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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead innovative procurement programmes and provide expert guidance to public authorities.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking organisation shaping the future of procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a 9-day fortnight, generous holiday, and competitive pension contributions.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in public procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 51395 - 62013 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 11 May 2026
Department: Built Environment & Local Growth
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: London and Milton Keynes
Reporting To: Head of Regional and Local Growth Technical
Compensation: £51,395 - £62,013 / year
Contract type/Duration: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Band: 3.1
Salary: £51,395 to £62,013 (depending on office location and proven ability)
Closing date: 10am 11th of May 2026
The Role
Connected Places Catapult leads the Innovation Procurement Empowerment Centre (IPEC), which helps public authorities and commercial buyers use procurement spend to unlock better outcomes, drive more diverse and localised supply chains, and provide an order book for high‑potential businesses with the public sector as the first customer. Through tailored support programmes, thought leadership and partnerships, IPEC is shaping a new standard for procurement practice under the Procurement Act 2023.
We are recruiting a senior consultant to lead IPEC work programmes and provide hands‑on technical procurement expertise across innovation procurement. This is not a generalist role. We need someone who has designed and run live procurement processes, combined with innovation expertise – who understands the end‑to‑end lifecycle from preliminary market engagement through to contract award and can advise buyers with the authority that comes from having delivered outcome‑based innovation programmes.
You will help design and deliver skills programmes that build procurement confidence and capability across public and, sometimes, private sector partners. You will work with contracting authorities and commercial buyers to shape challenge briefs, design routes to market, and set conditions of participation that open markets to SMEs and new entrants rather than locking them out.
You will know where the Procurement Act creates genuine flexibility – refining award criteria between stages, integrating dialogue into multi‑stage processes, using preliminary market engagement to develop supply chains – and where equal treatment and proportionality still apply.
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience across innovation procurement approaches such as Contracts for Innovation, pre‑commercial procurement, innovation partnerships or dynamic purchasing systems – and who understand how to bridge the gap between R&D‑funded demonstrators and mainstream contract pipelines. You will also be expected to grow the IPEC community and network, and identify and secure commercial opportunities for the programme.
Key Responsibilities
- Shape, lead and deliver value through successful delivery of programmes designed to upskill and provide technical guidance to partners (internal and external)
- Lead stakeholder management and relationship building at senior levels to ensure buy in, in particular into IPEC’s cohort programme for effective innovation delivery
- Lead pre‑market procurement engagement activities with public sector and industry partners scouting for diverse suppliers including high‑growth potential companies
- Support partner public authorities to successfully scale innovative solutions after contract award
- Effectively focus on creating more impact and generating value
- Work with account leads and teams to support opportunity identification, qualification and contracting
- Oversee and ensure compliant use of CRM process and system
- Ownership of pipeline management for accounts and business development, including development of high‑quality client proposals and responses to tenders
- Ensure dissemination and feedback on Connected Places Catapult standard internal communications
- Support the development of others in your professional community’s skills to ensure consistency of service delivery and expertise
- Coach and mentor junior colleagues
- Drive high attendance at professional community activities and events
- Maintain own professional development
- Ensure an ethos of equity, inclusivity and diversity underpin your work activity, contribute to inclusive innovation across all Catapult activities.
- You may be required to undertake any other reasonable duties to support the Catapult in achieving its strategic outcomes and ensure effective business operations.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Hold a high degree of technical procurement knowledge (CIPS other)
- Experience of leading end to end public procurement process and an understanding of the challenges and opportunities facing the procurement sector, including an understanding of the Procurement Act 2023
- Expertise in change management
- Familiarity of procurement policy and wider use of guidance to support effective use of procurement policies
- Confident influencer and communicator with the ability to adapt style and message for a variety of different audiences.
- Experience of managing relationships with very senior stakeholders
- Displays commercial acumen in leading, shaping and guiding activities
- Seek, encourage and create the conditions for continuous improvements in processes, systems, behaviours and ways of working
- Organise work and team around multiple simultaneous initiatives, with reference to key policies, practices and procedures, effectively prioritises tasks and delegates effectively
- Use management information to understand trends, gaps, challenges and opportunities and make commercial decisions
- Can work as part of team, including matrix management, fostering a culture of innovation and curiosity
Benefits
- 9 day fortnight for everyone, every other Friday
- 23.5 holiday entitlement for everyone, with pro‑rata calculations for part‑time employees, along with a Christmas shutdown period for additional days off
- Competitive pension, up to 10% company contribution to help you save for your future
- Two paid days of volunteering leave per year (pro‑rata for part‑time employees) to support charitable activities
- Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) providing 24/7 confidential work/life support services to you and your immediate family members
- Cycle to Work Scheme encouraging a healthy and sustainable commute
- Cash Health Plan, offering reimbursement for a wide range of essential and everyday healthcare expenses, promoting your well‑being
- Payroll Giving scheme, allowing regular charitable contributions from pre‑tax income, maximizing the impact of your donations
- Discounts and offers from a wide variety of retailers, enhancing your purchasing power and providing savings opportunities
- Mortgage Advice benefit, delivered in partnership with Charles Cameron & Associates – provides employees with free, expert mortgage advice and end‑to‑end mortgage support from the application process through to completion
Employment here is based solely upon individual merit and qualifications directly related to professional competence. We strictly prohibit unlawful discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, colour, religion, national origin, ancestry, pregnancy status, sex, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, mental or physical disability, medical condition, sexual orientation, or any other characteristics protected by law. We also make all reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under laws protecting the rights of the disabled.
Senior Consultant (Innovation Procurement) in Milton Keynes employer: Connected Places Catapult
Contact Detail:
Connected Places Catapult Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Consultant (Innovation Procurement) in Milton Keynes
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Senior Consultant gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in innovation procurement. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led procurement processes and created value for previous clients.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to innovation procurement and think about how you can contribute. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs – it’ll make you stand out!
✨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 and engaged with our mission at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Consultant (Innovation Procurement) in Milton Keynes
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in innovation procurement. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the Senior Consultant role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Expertise: We’re looking for someone with a solid understanding of the end-to-end procurement lifecycle. Be sure to include examples of your past work that demonstrate your technical procurement knowledge and experience with innovative approaches like Contracts for Innovation.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications at a glance.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised on our end.
How to prepare for a job interview at Connected Places Catapult
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and regulations in procurement, especially the Procurement Act 2023. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully navigated end-to-end procurement processes in the past, as this role demands a deep understanding of innovation procurement.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've built relationships with senior stakeholders. This role requires strong influencing skills, so think about times when you've successfully gained buy-in for innovative solutions or programmes. Tailor your stories to highlight your ability to communicate effectively across different audiences.
✨Demonstrate Your Change Management Expertise
Be ready to talk about your experience with change management in procurement settings. Discuss specific instances where you've led initiatives that improved processes or systems, and how you encouraged a culture of continuous improvement among your teams.
✨Engage with the Community
Since this role involves growing the IPEC community, think about how you've previously engaged with professional networks or communities. Share your ideas on fostering inclusivity and collaboration, and be prepared to discuss how you would drive attendance at community activities and events.