At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-value procurements and provide strategic advice to senior leaders.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Havering, a forward-thinking local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community projects and shape procurement strategies.
- Qualifications: Public sector procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 59511 - 63966 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced and dynamic Strategic Procurement Manager to join our Strategic Procurement & Contract Management team. Reporting to the Head of Procurement & Contract Management, you will act as the Council’s procurement expert across designated directorates and categories of spending. You will lead high-value, complex procurements, provide strategic commercial advice to senior leaders, and ensure contracts deliver maximum value for money for residents.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement and category strategies
- Manage complex procurements end-to-end
- Provide commercial advice to senior stakeholders
- Ensure compliance with procurement legislation
- Drive value for money and innovation
- Lead supplier and contract management
- Develop procurement plans and pipelines
- Analyse spend and deliver savings
- Manage and develop procurement team members and wider Council
- Represent procurement at boards and partnerships and deputise for the Head of Procurement where required
About You
- Significant public sector procurement experience
- Strong track record delivering complex procurements
- Strong knowledge of procurement regulations
- Strong stakeholder engagement and management skills
- Leadership experience
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to self-reflect to enable change and challenge to deliver better outcomes
Qualifications
- CIPS Professional Diploma (or working towards) or equivalent experience
Why Join Us
- Shape strategic procurement across the Council
- Work on high-impact community projects
- Collaborative and forward-thinking team
- Professional development opportunities
The closing date for the receipt of applications is 29/9/26, however interest in this job may be high and we therefore reserve the right to close the vacancy early. You will be notified if your application has been successful. Interview date to be confirmed.
We want everyone to choose Havering. When you apply for a job with us, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity or sexual orientation. Our residents and service users come from all walks of life, and so do our employees. Find out what it means to Choose Havering. The London Borough of Havering has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
Please attach your supporting statement, explaining in no more than x2 A4 sides why and how you meet the criteria for this role. We practice anonymised recruitment. Please ensure that you remove all personal information from any documents that you upload.
Strategic Procurement Manager in Romford employer: Borough of Havering
Havering is an exceptional employer that prioritises the well-being of its employees while making a significant impact on the lives of children and families. With a strong commitment to systemic practice, access to accredited training, and a supportive work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead a talented team in a role that is both meaningful and rewarding. Join us in a vibrant community where your expertise is valued, and together we can create positive outcomes for those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Manager in Romford
✨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 Havering.
✨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 Strategic Procurement Manager in Romford
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 Havering:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Borough of Havering. 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 Havering.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Havering
✨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 Havering!
✨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 Havering. 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 Havering's culture.
