At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage procurement projects and support tendering activities in a dynamic education environment.
- Company: Highly regarded educational institution based in Inverness with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, 9-day fortnight, professional development, and excellent work/life balance.
- Other info: Diverse portfolio of projects and opportunities for growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your career in a collaborative and flexible environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
Our client has an excellent opportunity for an experienced Procurement Specialist to support procurement activity within a highly regarded education environment based in Inverness. This role offers the chance to work across a varied and interesting portfolio of categories including ICT, Professional Services, Student Services and Curriculum Resources, supporting stakeholders with tendering activity, procurement guidance and contract management.
Working as part of a well-established and supportive procurement team, the successful candidate will play a key role in ensuring procurement activity is delivered in line with statutory requirements and best practice procurement processes. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys building relationships, managing procurement projects and working within a collaborative environment that offers genuine flexibility and work/life balance.
Responsibilities of the role include:
- Managing end-to-end tendering activity across a range of categories and contract values
- Supporting procurement and contract management processes within a regulated environment
- Building strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers
- Providing procurement guidance and support across multiple departments
- Supporting systems management, reporting and procurement compliance activities
- Undertaking spend analysis and producing management and analytical reports
- Supporting ethical, social and environmental procurement objectives
- Assisting with supplier management and contract negotiations
- Ensuring procurement activities are completed in line with institutional and statutory requirements
Knowledge & Experience Required:
- Proven experience working within Public Sector Procurement
- Strong end-to-end tendering experience
- Knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations and procurement legislation
- Experience managing demanding deadlines and procurement projects
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of contract management principles
- Experience producing analytical reports and spend analysis
- Advanced spreadsheet and reporting skills
- Understanding of ethical/social and environmental procurement practices
- CIPS membership preferred or willingness to work towards MCIPS
What our client offers:
- Hybrid and flexible working
- 9-day fortnight
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Diverse procurement portfolio and project work
- Opportunities for professional development
- Excellent work/life balance
Candidates not based locally in Inverness must be willing to attend site a minimum of 2 days every fortnight. If you are an experienced procurement professional looking for a role where you can make a real impact whilst continuing to develop your career, please send your CV today for a confidential discussion.
Procurement Specialist in Inverness employer: Escape
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional development. Located in the picturesque city of Inverness, this role as a Procurement Specialist provides the opportunity to engage with a diverse portfolio while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a healthy work/life balance. With a commitment to ethical procurement practices and a focus on building strong relationships, this position is ideal for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist in Inverness
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who work in education. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its procurement practices. We want you to show off your knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations and how you can bring value to their team!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your stakeholder management skills! Think of examples where you've built strong relationships or successfully managed projects. This will help you shine during interviews and show you're the right fit for their collaborative environment.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re here to support you every step of the way in landing that Procurement Specialist role.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist in Inverness
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your end-to-end tendering experience and any relevant procurement projects you've managed. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills:Since building strong relationships is key in this role, include examples of how you've successfully collaborated with internal stakeholders and suppliers. We love seeing candidates who can communicate effectively and manage relationships well.
Be Clear on Compliance:Demonstrate your understanding of Public Procurement Regulations and how you've applied them in past roles. This shows us that you’re not just experienced but also knowledgeable about the statutory requirements we adhere to.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Escape
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations and legislation. Be ready to discuss your end-to-end tendering experience and how you've managed procurement projects in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience too.
✨Build Relationships Before the Interview
Since this role involves a lot of stakeholder management, try to connect with current or former employees on LinkedIn. Understanding their experiences can give you insights into the company culture and help you tailor your answers to demonstrate your relationship-building skills.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask you to describe how you would handle specific procurement challenges. Think about examples from your past where you’ve successfully navigated demanding deadlines or complex negotiations. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Show Your Analytical Side
Be prepared to discuss your experience with spend analysis and producing reports. Bring examples of how your analytical skills have contributed to successful procurement outcomes. Highlight any advanced spreadsheet skills you have, as this is crucial for the role.
