At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting procurement projects and drive value for Luton Borough Council.
- Company: Join Connect2Luton, a dynamic partnership with local government expertise.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Collaborative team atmosphere with opportunities for growth and mentorship.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public service while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Procurement Manager on behalf of Luton Borough Council.
Main purpose of position: The role will involve managing end-to-end procurement projects and implementing strategies to reduce cost whilst delivering quality services. The Procurement Manager will provide best practice procurement advice and challenge within each project assigned, driving incremental value from effective intervention and application of appropriate procurement and evaluation strategies. The post holder will be expected to advise on projects across all categories of expenditure, general fund, capital and HRA funded schemes; including complex, high risk projects.
You will be responsible to:
- Provide leadership on specific high value and complex strategic procurement projects, managing the supply market, supplier research and tendering activity to support all service areas within the authority. Use professional knowledge and experience to advise senior managers on the procurement options and risks/issues. Apply procurement best practice and knowledge of the Public Contract Regulations and contract standing orders of the Council to ensure compliance.
- Manage all procurement projects through to completion to deliver the following outcomes: Compliance with overarching council objectives and standing orders; Taking responsibility for the application of procurement regulations and best procurement practice and cabinet office policy; Have input into the direction of the work programme under supervision from the Business Partner and Service Manager; Understand key commercial drivers and commercial success criteria for procurements undertaken within the authority and act as procurement challenge within the procurement governance process; Develop comprehensive plans in order to deliver service requirements within prescribed times as set out in regulations and best practice; Employ different financial modelling to understand total cost of ownership/whole life costing of contracts; To research, understand and deploy innovative approaches to procurement, within the limits of regulations.
- Supervise day to day activity of the Procurement Officers (2) and Procurement Assistants (3) in conjunction with the other Procurement Managers. Allocate procurement projects and ancillary activity based on risk, complexity and capability; Provide professional support and advice to enable direct reports to meet service and organisational objectives; Provide training, development and mentoring to further improve skills.
- Work in partnership with and deputise for, the Business Partner in: Managing resources in order to maintain service delivery, making appropriate decisions in order for projects to progress; Development of strategies for the delivery of efficient and effective procurement processes; Development and implementation of a Buy Local policy to maximise opportunities for local suppliers; Establishment of a robust data based approach to identification of opportunities for savings and service improvement.
- Responsible for developing productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver business outcomes on time and to requirement.
- Responsible for engaging with suppliers, current and potential, in order to ensure they fully understand the Council's requirements and procurement process.
Skills and Experience:
- Previous experience in leading compliant procurement projects for public and/or private sector organisations.
- Excellent communication (both verbal and written), negotiation and influencing skills in a commercial environment and within a wide range of people and organisations.
- Experience in Neighbourhood services' procurement (Waste, Regulations & Licencing, Private Sector Housing, Commercial Services).
- Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, being able to manage multiple work streams, at different stages of development simultaneously.
- Able to apply problem solving analytic skills to prepare and present reports and undertake formal presentations on complex matters in a clear and comprehensible manner.
- Up to date knowledge of current UK procurement legislation and EU procurement directives.
- Up to date knowledge on procurement best practices, processes, techniques and tools to achieve value for money.
- Working towards CIPS membership status, or otherwise demonstrate equivalent knowledge through experience.
- Extensive experience of undertaking PCR15 compliant procurement activity.
- PA23 Accredited.
About Us: Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council. We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
Procurement Manager in Luton employer: Connect2Luton
As a leading employer in the social care sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture within our multi-disciplinary Family Help Team. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training opportunities and a focus on professional development, ensuring that our staff are equipped to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children and families. Located in a vibrant community, we offer unique advantages such as strong partnerships with local agencies and a shared mission to promote welfare and safeguard vulnerable individuals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager in Luton
✨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 Connect2Luton.
✨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 Manager in Luton
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 Connect2Luton:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Connect2Luton. 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 Connect2Luton.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connect2Luton
✨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 Connect2Luton!
✨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 Connect2Luton. 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 Connect2Luton's culture.
