At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement activities and enhance data-driven decision-making for value-driven outcomes.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation focused on compliance and sustainability.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, remote work flexibility, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career advancement potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by promoting social value and sustainability in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commercial roles; CIPS qualification preferred.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are looking for a proactive and analytical Procurement Specialist to support the delivery of a compliant, value-driven procurement function. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the successful candidate will play a key role in delivering procurement activities, strengthening governance and compliance, and enhancing the use of data to support decision-making. This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a more data-driven approach to procurement, helping to improve value for money, manage risk effectively, and embed best practice across the organisation.
Working closely with stakeholders across the business, the Procurement Specialist will provide expert procurement support while promoting social and environmental value.
Key Responsibilities:
- Coordinate and support the full procurement lifecycle, from sourcing and tender processes through to contract award and implementation.
- Ensure all purchasing activities are conducted in line with applicable regulations, organisational procedures, and industry best practices.
- Act as a trusted advisor to colleagues and stakeholders, providing clear guidance on procurement and commercial matters.
- Review and interpret spend data, supplier information, contract performance metrics, and compliance records to identify trends and opportunities for improvement.
- Produce management reports, performance dashboards, and assurance documentation to support decision-making by senior leaders and governance bodies.
- Drive value for money by applying commercial analysis and evaluating procurement outcomes effectively.
- Promote the incorporation of social value, environmental sustainability, and responsible procurement principles within sourcing activities.
- Support the identification, evaluation, and management of procurement and commercial risks.
- Assist in overseeing supplier relationships and contract performance, ensuring issues and risks are identified and addressed proactively.
- Maintain comprehensive and accurate contract records, ensuring key information, pricing details, and supporting documentation are current.
- Coordinate contract extension and renewal activities, including the preparation and review of relevant documentation.
- Undertake supplier due diligence checks and verification processes to support compliant onboarding and risk management.
The Ideal Candidate:Knowledge & Experience:
- Experience working in a procurement or commercial role within a regulated, public sector, housing, or similar environment.
- A good understanding of procurement legislation, governance, and compliance requirements, including knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023.
- Experience supporting or leading procurement exercises from planning through to contract award.
- Experience using data, reporting, and management information to support decision-making.
- An understanding of value for money, social value, sustainability, and risk management within procurement.
Qualifications:
- CIPS qualified or actively working towards a professional procurement qualification.
- Degree-level education or equivalent professional experience.
Key Skills & Attributes:
- Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide actionable insights.
- The ability to apply procurement knowledge in a practical, proportionate, and compliant manner.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly and effectively.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
- A proactive and adaptable approach, with a focus on continuous improvement.
- High attention to detail and a commitment to governance, assurance, and compliance.
Only candidates based in UK and eligible to work in UK are allowed.
Procurement Specialist 12month FTC in Bedford employer: ACS Staffing Solutions
ACS Staffing Solutions is an exceptional employer that values its team members by fostering a dynamic and supportive work culture in Northampton. With a focus on employee growth, we offer training opportunities and career advancement within a fast-paced environment, ensuring that our Warehouse Team Leaders are equipped to lead effectively while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative team atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist 12month FTC in Bedford
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist 12month FTC in Bedford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show ACS Staffing Solutions that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, ACS Staffing Solutions can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows ACS Staffing Solutions that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let ACS Staffing Solutions know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at ACS Staffing Solutions
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
