At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and contract management to support housing services in a vibrant community.
- Company: Lewisham Council, a champion for diverse communities and public service excellence.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, pension scheme, flexible working, and staff discounts.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent training and development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your career in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong problem-solving skills, and a passion for public service.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
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.
Duties- To ensure successful delivery of procurement and contract management activities, specifically to the Housing Directorate, through the current decentralized model.
- To manage and maintain the corporate integrated online procurement system and procedures for use by client directorates across the Council.
- To ensure that the team keeps that system up to date and fit for purpose at all times to enable compliance with PA2023, UK, local regulation and Council regulation and achieve maximum effectiveness and efficiency.
- To provide written guidance, comprehensive training and expert consultancy advice to Directorate commissioners in all matters pertaining to procurement practice including the law, the use of the integrated online system, options appraisals, tendering strategy and the development of selection and evaluation criteria.
- To review tender documentation prior to publication to ensure compliance with relevant legislation and Council regulations, taking action to correct as necessary.
- To monitor the procurement practice of Directorates by examination of their use of the integrated online system to ensure that the Council’s procurement practice and contract management is at all times compliant with relevant legislation and Council regulations and to take action to redress if necessary.
- To ensure that systems are in place so that the Council complies with all reporting arrangements required by transparency provisions in PA2023, UK or local regulation in relation to procurement activity and decisions.
- To develop the Council’s procurement strategy for consideration by the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager and the Council’s Corporate Procurement Board, ensuring that all necessary research and information, including as required benchmarking, market developments, organisational needs and customer requirements are available to the Board to inform their decisions.
- To update the knowledge base of strategic analysis of markets and supplier trends to ensure that procurement is based on best practice intelligence.
- To inform the Board by supporting the development and implementation of corporate strategies, frameworks and standards for procurement across the Council.
- To take all necessary and appropriate steps to implement the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy.
- To ensure that the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy and policy documents fully support the wider economic, social and equality objectives of the Council.
- To oversee the day to day management of the procurement and contract management administrative function to ensure that supplier contacts, contracts, paper and online records are maintained and kept up to date.
- To keep abreast of new initiatives, legislation and research in connection with procurement and contract management and to disseminate across the Council as appropriate.
- To manage the Council’s central procurement and contract management arrangements to ensure efficiency gains for the Council.
- To support and manage procurement and contract management officers and apprentices so that:
- The team provides professional advice across the Council.
- Staff are appropriately trained to deliver the procurement and contract management strategy and any related projects.
- The performance of the reporting is managed appropriately and constantly improved.
- Projects are delivered on time and to budget.
- Promote the Council’s procurement and contract management strategy with senior managers and stakeholders including:
- Managing key stakeholder relationships.
- Representing the Council on relevant bodies as necessary.
- Liaison with other local authorities to share best practice.
- Providing commercial input and monitoring the quality of Council projects with regard to the procurement strategy.
- Working in conjunction with public and private sector partners to ensure opportunities for partnership working are maximised.
- Attend Council meetings as required, advise the Mayor and members, directorate management teams and executive management team if required.
- Undertake any other duties within the scope of the post as directed by the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager, and to work flexibly within the Procurement team, offering support to other members of the team within their work areas as required.
- To undertake such other duties commensurate with the grade as may be required from time to time.
- To support the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager from time to time as required.
- Participate in the appraisal and objective setting process and to undertake appropriate training and development identified to enhance their work.
- Carry out the duties of the post with due regard to the Council’s Dignity at Work Policy and core values.
- All employees are required to comply with the Council's Health & Safety policies and procedures at all times, taking due care for themselves, colleagues and members of the public.
- Assist in carrying out the Council's environmental policy within the day to day activities of the post.
- Undertake other duties, commensurate with the grade, as may reasonably be required.
- Treat all information acquired through employment, both formally and informally, in strict confidence.
What’s in it for you?
- Excellent training and development opportunities, plus a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance.
- Local Government Pension scheme.
- Flexible working and family friendly policies.
- Season ticket and bicycle loans.
- A range of staff discounts including local subsidised gym memberships.
- Supportive staff networks.
What we’re looking for
We are seeking a proactive and detail-oriented individual with strong problem-solving and organisational skills with particular experience 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. You should also have strong time management abilities, capable of prioritising multiple projects and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
Location
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.
Special conditions
The recruitment process is anonymous and we don’t accept CVs. Applicant handbook – please read the guidance in this handbook when applying. It is essential that you complete the application fully and that your supporting statement covers how you meet each of the person specification criteria listed.
Diversity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer. We welcome and encourage job applications of all abilities. If you require any reasonable adjustments in the application or interview, please contact the lead contact on this advert. We will make reasonable adjustments to make sure our disabled applicants and those with health conditions are supported throughout our recruitment process. We support the access to work scheme, further details are available at www.gov.uk/access-to-work/apply. The Council reserves the right to close adverts early if there is a large response.
Procurement and Contracts Manager 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.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Lewisham Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Manager
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham.
✨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 and Contracts Manager
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 London Borough of Lewisham:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to London Borough of Lewisham. 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 London Borough of Lewisham.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Lewisham
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham!
✨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 London Borough of Lewisham. 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 London Borough of Lewisham's culture.
