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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 & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership.
- 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 strategic skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in public procurement and strong relationship-building skills required.
- 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 dependent 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 employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
Contact Detail:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who work with councils. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of public e-tendering and the Procurement Act 2023. We want you to shine when discussing how you can support the team with compliance and strategy!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with procurement exercises during interviews. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've managed deadlines and collaborated with others to achieve successful outcomes.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Category Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Category Specialist role. Highlight your experience with public e-tendering and procurement regulations, especially under the Procurement Act 2023. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Attention to Detail: Since this role involves writing formal reports and documents, it's crucial to demonstrate your strong attention to detail. Use clear and concise language in your application, and double-check for any typos or errors. We appreciate a polished presentation!
Highlight Collaborative Skills: We value positive relationships and collaborative working. In your application, share examples of how you've successfully worked with others in previous roles. This will show us that you can thrive in our team-oriented environment.
Apply Early!: Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we receive enough applications, so get yours in as soon as possible through our website. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨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 how they apply to the role.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle specific procurement scenarios. Think of examples from your past experience where you've successfully managed deadlines or collaborated with teams. This will help you demonstrate your problem-solving skills and ability to work under pressure.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Category Specialist, you'll need to build relationships with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you've effectively communicated complex information in the past, whether through reports or presentations. Clear communication is key in procurement!
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the team dynamics, upcoming projects, or how success is measured in this role. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
