Procurement & Commissioning Specialist

We are Lichfield District Council, a local authority in the Heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents. Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre which has the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson. Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to be the best in all that we do. We want to further this growth potential in all key areas of the business by hiring great people. In return, we can build stronger foundations, provide quality services, and help support our company objectives longer term.

We are looking for an experienced Procurement and Commissioning Specialist to support all procurement activities, including those above the Procurement Act 2023 thresholds, to drive savings, innovation, and social and economic improvements. You will bring commercial acumen, horizon scanning, and market knowledge to focus on delivering outcomes for internal customers and Lichfield District residents.

• Draft and manage tender documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria, and contract terms.
• Ensure all procurement and commissioning processes stand up to scrutiny and are fair, open, transparent with high levels of information security.
• Assist the Procurement and Commissioning Manager with commissioning reviews, providing recommendations for future service delivery.
• Assist the Procurement & Commissioning Manager in developing the forward-looking procurement work plan in conjunction with officers.
• Assist the Procurement & Commissioning Manager in developing the procurement strategy for the council.
• Engage with suppliers through meet the buyer events, 'how to tender' training and other such activities.
• Assist the Procurement & Commissioning Manager in the delivery of procurement training for officers.
• Assist the Procurement & Commissioning Manager in supporting officers in post award contract and performance management activities as necessary to ensure services are delivered in line with contractual obligations.
• Support the development of innovative procurement and commissioning approaches, enabling the organisation to drive greater efficiency and effectiveness through best practices, market development, and resource management.

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in procurement (preferably in public sector).
• Proven experience of providing procurement advice across a wide range of spend categories including IT and Facilities across all parts of the procurement cycles.
• Exposure to eTendering systems (Pro Contract or equivalent).

• Ability to manage stakeholders through procurement activities.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under pressure demonstrating a collaborative and adaptable approach.
• Build trust and maintain credibility as one of the council's procurement and commissioning experts.
• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders including Councillors and Suppliers.
• Use of finance systems and assisting with the delivery of procurement savings targets.

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of Lichfield District – a place with a rich heritage, a growing economy, and ambitious plans for the years ahead. You'll be part of a forward-thinking council that values innovation, community impact, and professional growth.

• Friendly and supportive environment underpinned by our values.
• Hybrid working including flexibility around working patterns.
• Local government pension.
• Life cover – 3 times your salary as a lump sum if you die in service.
• Generous annual leave.
• Private health care – after your 6 months' probation.
• Free onsite Parking.
• Discounted Gym membership.
• Fantastic modern offices with complementary refreshments.
• Plus, more.

To be considered for this exciting new opportunity, please send your CV and Supporting statement. If you need support with completing your application, for any part of the recruitment process, please contact us so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

Please Note: We value the interest shown in our vacancies and aim to consider every application carefully. However, in the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early to manage application volumes effectively. Due to the high number of applications that we can typically receive, we are unable to notify applicants who have not been shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

All offers of employment are conditional offers subject to satisfactory clearances which include: Two satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of employment, evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom, and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if applicable.

We look forward to hearing from you.