Procurement Specialist in Edinburgh

Location: Scotland (Remote working)

Contract: Permanent

Hours: Full time, 35 hrs per week

Salary: £33,412 - £38,078 per annum

AJ Connect is delighted to be partnering once again with Caledonia Housing Association to appoint a Procurement Specialist, reporting into the Finance Manager.

The Postholder will oversee assisting and supporting internal 'clients' in procuring contracts that meet Group requirements, as well as developing, monitoring, and reviewing the Group procurement function and ensuring that the Group can demonstrate demonstrable value for money through effective and sustainable procurement.

Key responsibilities

• Developing a best practice procurement framework
• Group procurement strategy is developed and updated, including regular updates, and report to Management Board as required
• Procurement strategy delivery is monitored and reviewed
• Procurement policy and procedures are regularly reviewed, and adhered to
• Prepare and publish the Group’s Annual Procurement Report
• There is appropriate record keeping for all procurement activities
• A schedule of regulatory and statutory compliance, and associated action plans is maintained
• Maintain a record of non‑compliant actions
• Maintain and manage the Groups procurement pipeline
• Ensure that adequate contract and supplier management monitoring arrangements are in place and reviewed
• Maintain a register of business critical contracts and ensure procured as required
• Support provided for the preparation of individual procurement strategies are in place for all procurement activities
• Assistance is given to support with the preparation of contract documentation for procurement activities ensuring that Group requirements and all legal and statutory requirements are met
• Procurement activities are co‑ordinated through public contracts portals, and Client teams are supported to help them to input, monitor and complete procurement activities on same
• Advice is given to client teams on effective stakeholder involvement or consultation during procurement activities
• Client teams are assisted with the evaluation of submissions made by contractors and suppliers, and subsequent selection and award of contract
• Monitoring and carrying out checks of tender evaluation to ensure compliance
• Effective performance frameworks are set up by client teams to monitor and evaluate performance of contractors and suppliers
• Effective record keeping systems are set up by client teams for all contracts procured
• Performance standards are met or exceeded for all contracts, contractors, suppliers
• Key operational KPIs in relation to project delivery, customer satisfaction and capital and overhead income and expenditure are met or exceeded
• Raising the profile and the importance of compliant procurement across the group
• Vet and approve new supplier requests
• Operational relationships with external agencies, including contractors, consultants, local authorities, central procurement bodies are managed effectively
• Close working relationships developed amongst teams and active sharing of information and timely action in response to requests from colleagues
• Internal service level agreements are met or exceeded
• Regular meetings take place with other teams to discuss procurement requirements

Skills and experience

• Procurement of contracts, including preparation of brief, procurement process and assessment of bids
• Experience of supplier / contract management performance reporting and monitoring
• Commitment to customer care
• Ability to work with internal clients in an advisory capacity
• Legal knowledge of public procurement legislation and use of public portals
• Knowledge of procurement methods and using and setting up frameworks
• Ability to assess procurement submissions
• HND or equiv. in procurement or relevant professional discipline
• Legal knowledge of building contracts and obligations and requirements of Registered Social Landlords
• Knowledge and understanding of social housing are desirable
• Experience of budgeting and responsibility and control is desirable

Benefits

• Ongoing investment in your personal development with access to internal and external training qualifications
• Annual Leave entitlement starting at 33 days per year (increases with length of service)
• We promote work‑life balance and operate a flexi‑time system
• Generous contributory pension scheme
• Health benefit of up to £300 per year which includes a gym membership, fitness equipment or health insurance
• Wellbeing services offering support and confidential advice for you when you most need it including counselling and in‑house mental health first aiders
• Volunteering opportunities