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- Tasks: Lead ICT procurement projects and develop strategies for best value sourcing.
- Company: Cheshire West and Chester Council, committed to excellence in procurement.
- Benefits: Flexible working, Investors in People Gold status, and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement while championing sustainability and social value.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualified with experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and work-life balance.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Overview
Procurement in Cheshire West and Chester is undertaken by adopting a Business Partnering approach, whereby the Senior Procurement Officer is the procurement lead for one of three Council Directorates. Senior Procurement Officers work with our key stakeholders within the Authority and with partners and suppliers to deliver best value in the sourcing of supplies, works and services. All activity will be in line with relevant legislation.
The post holder will manage the end-to-end procurement of ICT contracts, including high-value and complex projects, and representing the specialised procurement requirements of ICT with the Council’s ICT and Legal teams, and play a central role in delivering continuous improvement across commercial activities. Additionally, they will work closely with key stakeholders and with the Senior Manager Procurement to develop a series of agreed strategies for key procurement activity. The whole supply chain will be considered, and Procurement will be instrumental in the complete sourcing process.
You will be joining a fast paced procurement team at an exciting and important time in driving standards and best practice within our Business Partnering approach to procurement. You will play an important role in the delivery of a forward thinking, flexible, creative, commercial and collaborative procurement team, which aims to exemplify excellent procurement practice.
The Senior Procurement Officer/ ICT Category Lead is a pivotal role and involves leading procurement activities, providing specialist commercial advice, and ensuring compliance with relevant regulations and best practices.
Responsibilities
- leading and advising on procurement strategies, market analysis, and route-to-market decisions
- drafting tender documentation and contracts
- managing tender evaluations, moderations, and supplier feedback
- supporting contract mobilisation, performance monitoring, change control, and risk management
- developing relationships with suppliers, SMEs, and voluntary sector organisations
- ensuring compliance with procurement regulations including The Procurement Act 2023, Public Contact Regulations 2015, Public Services Social Value Act 2012 and the Council’s own Contract Procedure Rules
The successful candidate will have broad experience of procurement within a Local Government/Public Sector environment and a thorough understanding of Local Government/Public Sector procurement regulations. You will be passionate about delivering sustainability and championing social value whilst achieving a successful balance between innovation and meeting corporate policies and regulatory requirements. You will be experienced in using a procurement portal for tenders.
We are looking for individuals who are CIPS fully qualified and have strong experience within procurement roles. You will be able to demonstrate knowledge of Procurement legislation and be conversant with procurement methodologies, techniques and proficient in completing research and market analysis.
You will be technically competent with experience in delivering complex projects working with a range of stakeholders internal and external to the council. You will work with suppliers to develop strategies to ensure the Council is receiving the most efficient service terms and conditions while maintaining value and cost efficiency benefits.
Ideally you will be experienced in end-to-end public sector ICT procurement and competent in using G-Cloud, CCS and other public ICT frameworks.
Your time will be spent working from home, other sites and the office to enable you to balance your home and work life. Determination and enthusiasm will be key, and you will be working with a range of stakeholders so relationship building will be important.
We are incredibly proud to be Investors in People ‘Gold’ status, which illustrates that we care about our people and are ambitious to do even more for them. We truly are an amazing place to work!
If your experience looks a little different from what we\’ve identified and you think you can bring value to the role, we\’d love to learn more about you!
For an informal discussion on this post, please contact Elaine Roberts-Smith at elaine.roberts-smith@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk
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Senior Procurement Officer/ ICT Category Lead employer: Cheshire West and Chester
Contact Detail:
Cheshire West and Chester Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Officer/ ICT Category Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with local government. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the latest trends in ICT procurement. Show that you’re not just familiar with the basics but also passionate about innovation and sustainability in the sector.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Procurement Officer. Highlight your achievements in managing complex projects and building relationships with stakeholders.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Officer/ ICT Category Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement, especially within the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with the specific responsibilities mentioned in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your duties; share your successes! Use specific examples of how you've led procurement strategies or improved processes. This helps us see the impact you've made in previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This makes it easier for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly and is considered promptly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cheshire West and Chester
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the relevant procurement regulations, especially The Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contract Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules but also understand how they apply to the role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. This is crucial for the Senior Procurement Officer position, so think about specific instances where your collaboration led to successful outcomes.
✨Demonstrate Your ICT Procurement Experience
Be ready to talk about your experience with end-to-end ICT procurement, particularly using frameworks like G-Cloud and CCS. Highlight any complex projects you've managed and the strategies you employed to ensure value and compliance.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific procurement challenges or scenarios. Think through potential situations you might face in this role and prepare structured responses that showcase your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
