At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies for Children's Services and collaborate with commissioners.
- Company: Local authority in Shrewsbury offering remote work opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £500 to £550, outside IR35.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape impactful services and develop sustainable capabilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in children's services while working flexibly.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement within local government and strong commissioning knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Our local authority client based in Shrewsbury are urgently seeking an experienced Procurement Consultant.
Remote working
£500 to £550 Outside IR35
The Assignment Children’s Services is the next major category to be addressed. The Council is beginning to establish the full pipeline and needs a consultant who can quickly understand the service context, develop the category approach and work alongside commissioners to progress priority procurements. The successful consultant will provide informed, diplomatic challenge while helping stakeholders reach solutions that are commercially credible, compliant and appropriate for a large rural authority. There is also important crossover with Adults and Public Health, so the category approach must recognise shared markets, services and commissioning priorities.
Key responsibilities
- Engage with Children’s Services commissioners to understand the current pipeline, service pressures, priorities and intended outcomes.
- Develop a coherent Children’s Services category plan, connected to relevant activity across Adults and Public Health.
- Translate commissioning requirements into clear, proportionate and commercially robust procurement strategies.
- Lead and support complex and high-value procurements from early market consideration through to award and mobilisation.
- Use market knowledge to test assumptions, identify risks and shape realistic sourcing options.
- Act as a critical friend to commissioners, providing constructive and diplomatic challenge where proposals may have unintended commercial, contractual or delivery consequences.
- Help stakeholders balance compliance, value for money, provider-market capacity, service quality and outcomes for children and families.
- Bring structure and expertise without judgement, helping the service build sustainable capability as work progresses.
Candidate profile
- Significant procurement and category experience within Children’s Services, ideally in local government.
- A strong understanding of commissioning environments and the ability to work collaboratively with commissioners.
- Experience developing category plans, sourcing strategies and procurement pipelines.
- Knowledge of relevant provider markets, potentially including children’s social care, social worker supply, SEND, early intervention, specialist placements and third-sector services.
- A track record of leading complex or high-value service procurements.
- The ability to connect Children’s Services requirements with related activity across Adults and Public Health.
Please apply with your updated CV ensuring that any gaps in employment are explained. At this point, may we take this opportunity to thank you for the interest you have shown in this role. Unfortunately, due to the high volume of applications that we receive, it is not always possible to respond to everyone. Therefore, unless you hear from us within the next 7 days, your application for this vacancy will have been unsuccessful.
Procurement Consultant employer: 4Recruitment Services
As a Videographer for our local authority client in South London, you will be part of a dynamic team dedicated to producing high-quality video content that supports the council's key priorities. The role offers a collaborative work culture, opportunities for professional growth, and the chance to make a meaningful impact within the community. With competitive pay and a focus on creativity, this position is ideal for those looking to thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to important local initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Consultant
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like 4Recruitment Services.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Consultant
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to 4Recruitment Services:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to 4Recruitment Services. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like 4Recruitment Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at 4Recruitment Services
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at 4Recruitment Services!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at 4Recruitment Services. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into 4Recruitment Services's culture.
