At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead exciting procurement projects, ensuring compliance and value for money.
- Company: Join a local Council dedicated to high-quality public service.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with a focus on social value and sustainability.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through strategic procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
To support the delivery of high-quality procurement activity across a local Council, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and applicable financial regulations. The post-holder will lead and support a range of procurement projects from market engagement through to contract award, securing value for money, embedding social value, and supporting the Council's strategic priorities. The role sits within the central Procurement team and works closely with service directorates, budget holders, contract managers, and legal colleagues. The post-holder will operate as a subject-matter expert on public procurement and provide advice and guidance to officers across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
- Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods, services, and works at a range of values, including above-threshold procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Draft tender documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and contract notices for publication on the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and Contracts Finder.
- Manage compliant e-tendering processes through the Council's electronic procurement portal (e.g. ProContract, In-Tend, Delta eSourcing, or Atamis).
- Run market engagement activity including preliminary market consultation, soft market testing, and supplier days.
- Evaluate tender submissions in conjunction with service colleagues, ensuring fair, transparent, and auditable decision-making.
- Advise on the appropriate use of frameworks (CCS, ESPO, YPO, NEPO, CPC, Procurement for Housing) and Dynamic Markets where a full tender is not the best route.
- Contract Management Support
- Support the mobilisation of new contracts, including supplier onboarding and KPI agreement.
- Maintain the Council's contracts register and ensure data is accurate and up to date.
- Provide guidance to contract managers on variations, extensions, and exit planning.
- Support supplier performance reviews and assist in addressing performance issues.
- Compliance, Governance & Reporting
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and relevant legislation (including the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Equality Act 2010).
- Prepare reports and recommendations for senior officers, Cabinet, and committee approval, including contract award reports and waiver requests.
- Maintain comprehensive procurement records to ensure full auditability and respond to internal audit and FOI requests.
- Support the Council's response to procurement challenges, including standstill correspondence and debriefs to unsuccessful bidders.
- Social Value, Sustainability & EDI
- Embed social value into procurement activity in line with the Council's Social Value Policy and the TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework or local equivalent.
- Promote opportunities for local SMEs, voluntary and community sector organisations, and supported businesses.
- Support delivery of the Council's net-zero and sustainability commitments through procurement decisions.
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in supplier selection and contract delivery.
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across directorates, providing clear and pragmatic procurement advice.
- Manage relationships with suppliers and prospective bidders professionally and impartially.
- Represent the Council at relevant regional procurement networks and forums where required.
Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Birmingham employer: JCW Group
As a Strategic Public Procurement Lead within our local Council, you will be part of a dynamic and supportive team dedicated to delivering high-quality procurement activities that align with our strategic priorities. We pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative work culture that values compliance, social responsibility, and professional growth, offering ample opportunities for training and development in public procurement. Join us in making a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a fulfilling career in a role that champions sustainability and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the procurement field. Attend local events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and your experience with e-tendering processes. This will set you apart as a candidate who knows their stuff.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by practising common procurement scenarios. Think about how you would handle market engagement or evaluate tender submissions. Being ready to discuss real-life examples will demonstrate your capability and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Strategic Public Procurement Lead. We want to see how you can support our procurement activities and contribute to the Council's strategic priorities.
Showcase Your Expertise:As a subject-matter expert, it's crucial to demonstrate your knowledge of public procurement and relevant legislation. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully managed procurement projects in the past, so don’t hold back!
Be Clear and Concise:When drafting your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at JCW Group
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council's Contract Procedure Rules. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the regulations but also understand their importance in ensuring compliance and value for money.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of past procurement projects you've led, focusing on your role in managing end-to-end processes. Highlight how you engaged with stakeholders, drafted tender documentation, and evaluated submissions to demonstrate your expertise and ability to deliver high-quality procurement activity.
✨Emphasise Social Value and Sustainability
Be ready to discuss how you've embedded social value into procurement activities in previous roles. Share specific instances where you've promoted local SMEs or contributed to sustainability commitments, as this aligns closely with the Council's strategic priorities.
✨Build Relationships and Communicate Effectively
Think about how you've built strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and suppliers. Prepare to share strategies you've used to manage these relationships professionally and impartially, as effective communication is key in this role.
