At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement and shape the future of procurement at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
- Company: Join a dedicated team at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service, making a real difference in the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent pension scheme, generous holidays, and access to training and a gym.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace, committed to supporting all applicants.
- Why this job: Make a tangible impact while developing a modern procurement function in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Level 6 procurement qualification and significant public sector experience required.
The predicted salary is between 54143 - 60971 £ per year.
Starting Salary of £54,143 within the Salary Scale PM3 range £54,143 - £60,971 per annum based on experience. 37 hours per week. Permanent. This role will be based at CFRS Headquarters, Winsford.
This is an exciting time to join Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service as we continue to invest in and strengthen our newly established Procurement Team. We are seeking an experienced and commercially minded Senior Procurement Manager to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of procurement within CFRS. This is a unique opportunity to influence the development of a growing procurement function, helping to establish best practice, drive value for money, and ensure that procurement supports the delivery of critical services across the organisation.
As Senior Procurement Manager, you will lead strategic procurement and commercial activities across a diverse portfolio of spend categories, ensuring robust governance, effective supplier relationships and positive outcomes for the Service. You will take principal responsibility for Estates procurement (including Construction) and Information Technology procurement (including complex integrated IT solutions).
Working closely with senior leaders and stakeholders, you will provide expert procurement advice, drive continuous improvement, and help shape the processes and culture that underpin a high-performing procurement function. We are looking for a proactive and ambitious procurement professional who thrives in a collaborative environment and is motivated by the opportunity to make a tangible impact.
The successful candidate will hold a Level 6 procurement qualification and will have significant experience operating within a public sector procurement environment. You will possess a strong understanding of public procurement legislation, governance requirements, and best practice, together with the commercial acumen and strategic insight required to deliver value and innovation.
In return, you will have the opportunity to help build and influence a modern procurement function, work alongside dedicated colleagues who are passionate about public service, and contribute to an organisation whose work makes a real difference to the communities of Cheshire.
CFRS offers an excellent benefits package to all our staff including a Local Government Pension Scheme, attractive holiday entitlement, training and development opportunities and access to free parking and on-site gym.
Workplace Adjustments and Accommodations: It is important that you consider at an early stage of the process if you would like to request arrangements that will assist you in completing the selection process. For example, in relation to disability; a neurodiverse condition such as dyslexia; pregnancy; religion or belief; or injury etc. Any requests for workplace adjustments will be treated with the utmost confidence. For support or further information please email: recruitment@cheshirefire.gov.uk
Appointment to this post is subject to a satisfactory Standard Disclosure & Barring Service check. Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service (CFRS) is committed to keeping vulnerable adults, children and young people safe from harm in all of the work that CFRS undertakes. CFRS recognises that it has a legal and moral obligation to safeguard these groups of people. Furthermore, it acknowledges that the protection of vulnerable adults, children and young people from harm is the responsibility of everybody within the organisation.
We are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups such as women, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, the LGBT+ community, people with disabilities, and those with non-traditional career paths.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme.
About Disability Confident: Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
Read more in Winsford employer: Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
Cheshire Fire & Rescue Service offers a supportive and collaborative work environment where employees are valued for their contributions to the community. With competitive salaries and opportunities for professional development, this role as Principal Accountant allows you to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a healthy work-life balance in a dynamic public service setting.
Contact Details:
Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Read more in Winsford
✨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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
✨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 Read more in Winsford
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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. 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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service!
✨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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service. 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 Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service's culture.