At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide procurement expertise and support for various teams in the public sector.
- Company: Join the London Borough of Richmond and Wandsworth, committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of UK Procurement Law and experience in public sector procurement is essential.
The predicted salary is between 43545 - 55992 £ per year.
Salary range: SSA PO3 – PO4 £43,545 to £55,992
Contract type and working hours: Permanent, Full Time
Location: Wandsworth
Other Essential Information: Hybrid working including 1 day a week in the office.
Objective of role
To provide procurement expertise at all levels and at all stages of the procurement lifecycle including commissioning, appropriate routes to market and tendering.
About the role
- Provide effective procurement support for the divisions and functions within Residents Services and other commissioning teams as required.
- Provide specialist support to ensure procurement exercises comply with internal and external Contract Standing Orders and Regulations.
- Develop tender and quotes documents which are compliant with policy and regulatory requirements whilst taking account of emerging best and innovated commissioning and procurement approaches.
- Support the development of Excel based evaluation models appropriate to each procurement exercise as necessary.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Knowledge and experience of UK Procurement Law in practice, the current best practice procurement as it relates to the public sector.
- Understanding IT systems and current procurement advances, i.e. e-Procurement, marketplaces etc.
- Able to display a good level of numeracy and literacy with strong attention to detail and be able to write formal reports, presentations and other documents in a clear and concise manner.
- Significant experience of successfully managing own workload and that of others in an environment where deadlines and priorities frequently change and are often conflicting.
- Diploma Member of CIPS or currently studying towards Diploma Member status or relevant procurement experience within the public sector.
Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership are committed to making our recruitment practices as inclusive as possible for everyone. We are committed to promoting equality and diversity and developing a culture that values differences, recognising that employees from a variety of backgrounds bring important and positive contributions to the Councils and can improve the way we deliver services.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment and selection process, please let us know.
We are also committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people/vulnerable adults and expect all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Some posts may be exempted under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and as such appointment to these posts will be conditional upon the receipt of a satisfactory response to a check of police records via Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS).
We offer a wide range of benefits designed to attract, develop, and reward our employees such as:
- 40 days annual leave (including Bank Holidays)
- flexible working
- a generous pension plan
Category Specialist employer: Kirklees Metropolitan Council
North Yorkshire Council is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. As a Strategic Occupational Health Partner, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on workforce health while benefiting from ongoing development opportunities in a collaborative environment dedicated to public health.
Contact Details:
Kirklees Metropolitan Council Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Category 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan 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 Kirklees Metropolitan Council's culture.
