At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and build strong supplier relationships.
- Company: Join the East Midlands Combined County Authority, a forward-thinking public sector organisation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary with market factor supplement and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career growth and leadership development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while driving innovation and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Level 5 CIPS required; experience in public sector procurement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 47181 - 52413 £ per year.
Directorate: Resources
Salary: £47,181-£52,413 (with a Market Factor Supplement of £7,587 attached)
Grade: F17
Reports to: Head of Procurement
Team: 2 direct reports
Organisation: East Midlands Combined County Authority
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced and forward-thinking Procurement Business Partner to play a key strategic role within our procurement function. You will act as the primary liaison between the procurement team and internal stakeholders, ensuring procurement activity delivers value for money, complies with legislation, and directly supports organisational priorities. This role sits at the heart of a modern, commercially focused public sector procurement function—driving innovation, strengthening supplier relationships, and improving outcomes across a diverse portfolio of services. Candidates will be expected to hold Level 5 CIPS (minimum) and be working towards Level 6, demonstrating strong commitment to professional development in procurement and supply.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the development and delivery of category, sourcing, and contract management strategies aligned with organisational priorities
- Develop and maintain category plans, procurement pipelines, and supporting business cases
- Undertake strategic market analysis to inform sourcing decisions and identify innovation and savings opportunities
- Provide expert procurement and commercial advice to senior stakeholders and contract leads
- Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and market partners to influence service development
- Ensure robust application of procurement policy, legislation, and governance, including the Procurement Act 2023
- Lead negotiations, risk assessments, and contract development in partnership with Legal and Finance teams
- Oversee procurement compliance and drive continuous improvement across services
- Support effective contract management and performance monitoring arrangements
- Produce high-quality reports, briefings, and recommendations for senior leadership
- Contribute to audit, risk management, and organisational assurance activity
- Manage, develop, and support staff, and deputise for the Head of Procurement when required
About You
We are looking for a confident, commercially astute procurement professional with:
- Significant senior-level experience in public sector procurement
- Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, governance, and best practice
- Proven experience across the full procurement and contract lifecycle
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills, delivering value for money outcomes
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and influencing skills at senior levels
- Experience leading complex procurement projects and cross-functional teams
- Strong analytical ability to interpret procurement data and inform strategy
- Demonstrable people management and change leadership experience
- A strong commitment to ethical, sustainable, and socially responsible procurement
Qualifications & Professional Requirements
- Level 5 CIPS (minimum)
- Working towards Level 6 CIPS
- Professional Diploma in Procurement and Supply (MCIPS)
- Evidence of continuing professional development (desirable)
- PRINCE2 Foundation or Practitioner (desirable)
Personal Attributes
You will align with a values-led culture and demonstrate the ability to:
- Deliver outcomes that benefit the wider region
- Build strong collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholders
- Turn strategic thinking into practical delivery within constrained resources
- Communicate clearly, influence effectively, and challenge constructively
- Work with integrity, professionalism, and a commitment to public value
Procurement Business Partner in Chesterfield employer: EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
East Midlands Combined County Authority is an exceptional employer that prioritises professional development and ethical procurement practices. With a strong commitment to fostering a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from competitive salaries, including a Market Factor Supplement, and opportunities for career advancement within a dynamic public sector environment. Join us in making a meaningful impact across the region while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your passion for innovation and excellence.
Contact Details:
EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Business Partner in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around value for money and compliance with legislation.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully led negotiations or managed supplier relationships. This will highlight your commercial acumen and ability to deliver results.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Business Partner in Chesterfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in public sector procurement. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you've delivered value for money or improved outcomes in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Be Professional Yet Personable:While we appreciate professionalism, don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through. We’re looking for someone who can build strong relationships, so a friendly tone can go a long way.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to submit your application through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and get back to you quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at EAST MIDLANDS COMBINED COUNTY AUTHORITY
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement legislation and best practices. Be ready to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, especially in public sector procurement. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but can also implement it effectively.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with senior stakeholders and influenced decisions. Think about specific situations where your communication and negotiation skills made a difference. This is key for the role, so make it clear how you can build strong relationships.
✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking
Be ready to talk about how you've developed and delivered category and sourcing strategies in the past. Highlight any innovative solutions you've implemented and how they aligned with organisational priorities. This will show that you can think strategically and deliver practical results.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to solve hypothetical procurement challenges or lead negotiations. Practice articulating your thought process and decision-making criteria. This will help you demonstrate your analytical ability and commercial acumen during the interview.
