At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide procurement expertise and support for various divisions and commissioning teams.
- Company: Join Richmond & Wandsworth Better Service Partnership, committed to inclusivity and diversity.
- Benefits: Enjoy 40 days annual leave, flexible working, and a generous pension plan.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for career growth and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Knowledge of UK Procurement Law and experience in public sector procurement required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Salary: 43,545 - 51,228 Depending on Skills, Knowledge and Experience
Job Introduction:
- Salary Range: SSA PO3 PO4 43,545 to 55,992
- Permanent, Full Time
- Location: Wandsworth
- Hybrid working including 1 day a week in the office.
Objective of role:
To provide procurement expertise at all levels and at all stages of the procurement lifecycle including commissioning, appropriate routes to market and tendering.
About the role:
- Provide effective procurement support for the divisions and functions within Residents Services and other commissioning teams as required.
- Provide specialist support to ensure procurement exercises comply with internal and external Contract Standing Orders and Regulations.
- Develop tender and quotes documents which are compliant with policy and regulatory requirements whilst taking account of emerging best and innovated commissioning and procurement approaches.
- Support the development of Excel based evaluation models appropriate to each procurement exercise as necessary.
Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience:
- Knowledge: Knowledge and experience of UK Procurement Law in practice, the current best practice procurement as it relates to the public sector. Understanding IT systems and current procurement advances, i.e. e-Procurement, marketplaces etc.
- Literacy and Numeracy Skills: 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.
- Workload Management: Significant experience of successfully managing own workload and that of others in an environment where deadlines and priorities frequently change and are often conflicting.
- Qualifications: Diploma Member of CIPS or currently studying towards Diploma Member status or relevant procurement experience within the public sector.
Closing Date: 2nd September 2026
Shortlisting Date: W/C 7th September 2026
Interview Date: W/C 14th September 2026
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.
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 - London, Wandsworth, United Kingdom employer: London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
The London Borough of Richmond upon Thames is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that values flexibility and employee well-being. With generous benefits such as 40 days of annual leave and opportunities for professional growth, this role as a Business Rates Inspector allows you to make a meaningful impact in the community while enjoying a balanced work-life dynamic.
Contact Details:
London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Category Specialist - London, Wandsworth, United Kingdom
✨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 Richmond Upon Thames.
✨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 Category Specialist - London, Wandsworth, United Kingdom
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 Richmond Upon Thames:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames. 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 Richmond Upon Thames.
How to prepare for a job interview at London Borough of Richmond Upon Thames
✨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 Richmond Upon Thames!
✨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 Richmond Upon Thames. 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 Richmond Upon Thames's culture.
