Assistant Procurement Manager in Enniskillen

Main Purpose of Job: To support the Procurement Manager/Head of Finance in the delivery of an effective, coordinated, streamlined and professional procurement function suited to the needs of the Council by overseeing procurement activity and supervising staff within the function. To support the Finance Department in the delivery of a modern, efficient and responsive procurement function for the Council, including system and process development and the implementation of technology, working in partnership with other finance functions. To provide professional procurement support, advice and guidance to support the decision making in Councils services, in compliance with all relevant legislation, regulations and strategies.

Summary of Responsibilities:

• Assist in the ongoing implementation and review of the Councils Procurement Policy and procedures to ensure they support the Councils vision and values.
• Lead on procurement exercises as assigned by the Procurement Manager.
• Lead on publication of all legislative procurement notices on relevant public platforms.
• Lead on projects to maximise the capability of procurement software.
• Provide advice, guidance and direction to Procurement Assistants.
• Provide advice, practical assistance and support to all departments throughout the Council regarding matters related to procurement policy, practices and procedures, so that policies are adhered to and the Council achieves value for money in its procurement processes.
• Identify and implement efficient purchasing methods within the Council including effective management and further digitisation of the Councils electronic purchasing system.
• Assist in maintaining sustainable procurement strategies including keeping local small and medium enterprises (SMEs) briefed on the public procurement process through training and updates.
• Ensure that all enquiries and correspondence are responded to in a timely and professional manner.
• Assist in ensuring that all procurement records are maintained in a safe and secure manner in accordance with confidentiality and data protection principles and legislation.
• To ensure appropriate procedures, including back-up procedures and contingency plans and records, are in place within the function and are maintained to support audit and reporting requirements in accordance with good accounting practice and to implement procedures with a view to preventing and detecting possible fraud.
• Assist in ongoing review of Contracts procedures and processes for the Council.
• Assist in identifying any training or capacity building needs and deliver training and educational workshops on procurement, policies, processes and best practice to Council Officers, Members, suppliers and third sector providers as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of developments and best practice in procurement across the public and private sector in pursuit of best value and efficiencies within Council policies and guidelines.
• Assist in liaising with CPD and other relevant bodies in relation to collaborative procurement initiatives which meet the Councils requirements and represent value for money.
• Deputise for the Procurement Manager, as required, including during periods of leave and in networking groups including Local Government Procurement Group.
• Supervise, develop and performance manage staff, as directed by the Procurement Manager, to ensure the effective delivery of the function.
• Assist the Procurement Manager/Head of Finance in implementing the Councils Performance and Improvement processes and help embed a culture of high performance and continuous improvement.
• To support the Procurement Manager/Head of Finance in the delivery of organisational change and transformation.

General:

• To comply with all the Councils Policies and Procedures including the Employee Code of Conduct and the Employee and Councillor Working Relationship Protocol.
• To ensure full compliance with Health and Safety at Work legislation in accordance with the Councils Health and Safety at Work policy and all associated procedures and guidance and to be an advocate for high standards of Health and Safety performance.
• To promote the Councils equal opportunities policies and avoid all forms of discrimination as an employer and a service provider.
• To implement, and adhere to, all Financial and Procurement policies and procedures.
• To comply with employee responsibility in relation to all records held, created or used as part of the Councils business.
• To undertake the duties of the post at all times in a manner that enhances and promotes the positive image of and is in accordance with the values of Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
• To work on own initiative, deal with and resolve issues using personal and professional judgment and imagination, and judge when to seek guidance.
• Keep up to date with learning and development opportunities to ensure adequately equipped with the necessary skills and abilities to effectively undertake their roles within the Council.
• The postholder should be aware that the responsibilities of the post may be subject to change to meet the needs of the Council.
• The Council, therefore, reserves the right to change the duties of the post by adding to or amending the range of responsibilities.
• The postholder will be required to be flexible and adaptable to meet the changing needs and requirements of the organization.

Essential Criteria:

• A degree, or equivalent qualification, in Business, Procurement or other relevant discipline AND a minimum of one years relevant experience.
• OR In the absence of above qualification applicants must possess a minimum of two years relevant experience.
• Relevant experience must include evidence of:

• Implementation of procurement policy and procedures
• Ability to manage, co-ordinate and supervise a team
• Ability to work individually and as part of a team at a senior level and to contribute proactively and positively in a team environment
• Ability to prioritise workload to meet deadlines
• Ability to make decisions

Desirable Criteria:

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing