
Good understanding of procurement project delivery, including Supplier Relationship Management
Good business understanding across industry
Understands and has used a variety of pricing models and tools.
Understands legal and operational risks.
Undergraduate degree holder or has relevant experience in procurement
Qualified member of a professions body, e.g. CIPS or other relevant body or equivalent experience
The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required
Extensive experience with Strategic Sourcing with managing stakeholders’ team or experience in managing procurement teams or categories.
Further information
Salary – £30,839
A connected and trusted UK in a more connected and trusted world.
Equality , Diversity, and Inclusion(EDI) Statement
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Procurement Manager employer: British Council
Contact Detail:
British Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the British Council's mission and values. Understanding how they support peace and prosperity will help you align your responses during interviews, showcasing your commitment to their goals.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the British Council, especially those in procurement roles. They can provide valuable insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be beneficial for your interview preparation.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your negotiation skills and procurement processes. Given the emphasis on managing procurement projects and leading negotiations, demonstrating your expertise in these areas will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare examples of how you've successfully implemented service improvements in previous roles. The ability to demonstrate your problem-solving skills and proactive approach will resonate well with the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before you start writing your application, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Procurement Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the specific needs outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should not only introduce yourself but also explain why you are passionate about the role and how you can contribute to the British Council's mission. Use specific examples from your past experiences that demonstrate your procurement expertise and stakeholder management skills.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV, focus on showcasing your extensive experience in procurement, particularly any roles where you managed projects or teams. Include quantifiable achievements that illustrate your ability to deliver improvements and efficiencies in procurement processes.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting your application, take the time to proofread all documents for spelling and grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in a procurement role.
How to prepare for a job interview at British Council
✨Understand the Role and Responsibilities
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the job description and the key responsibilities of a Procurement Manager. Familiarise yourself with procurement processes, stakeholder engagement, and service improvement strategies to demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage relationships. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully navigated challenges in procurement or improved processes, as these will showcase your expertise and fit for the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves significant stakeholder engagement, be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with internal customers and external suppliers. Highlight specific instances where your communication and negotiation skills led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Professional Development
The British Council values ongoing learning and development. Be prepared to talk about your commitment to professional growth, such as any relevant qualifications (like CIPS) or training you've undertaken, and how you stay updated on industry trends and best practices.
