At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead end-to-end procurement activities and support innovative projects in local government.
- Company: Join Surrey Heath Borough Council, a supportive and ambitious team focused on community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, generous leave, pension scheme, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement while gaining invaluable experience during significant local government changes.
- Qualifications: Proven public sector procurement experience and strong stakeholder management skills.
Help Shape the Future of Procurement in Local Government. Are you an experienced public sector procurement professional looking for your next challenge? Surrey Heath Borough Council is seeking an experienced Procurement & Contracts Specialist to join a friendly, supportive and ambitious Finance team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in delivering high-quality procurement across a wide range of goods, services and works, while helping shape the future of procurement as local government undergoes significant transformation.
You'll join a collaborative organisation that values innovation, excellent customer service and making a real difference to the communities it serves. With hybrid working (2 days in the Camberley office and 3 days working from home), you'll benefit from flexibility alongside a supportive team environment.
About the Role
As Procurement & Contracts Specialist, you'll lead and support end-to-end procurement activity across the Council, providing expert advice and guidance to colleagues while ensuring compliance with procurement legislation and best practice. Your responsibilities will include:
- Managing end-to-end procurement and tender exercises for Goods, Services and Works.
- Leading procurement projects through an electronic eSourcing portal.
- Developing sourcing strategies and category management plans.
- Preparing procurement documentation including specifications, Invitations to Tender, evaluation criteria and pricing schedules.
- Conducting spend analysis and identifying opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
- Negotiating contracts and supporting supplier relationship and performance management.
- Providing procurement advice and training across the organisation.
- Working closely with Legal, Finance and service teams to deliver compliant, innovative and value-for-money procurement solutions.
- Promoting social value, sustainability and collaborative procurement opportunities.
About You
We're looking for someone who can bring both technical procurement expertise and excellent stakeholder management skills. To be successful, you'll have:
- Proven UK public sector procurement experience, ideally within Local Government.
- A strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 and its practical application.
- Experience managing end-to-end tendering exercises using an electronic eSourcing portal.
- Experience developing procurement strategies and managing competitive tender processes.
- Excellent knowledge of procurement legislation, governance and best practice.
- Strong negotiation, communication and relationship-building skills.
- The ability to manage multiple procurement projects while providing trusted advice to stakeholders across the organisation.
Why Join Surrey Heath Borough Council?
Surrey Heath is committed to delivering excellent services through meaningful community engagement, innovation and collaboration. Its people are at the heart of everything it does, and the Council offers a supportive culture where your ideas and expertise are valued.
Local Government Reorganisation
From April 2027, Surrey Heath Borough Council will become part of the new West Surrey Unitary Council as part of one of the most significant local government reorganisations in decades. Joining the Council now gives you the opportunity to help shape the future of procurement within a larger organisation while gaining invaluable experience during this exciting period of change. Most employees are expected to transfer to the new authority on their existing terms and conditions, creating even greater opportunities for career development and progression.
Benefits
Surrey Heath Borough Council offers an excellent benefits package including:
- Hybrid working (2 office days / 3 home working days)
- Minimum 23 days annual leave, rising to 28 days after five years' service, plus Bank Holidays
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Free employee parking
- Payment of one professional membership
- Subsidised gym membership
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Kaarp employee discounts on shopping, supermarkets, holidays and cinema tickets
- Laptop and mobile phone (where applicable)
- A welcoming, supportive team committed to your development
If you're looking for an opportunity where you can apply your procurement expertise, influence strategic procurement decisions and contribute to the future of local government, we'd love to hear from you.
Closing Date: Monday 30th June. Interviews: Tuesday 8th and Wednesday 9th July. Location: Surrey Heath House, Knoll Road, Camberley (Hybrid Working - 2 days in the office, 3 days from home).
This recruitment campaign is being managed by an external recruitment agency - Morgan Law - who are dedicated to promoting an inclusive recruitment process for all applicants. Kindly note that all applications must be submitted via Morgan Law. CVs sent directly to Surrey Heath Borough Council will not be considered.
Procurement & Contracts Specialist in Camberley employer: Morgan Law
Surrey Heath Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises innovation, collaboration, and community engagement. With a supportive culture and a commitment to employee development, you will have the opportunity to shape the future of procurement while enjoying benefits such as hybrid working, generous annual leave, and a strong pension scheme. Join us in making a meaningful impact in local government during this transformative period.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Contracts Specialist in Camberley
✨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 Morgan Law.
✨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 & Contracts Specialist in Camberley
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 Morgan Law:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law.
How to prepare for a job interview at Morgan Law
✨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 Morgan Law!
✨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 Morgan Law. 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 Morgan Law's culture.
