At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and advise on commercial decisions.
- Company: West Northamptonshire Council, focused on delivering value and social outcomes.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working hours, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a mix of remote work and office collaboration.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by driving innovative procurement solutions in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement management and strong negotiation skills required.
Main Purpose of the Role
The Procurement Manager provides strategic procurement advice and leads complex procurement projects (typically over £100,000) across West Northamptonshire Council. The role ensures procurement activities deliver value for money, comply with procurement legislation (including the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015), support the Council’s priorities, and achieve positive commercial and social value outcomes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead end-to-end procurement projects from planning to contract award.
- Advise senior managers and directors on procurement strategy and commercial decisions.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with legislation, council policies, and best practice.
- Develop procurement strategies that reduce costs, manage risk, and improve service delivery.
- Create tender documents, evaluation criteria, and procurement plans.
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders to understand future procurement needs.
- Manage supplier relationships, monitor market trends, and identify innovative procurement solutions.
- Support effective contract management and promote value for money and social value.
Skills & Experience Required
- Strong experience managing multiple complex procurement projects.
- Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and influencing skills.
- Good knowledge of procurement legislation, commercial contract management, and e-procurement systems.
- Degree and/or MCIPS qualification (or currently studying towards it).
- Strong planning, problem-solving, and communication skills.
What a Typical Day Might Look Like
A typical day involves meeting with service managers to discuss upcoming procurement projects, advising senior leaders on procurement strategies, preparing tender documents and evaluation criteria, reviewing supplier markets, ensuring compliance with procurement regulations, managing procurement timelines, supporting contract management activities, and collaborating with stakeholders to deliver value-for-money procurement solutions while balancing commercial, legal, and operational priorities. The role combines strategic planning, project management, stakeholder engagement, and procurement governance, with a mix of remote working and office meetings when required.
PAYE Pay Rate – £25.08
Weekly Hours – 37.00 – 9am till 5:30pm
RQ1760728 – Procurement Manager in Northampton employer: Carrington Blake Recruitment
As a leading employer in Harrow, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee development and engagement. Our commitment to professional growth is evident through tailored training programmes and leadership opportunities, ensuring that every team member can thrive while contributing to the Council's strategic objectives. With a focus on diversity and community impact, we offer a unique chance to make a meaningful difference in the lives of residents while enjoying a supportive and dynamic workplace.
Contact Details:
Carrington Blake Recruitment Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land RQ1760728 – Procurement Manager in Northampton
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment.
✨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 RQ1760728 – Procurement Manager in Northampton
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 Carrington Blake Recruitment:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Carrington Blake Recruitment. 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington Blake Recruitment
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment!
✨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 Carrington Blake Recruitment. 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 Carrington Blake Recruitment's culture.
