At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us to manage procurement and vendor oversight for essential goods and services.
- Company: Be part of LGPS Central, a leading asset manager for local authority pension funds.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous holidays, hybrid working, and excellent development opportunities.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to responsible investment and strong governance.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement while gaining valuable experience.
- Qualifications: Ideal for organised individuals with a passion for procurement and vendor management.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Join us at a pivotal moment, where strategic procurement, vendor oversight, and long-term value delivery come together.
This role offers an exciting opportunity to play a key part in ensuring LGPS Central Ltd procures goods and services and manages its critical suppliers and service providers effectively.
Working alongside and supporting the Procurement and Vendor Oversight Manager, the postholder will gain hands-on experience in procuring a varied portfolio of goods and services, contract management and third-party vendor oversight within one of the UK’s leading LGPS pooling organisations.
The role will suit someone who is organised, proactive, and keen to develop their expertise in procurement activities, contract management and vendor oversight.
With exposure across the organisation including Investments, Finance, Legal and other services, this role provides the chance to build a strong understanding of public sector pensions pooling and the frameworks that underpin good governance and supplier relationships.
What you'll be doing
- Procurement
- Procurement strategy development and execution of procurement activities, including drafting of tender documentation, tender evaluation, and onboarding processes, in line with Procurement Act 2023 and internal procurement policy.
- Assist with drafting and maintaining procurement documentation, including Invitation to Tender (ITTs), evaluation templates, and contract registers.
- Liaise with internal teams to gather requirements and ensure procurement activities are delivered on time and compliant with legislation and policy.
- Embed procurement best practice, through advice, providing guidance and training.
- Deputise for the Procurement and Vendor Oversight Manager as required.
- Vendor Oversight & Contract Management
- Support the monitoring and oversight of suppliers and service providers.
- Assist in maintaining governance, risk and compliance system in relation to third party vendor oversight.
- Assist functions in the management of supplier risk and supplier management.
- Lead user of tender and contract management system, providing training and support to other users.
- Provide support to functions to ensure service level agreements (SLAs) and key performance indicators (KPIs) are monitored and managed appropriately.
- Support periodic vendor reviews and reporting to internal governance forums.
- Support contract leads in undertaking supplier reviews and completing oversight activities.
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure procurement and vendor oversight activities are aligned with FCA, LGPS pooling requirements, and internal policies.
- Contribute to audits, compliance checks, and regulatory reporting as required.
- Promote strong governance, risk management, and transparency in procurement and vendor oversight processes.
- Relationship Management
- Build collaborative relationships with internal stakeholders across Operations, Finance, Investments, and Legal.
- Support effective communication with suppliers, ensuring professional engagement and resolution of issues.
- Promote best practice in supplier management and procurement processes.
About Us
LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA regulated asset manager for fourteen local authority pension funds across the Midlands.
LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing £100bn+ of their assets.
It is one of six Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK.
LGPS Central’s Partner Funds are
- Cheshire Pension Fund
- Derbyshire Pension Fund
- Leicestershire Pension Fund
- Nottinghamshire Pension Fund
- Shropshire Pension Fund
- Staffordshire Pension Fund
- West Midlands Pension Fund
- Worcestershire Pension Fund
- Gloucestershire Pension Fund
- Hampshire Pension Fund
- Suffolk County Council
- Wiltshire Pension Fund
- Norfolk Pension Fund
- Oxfordshire Pension Fund
The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class.
LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid working environment with a range of employee benefits.
The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links.
Our objective is to be a leading investment management company working with and for our Partner Funds.
With a focus on value for money and performance we want to aspire to be one of the best because this is how we will deliver the superior investment returns and low costs for our Partner Funds
Requirements
Procurement Knowledge
- Familiarity with public sector procurement processes, regulations (PCR 2015 and Procurement Act 2023), and best practice in tendering and supplier selection.
Vendor Oversight Skills
- Experience supporting contract management, supplier due diligence and oversight activities.
Organisation & Attention to Detail
- Ability to maintain accurate records, track deliverables, and monitor supplier performance.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Strong interpersonal skills to support collaboration across teams and with external providers.
Analytical & Reporting Skills
- Comfortable collating, analysing and presenting data associated with procurement activity and supplier performance .
Teamwork and Communication
- Ability to work as part of team, promoting knowledge sharing and collaboration.
- Effective communicator, with the ability to communicate technical information at all levels, including to senior stakeholders.
Qualifications
- CIPS Level 3 (Advanced Certificate) or working towards (desirable).
- Experience in procurement, vendor management, or contract management.
- Experience ideally within the public sector (desirable).
- Degree-level education (desirable but not essential with relevant experience).
What do we offer?
We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer.
Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy
- Competitive salary
- An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme
- 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays
- 2 days paid volunteering days
- An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays
- Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities
- Welfare and Family friendly policies
- Enhanced pay for new parents
- Access to our Employee Assistance Programme 247 Health & Wellbeing Support
- Vitality Private Medical Insurance
- Hybrid Working
- Company Service Awards
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Company Electric Vehicle Scheme
- Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 Personnel Today Awards 2022
- Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023
- Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award LAPF In Investments Award 2023
- Winner of LAPF Investment Innovation
- Winner of Pool of the Year 2025
Procurement Officer in Birmingham employer: LGPS Central
At LGPS Central, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that values governance, integrity, and strategic insight. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and professional growth, providing our Non-Executive Directors with the unique opportunity to influence the future of public pensions in the UK while working alongside a team of dedicated professionals committed to responsible investment practices.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Officer in Birmingham
✨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 LGPS Central.
✨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 Procurement Officer in Birmingham
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 LGPS Central:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to LGPS Central. 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 LGPS Central.
How to prepare for a job interview at LGPS Central
✨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 LGPS Central!
✨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 LGPS Central. 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 LGPS Central's culture.
