At a Glance
- Tasks: Support strategic sourcing and procurement to ensure public money is spent wisely.
- Company: Join Birmingham City Council's innovative Sourcing Team.
- Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a competitive pension scheme.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous learning and growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your procurement career.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 44348 - 54204 £ per year.
- Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme
- Working 36.5 hours per week
Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Help deliver procurement that creates value for Birmingham
Are you looking to develop your procurement career while making a real difference to one of the UK's largest local authorities?
Birmingham City Council is recruiting six Sourcing Practitioners to join our newly established Sourcing Team.
- Sourcing Practitioner
- Permanent
- Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme
- Working 36.5 hours per week
Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Help deliver procurement that creates value for Birmingham
Are you looking to develop your procurement career while making a real difference to one of the UK's largest local authorities?
Birmingham City Council is recruiting six Sourcing Practitioners to join our newly established Sourcing Team.
This is an exciting opportunity to support the delivery of strategic sourcing and procurement activity that ensures public money is spent wisely, ethically and effectively.
Working alongside experienced procurement professionals, you'll help develop sourcing strategies, support tendering activity and build strong relationships with stakeholders to deliver value for money and excellent public services.
About The Role
As a Sourcing Practitioner, you'll play an important role in delivering procurement activity by:
- Supporting the development and delivery of sourcing strategies that meet organisational needs and deliver value for money.
- Assisting with procurement and tendering activities, ensuring compliance with governance requirements and procurement best practice.
- Building effective relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers, providing guidance and support throughout the procurement process.
- Collecting and analysing supplier and procurement data to support contract performance, risk management and informed decision-making.
- Managing procurement enquiries and contributing to guidance, toolkits, handbooks and communications for colleagues and suppliers.
- Supporting the effective use of procurement systems and technology to improve efficiency and accessibility.
- Maintaining accurate procurement records and documentation to support governance, audit and assurance requirements.
About You
We're looking for someone who is collaborative, organised and committed to delivering excellent procurement outcomes. You'll bring:
- Experience supporting procurement, sourcing or commercial activities within a structured or regulated environment.
- Knowledge of procurement processes, tendering and contract administration, with an understanding of value for money principles.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to provide clear advice and guidance.
- Experience using procurement systems and technology to support procurement delivery.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret information and present data clearly to support decision-making.
- An understanding of procurement governance, controls and ethical procurement practices.
- A commitment to continuous professional development, with a willingness to work towards a Level 4 CIPS Diploma.
Why Join Us?
At Birmingham City Council, You'll Become Part Of a Modern Commercial And Procurement Service That Is Transforming How Procurement Delivers Value Across The Organisation.
- In Return, We Offer
- The opportunity to work on a wide range of procurement projects that directly benefit Birmingham's residents and communities.
- A supportive and collaborative team environment with experienced procurement professionals.
- Ongoing learning and development, including support towards professional procurement qualifications.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where service needs allow.
- A competitive Local Government Pension Scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.
- Access to a wide range of employee wellbeing initiatives and staff benefits.
- A rewarding career where you'll help shape ethical, innovative and value-driven procurement across one of Europe's largest local authorities.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.
We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquires please contact: Resourcing@birmingham. gov. uk
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
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Sourcing Practitioner, Commercial and Procurement Services employer: Birmingham City Council
Birmingham City Council is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of one of the UK's largest Commercial and Procurement Services. With a commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on wellbeing, you'll play a pivotal role in shaping strategic decisions that impact the community. Join us to make a meaningful difference while enjoying competitive benefits and a supportive work culture that values diversity and excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sourcing Practitioner, Commercial and Procurement Services
✨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 Birmingham City Council.
✨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 Sourcing Practitioner, Commercial and Procurement Services
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 Birmingham City Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Birmingham City Council. 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 Birmingham City Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Birmingham City Council
✨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 Birmingham City Council!
✨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 Birmingham City Council. 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 Birmingham City Council's culture.
