At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and contract management to support impactful public services in Lewisham.
- Company: Join Lewisham Council, a diverse community championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
- Benefits: Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 60633 - 62742 £ per year.
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in Lewisham’s Procurement team.
What’s the role?
As a Procurement and Contracts Manager, you will provide expert guidance and support to the Housing Directorate team, ensure compliance with legal and Council requirements, and support the development and implementation of the Council’s procurement strategy. This role is ideal for someone passionate about driving excellence in procurement and delivering impactful public services.
Duties:
- To ensure successful delivery of procurement and contract management activities, specifically to the Housing Directorate, through the current decentralized model.
- To provide written guidance, comprehensive training and expert consultancy advice to Directorate commissioners in all matters pertaining to procurement practice.
- To review tender documentation prior to publication to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council regulations.
- To monitor the procurement practice of Directorates by examination of their use of the integrated online system.
- To ensure that systems are in place so that the Council complies with all reporting arrangements required by transparency provisions.
- To develop the Council’s procurement strategy for consideration by the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager.
- To update the knowledge base of strategic analysis of markets and supplier trends.
- To take all necessary and appropriate steps to implement the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy.
- To ensure that the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy and policy documents fully support the wider economic, social and equality objectives of the Council.
- To oversee the day-to-day management of the procurement and contract management administrative function.
- To keep abreast of new initiatives, legislation and research in connection with procurement and contract management.
- To manage the Council’s central procurement and contract management arrangements.
- To support and manage procurement and contract management officers and apprentices.
- Promote the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy with senior managers and stakeholders.
- Attend Council meetings as required, advise the Mayor and members, directorate management teams and executive management team if required.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post as directed by the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager.
- Participate in the appraisal and objective setting process and undertake appropriate training and development.
- Carry out the duties of the post with due regard to the Council’s Dignity at Work Policy and core values.
- All employees are required to comply with the Council's Health & Safety policies and procedures.
- Assist in carrying out the Council's environmental policy within the day-to-day activities of the post.
- Treat all information acquired through employment, both formally and informally, in strict confidence.
What’s in it for you?
Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance
- Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible working and family friendly policies
- Season ticket and bicycle loans
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships
- Supportive staff networks
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong problem-solving and organisational skills with particular experience in housing, including work within the public sector or with registered providers. You should have significant experience in procurement and contract management, with a proven ability to ensure compliance, deliver value for money, and support strategic objectives. Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills are essential, as you will work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide tailored, effective solutions. You should also have strong time management abilities, capable of prioritising multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Location
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Special conditions
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident 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.
Procurement and Contracts Manager in London employer: Borough of Lewisham
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where your contributions directly impact our diverse communities. With a strong commitment to employee development, generous benefits including flexible working arrangements and a supportive culture, we empower our staff to thrive while championing social equity and excellence in public service. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the heart of London!
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Manager in London
✨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 Lewisham.
✨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 and Contracts Manager in London
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 Lewisham:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Borough of Lewisham. 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 Lewisham.
How to prepare for a job interview at Borough of Lewisham
✨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 Lewisham!
✨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 Lewisham. 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 Lewisham's culture.
