At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects that make a real difference in community services.
- Company: Join Croydon Council, dedicated to improving lives and delivering quality services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, fantastic benefits, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive and forward-thinking team.
- Why this job: Shape impactful procurement solutions that support vulnerable residents across Croydon.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing complex procurement projects and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54927 - 57150 £ per year.
Salary range: Grade 14 £54,927 - £57,150 p.a. plus fantastic benefits
Contract: Permanent
Hours of work: 36 hours per week
Location: Croydon
Croydon Council is committed to delivering high quality services that improve outcomes for residents across the borough. Our Strategic Procurement team plays a key role in supporting Adult Social Care, Children's Social Care and Public Health services, ensuring that vital care, support and health-related contracts deliver value for money, social value and positive outcomes for some of our most vulnerable residents.
We are seeking a Strategic Procurement Specialist to join our team and help shape the procurement of critical services that make a real difference to communities across Croydon. As a Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist, you will support the delivery of strategic procurement activity across a range of social care and public health spend areas, leading procurements from beginning to end. You will design and implement effective routes to market, manage end-to-end tender exercises, undertake market and spend analysis, provide commercial advice to commissioners and stakeholders and ensure compliance with relevant procurement legislation and council governance requirements. You will help secure high-quality services that meet the needs of residents while delivering best value for the Council.
We are looking for someone with demonstrable experience of managing complex, service-based procurement projects and leading complex tender exercises through the procurement lifecycle. You will have a working knowledge of public procurement legislation, experience advising on routes to market for service-based procurements. Experience within local government, health, adult social care, children's social care or public health commissioning environments would be advantageous. Strong stakeholder management, communication and project management skills are essential, together with the ability to analyse information, manage competing priorities and deliver results to deadlines. A CIPS Level 4 qualification, or equivalent experience, is desirable, alongside a commitment to continuing professional development and working towards MCIPS. Occasional attendance at evening meetings may be required.
Join us and help deliver innovative, compliant and impactful procurement solutions that improve lives and strengthen public services across Croydon. This is an excellent opportunity to develop your procurement career within a supportive and forward-thinking team while contributing to procurements that directly support adults, children, families and communities across the borough.
Croydon Council is committed to maintaining a sustainable financial position, listening to residents, and delivering high-quality, sustainable services.
- Creating a cleaner and safer Croydon.
- Supporting a thriving town centre and local high streets.
- Delivering a fair deal for residents.
- Improving roads and journeys across the borough.
- Creating places people are proud to call home.
- Backing families, children, young people and adults.
Croydon Council is an inclusive employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. Subject to business needs, we are pleased to consider applications from candidates seeking flexible working arrangements and support hybrid working, whereby employees attend the workplace for part of their working week and work remotely for the remainder. Croydon Council is a signatory to the Armed Forces Covenant. We guarantee an interview to eligible current and former members of the UK Armed Forces who meet the essential criteria for the role. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the advertised role. Croydon Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where the role requires one.
Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist employer: Croydon Council
Croydon Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises community engagement and professional development. As a permanent, full-time Community-Led Social Worker, you will benefit from a collaborative environment that encourages innovation in strengths-based support, while also having access to ongoing training and career advancement opportunities. Working in Croydon means being part of a vibrant community where your contributions directly impact the lives of residents and families.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist
✨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 Croydon Council.
✨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 Senior Strategic Procurement Specialist
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 Croydon Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Croydon Council. 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 Croydon Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Croydon Council
✨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 Croydon Council!
✨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 Croydon Council. 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 Croydon Council's culture.
