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- Tasks: Support procurement initiatives and develop compliant tender documents for social care projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Strong understanding of procurement regulations and experience in managing workloads.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to equality, diversity, and employee welfare.
The predicted salary is between 43545 - 55992 £ per year.
Salary Range: £43,545 – £55,992 depending on experience
Permanent – Fulltime
Location: Wandsworth
Other essential information: Attend in person at our primary office in Wandsworth town centre at least one day per week.
The Better Service Partnership Central Procurement Team provides a combined procurement service to both Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. The Councils operate a fully centralised procurement service with an established team of procurement professionals.
This is an exciting opportunity for an ambitious procurement professional to strengthen their strategic and operational knowledge, and work within a forward-looking procurement team supporting ambitious commissioners keen to explore the freedoms available under the Light Touch regime.
You will support the Assistant Director of Procurement and your assigned Category Manager to deliver a busy annual workplan of procurement initiatives. Assist in providing effective procurement support to Commissioners in Adults and Children's Social Care in preparing procurement strategies associated with seeking quotes and tenders, including Tollgate 1 reports for consideration via Commissioning and Procurement Boards, and to lead on subsequent procurement exercises.
About the role
- Support the development of tender and quotes documents which are compliant with policy and regulatory requirements based on existing templates.
- Provide specialist support to ensure procurement exercises comply with the Procurement Standing Orders, Officer Guide to Procurement code of practice, Responsible Procurement Strategy and the Procurement Act 2023.
- Support the Category Manager with the development and management of procurement action plans.
- Support Commissioners with request for variations, modifications, contract default and novation of contracts.
- Assist with the identification and development of opportunities for collaboration / aggregation both internally and externally.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience
- Strong understanding of public e-tendering and procurement regulations under the Procurement Act 2023, in particular, the Light Touch Regime.
- Experience of successfully managing own workload in an environment where deadlines and priorities frequently change.
- Able to establish and develop positive relationships both internally and externally to promote confidence and collaborative working.
- 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.
- Diploma Member of CIPS or currently studying towards Diploma Member status or relevant procurement experience within the public sector.
Indicative Recruitment Timeline
- Closing Date: Sunday 25th January 2026
- Shortlisting Date: W/C 26th January 2026
- Interview Date: TBC
We may close this vacancy early once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Please submit your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.
Useful Information
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 and a generous pension plan.
Category Specialist in London employer: London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at Richmond and Wandsworth Councils. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch regime. We want you to be able to discuss these topics confidently, showing that you're not just a candidate, but the right fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to get comfortable with common questions. This will help you articulate your experience and skills clearly, making a lasting impression on the interview panel.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and ready to contribute to the exciting projects we have lined up.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experience align with the role of Category Specialist. We want to see how you can contribute to our procurement team, so don’t hold back on showcasing your relevant achievements!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and experience.
Show Your Passion for Procurement: Let your enthusiasm for procurement shine through in your application. Share examples of your previous work in public e-tendering and how you’ve navigated procurement regulations. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely excited about the field!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised during the recruitment process.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and London Borough of Wandsworth
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and the Light Touch regime. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the basics, but that you understand the nuances of public procurement.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed your workload in fast-paced environments. Highlight specific instances where you met tight deadlines or adapted to changing priorities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Build Relationships
Think about how you've established positive relationships in previous roles. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve collaborated with colleagues or external partners to achieve common goals, as this will demonstrate your ability to work within a team.
✨Attention to Detail is Key
Since you'll be developing tender documents and reports, practice articulating your attention to detail. Bring along examples of your written work, like reports or presentations, to showcase your clarity and conciseness in communication.
