Senior Procurement & Contract Manager - Fixed Term Contract in London
London Borough of Lewisham London About the role
Discover yourself in Lewisham where what you do makes a difference to our vibrant and culturally diverse communities! We have a rich history of welcoming people from all over the world and are proud to be recognised as the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, for our work in championing the rights of refugees and migrants.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in Lewisham’s Procurement team. As a Procurement and Contracts Manager, you will provide expert guidance and support to the Housing Directorate team, ensure compliance with legal and Council requirements, and support the development and implementation of the Council’s procurement strategy. This role is ideal for someone passionate about driving excellence in procurement and delivering impactful public services.
Key responsibilities include:
- Ensuring successful delivery of procurement and contract management activities for the Housing Directorate.
- Managing and maintaining the corporate integrated online procurement system and procedures for use by client directorates across the Council.
- Providing written guidance, comprehensive training, and expert consultancy advice to Directorate commissioners on procurement practice.
- Monitoring the procurement practice of Directorates to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council regulations.
- Developing the Council’s procurement strategy for consideration by the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager and the Council’s Corporate Procurement Board.
- Updating the knowledge base of strategic analysis of markets and supplier trends.
- Overseeing the day-to-day management of the procurement and contract management administrative function.
- Keeping abreast of new initiatives, legislation, and research in connection with procurement and contract management.
- Supporting and managing procurement and contract management officers and apprentices.
- Promoting the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy with senior managers and stakeholders.
- Attending Council meetings as required and advising the Mayor and members.
- Participating in the appraisal and objective setting process and undertaking appropriate training and development.
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong problem-solving and organisational skills, particularly in housing, including work within the public sector or with registered providers. You should have significant experience in procurement and contract management, with a proven ability to ensure compliance, deliver value for money, and support strategic objectives.
Excellent interpersonal and relationship-building skills are essential, as you will work closely with stakeholders to understand their needs and provide tailored, effective solutions. Strong time management abilities are also required, capable of prioritising multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
The job is primarily based in Laurence House, Catford, London, SE6 4RU, but we operate a hybrid approach where you will be required to work both in the office and from home on a regular basis.
Diversity: Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer.
Your tasks
Lead procurement strategies and ensure compliance while supporting impactful public services.
Your profile
Experience in procurement, contract management, and strong problem-solving skills required.
What's also included
Generous holiday allowance, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
Tech stack & ways of working
Senior Procurement & Contract Manager - Fixed Term Contract in London employer: London Borough of Lewisham
Lewisham Council is an exceptional employer, offering a vibrant work culture that champions diversity and inclusivity within the community. With excellent training and development opportunities, flexible working arrangements, and a supportive environment, employees are empowered to grow and make a meaningful impact in public service. Located in the heart of Lewisham, staff benefit from a generous holiday allowance, local government pension scheme, and various staff discounts, making it an attractive place to build a rewarding career.
View London Borough of Lewisham profile
Your perspectives
Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience
When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show London Borough of Lewisham that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful
For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, London Borough of Lewisham can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications
If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows London Borough of Lewisham that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability
Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let London Borough of Lewisham know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Lewisham
Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
Locations
- London
