At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our dynamic team to support procurement and contract management activities.
- Company: Barnet Council, committed to making our borough better for everyone.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days annual leave, flexible working options, and lifestyle discounts.
- Other info: We value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on sustainability and community welfare while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public procurement and excellent communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 42000 £ per year.
About Barnet Council
Barnet is a borough with much to be proud of. Our excellent schools, vibrant town centres, vast green spaces and diverse communities all help make it a great place to live and work. As a council we want to build on these strengths as we move into the future. We are growing and developing as an organisation to meet the challenges facing our borough and we are committed to working with partner organisations and residents to make Barnet even better. As an organisation, our staff are committed to Our Values: Learning to Improve, Caring, Inclusive, Collaborative – which drive everything we do.
About the role
You will be joining the Commercial and Procurement team at a very exciting time. We are aiming to reach BarNET Zero as a Council by 2030 and as a borough by 2042. Our new vision is to put Caring for People, our Places and the Planet at the heart of everything we do. As a senior member of the Commercial team, you will support and deliver high quality commercial activities across procurement and contracts.
As Assistant Business Lead Procurement, you will work as part of a dynamic Commercial and Procurement team delivering a highly effective service; supporting, advising senior stakeholders and staff across Barnet on Commercial principles and processes to drive maximum benefit and efficiencies, whilst managing an integrated team to deliver effectively and efficiently all procurement and contract management activity.
The post holder will support the Business Lead Procurement and Contracts in the provision of effective, high quality and well co-ordinated procurement activity, capable of meeting all statutory, regulatory and Council requirements ensuring alignment with the activity of the organisation.
About you
- Professional membership of MCIPS or equivalent knowledge gained through experience.
- Excellent knowledge of Public Procurement Requirements.
- Excellent procurement skills, including cost control, contract negotiation and contract management.
- Excellent communication skills, with the ability to negotiate with senior stakeholders and present complex information to influential groups.
- Excellent knowledge of Sustainable Procurement, covering economic, social and environmental sustainability.
What we offer
- 31 days annual leave, plus public and bank holidays.
- Work-life balance options may include hybrid working, flexitime, job share, home working, part-time.
- A vast range of lifestyle discounts from major retailers, supermarkets, energy suppliers and more.
- Broad range of payroll benefits including cycle to work, eye care vouchers, travel and gym membership.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
- Employee well-being training programs including confidential employee assistance.
Barnet Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Barnet operates stringent safer recruitment procedures.
Barnet Council is committed to equality of opportunity in the provision of services, and all staff are expected to promote equality in the workplace and in the services the Council delivers. As such we value diversity and welcome applications from all backgrounds.
Barnet Council embraces all forms of flexible working (including part-time, compressed hours, and hybrid working) and is committed to offering employees a healthy work-life balance. Candidates are encouraged to talk about relevant requirements and preferences at interview.
Barnet Council is a Disability Confident Committed Employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert.
All posts with the council are subject to a probationary period of six months, during which time you will be required to demonstrate to the council satisfaction your suitability for the position in which you will be employed.
Due to the high number of applications that are received for some posts we may close vacancies before the stated closing date if sufficient number of applications are received. Therefore, please apply as soon as possible.
Please ensure you regularly check the email account (including JUNK MAIL folders) that you use to submit your application, as any further communication regarding your application will be sent electronically.
Assistant Business Lead Procurement employer: Borough of Barnet
The Borough of Barnet is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With extensive annual leave and dedicated training opportunities, the Facilities Team Lead role provides a meaningful chance to contribute to the community while developing your career in a vibrant Greater London setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Business Lead Procurement
✨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 Borough of Barnet.
✨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 Assistant Business Lead Procurement
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 Borough of Barnet:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Borough of Barnet. 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 Borough of Barnet.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Barnet
✨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 Borough of Barnet!
✨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 Borough of Barnet. 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 Borough of Barnet's culture.
