At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and manage diverse projects across the College.
- Company: Join Forth Valley College, a dynamic leader in education and training.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent networking opportunities and support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on learners and communities while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Proven procurement experience and strong project management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Role
The Procurement Manager (Advanced) reports to the Senior Procurement Manager for College Services Central and South at APUC, and has line management responsibility for two members of staff.
The post-holder will play a key role in delivering strategic and operational procurement support across the College.
Forth Valley College is a dynamic and forward-thinking organisation, offering an exciting and varied procurement environment.
The procurement portfolio covers a broad range of categories, including Estates, Facilities Management, ICT and Professional Services, providing excellent opportunities to work across diverse projects and stakeholders.
Procurement is a well-established and highly regarded function within the College, with APUC providing a shared procurement service since 2011.
The successful candidate will join a collaborative environment where procurement plays a key role in supporting the College's strategic objectives and delivering value across the organisation.
As one of Scotland's leading providers of education and training, Forth Valley College delivers more than 750 courses to students across its main campuses in Alloa, Falkirk and Stirling.
This role offers the opportunity to contribute to an organisation that has a significant impact on learners, communities and economic development across the region.
Responsibilities
- Maintain the Procurement Strategy for the institution and deliver the category strategies, jointly with institutional stakeholders;
- Manage senior and operational stakeholder and key supplier relationships;
- Manage routine higher value tendering and implementation of collaborative agreements in the institution;
- Manage the procurement of institution wide specific goods/services/works requirements;
- Develop and facilitate the procurement processes based on the “Procurement Journey” and provide operational guidance for / to those involved in lower value procurement below formal tender levels;
- Increase the Procurement Capability of the Institution;
- Assist in implementing the Scottish Government Sustainable Procurement Action Plan and move the institution to raising its attainment level versus the Flexible Framework;
- Assist in the delivery of institutional focussed procurement awareness training;
- Mentor / support / manage less senior procurement staff;
- Provide the key link from the institution to the APUC collaborative procurement team;
- Represent the institution on the various forums and contribute to sector wide joint initiatives in relation to procurement;
- Assist in undertaking statutory UK procurement reporting for the institution and routine procurement reporting from data for the relevant academic year; and,
- Implement the requirements of Procurement Legislation.
Person Specification
- Knowledge and Skills
- Be of high intellectual calibre, with the highest ethical standards;
- Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply or working towards this (preferred);
- Be a professional, credible manager with excellent general management skills and have the essential competencies of clarity of purpose, self-confidence, integrity with strong influencing ability;
- Have expert knowledge of EU & Equality purchasing legislation as it relates to the HE/FE sector;
- Demonstrate sound commercial acumen; and,
- Skilled in contract drafting and negotiation.
Experience
- Have proven project management skills and of meeting demanding targets and deadlines on a day-to-day basis;
- Have extensive procurement experience including the management of end-to-end tender processes, contract negotiation and contract management;
- Experience in production and manipulation of procurement related data and production of management reports;
- Experience of reporting / analytical reporting; and,
- Advanced spreadsheet skills and the ability to use financial models to present efficiency performance.
- Contracts and Relationships
- The post holder must build strong working relationships with all stakeholders and develop the reputation of APUC as a source of expert guidance and support both to institutional customers and suppliers; and,
- Must be able to influence, negotiate and achieve consensus with clients, colleagues and contractors.
- They must maintain a positive, supportive, can-do attitude at all times and be a role model for less senior staff.
All of our roles offer
- Generous annual leave entitlement (equivalent of 40 x 7 hour days)
- 9‑day fortnight or a 4.5‑day week (full time)
- Closed for the festive period (between Christmas and New Year) and Good Friday and Easter Monday every year
- Hybrid working
- Flexible working patterns
- Pension scheme with employer contributions & Group Life Assurance
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) & Mental health and wellbeing support
- Family‑friendly policies (maternity, paternity, adoption, shared parental leave)
- Comprehensive induction programme
- Access to professional development, training and support for qualifications
- Leadership and management development programmes
- Regular performance and development reviews
- All staff team building and development days
- Cycle to Work Scheme & Smart Tech Scheme
- Staff discount schemes (e. g., retail, gym, lifestyle)
- Monthly allowance for BYOD
- Long service awards (10, 15 and 20 years)
How to Apply
Please send your CV and cover letter, noting your current salary level and notice period.
About APUC
Advanced Procurement for Universities and Colleges (APUC) is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for, and owned jointly by, all of Scotland's Universities and Colleges.
With collaboration, responsibility, and integrity at the heart of what we do, we're all about helping our member institutions achieve their objectives, whether you are putting together Framework Agreements, reducing the sector’s carbon emissions or working directly in one of our client institutions.
Joining APUC means joining a community of peers, and getting the chance to get together often and having network opportunities throughout the year.
Peer support and collaboration is integral to who we are at APUC.
We currently employ around 90 people, most of whom are based within Colleges and Universities but with some based in our regional offices in Stirling (HQ), Glasgow and Edinburgh.
Procurement Manager - Forth Valley College in Falkirk employer: APUC Ltd
Forth Valley College is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work environment where procurement plays a vital role in supporting strategic objectives. With generous benefits such as flexible working patterns, extensive professional development opportunities, and a strong focus on employee wellbeing, the College fosters a culture of growth and support. Located in the heart of Scotland, employees can engage in meaningful projects that significantly impact learners and communities across the region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager - Forth Valley College in Falkirk
✨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 APUC Ltd.
✨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 Manager - Forth Valley College in Falkirk
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 APUC Ltd:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to APUC Ltd. 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 APUC Ltd.
How to prepare for a job interview at APUC Ltd
✨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 APUC Ltd!
✨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 APUC Ltd. 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 APUC Ltd's culture.
