At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement efforts to ensure value for money and compliance with regulations.
- Company: Join the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service, a vital community organisation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, excellent benefits, and hybrid working options.
- Other info: Collaborate with public sector bodies for innovative solutions and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by improving procurement processes and supporting public service.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 40000 £ per year.
Working within our Commercial Team, this service critical role will see you provide effective and efficient procurement of goods and services on behalf of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority (CPFA) to ensure organisational objectives are delivered as well as supporting regional, national and inter-agency collaborations.
- You’ll support an efficient and flexible procurement service in achieving value for money, cost savings whilst delivering in accordance with the Procurement Act and Regulations, Authority Policies and Contract Standing Orders and Best Practice.
- You will do this by working with key stakeholders to identify potential savings opportunities to deliver value for money by the consolidation of disaggregate spend within the category lead’s category.
- You’ll support and promote appropriate procurement/commercial strategies addressing the needs of the Authority to deliver compliant procurement activities, ranging from Low Value to in-scope procurement thresholds as well as utilising National Frameworks for new and existing requirements.
- You will be responsible for managing all aspects of the procurement lifecycle to ensure best practice, responsible and ethical delivery and management of contracts, whilst ensuring all documentation is current and valid for transparency and auditing purposes.
- You will engage with a range of departments and key stakeholders, supporting improvements to procurement activity, enhancing engagement with the procurement function whilst ensuring compliance with regulations and commercial best practice.
- As a category lead, you’ll ensure consistent advice and guidance is provided and ensure a smooth and effective procurement process.
- You will provide an understanding of the relevant market conditions, procurement options available as well as advise on potential supply chain risk and vulnerability as well as potential for commercial and reputational risk and report accordingly.
- As well as achieving cost effectiveness for the Authority you will be taking account of whole life costs and Corporate Social Responsibility/ Sustainability, social value and identifying potential risks with Modern Slavery, whilst always demonstrating effective use of public funds.
- You will undertake analysis of relevant financial data, review the contract register to identify, forecast, improve and implement changes to contracts and future purchases which enable savings opportunities and potential cost reduction.
- Work with other Public Sector bodies and partner organisations to identify collaboration opportunities within the categories that offer benefits to both the Authority and wider blue light organisations.
- You will deliver awareness sessions and guidance to all colleagues in line with the Procurement Act and internal procurement Contract Standing Orders and Guidance, to increase the commercial awareness across the Authority.
Salary: £40,000 per annum plus excellent benefits and hybrid working.
Commercial Category Lead – Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service employer: National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service is an exceptional employer that prioritises the professional growth of its employees while fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a focus on ethical procurement practices and community engagement, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in public service, all while enjoying competitive benefits and the flexibility of hybrid working arrangements.
Contact Details:
National Fire Chiefs Council Limited. Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Category Lead – Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential colleagues on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Category Lead role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service and understanding their procurement needs. Tailor your answers to show how your skills can help them achieve value for money and compliance with regulations.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with procurement strategies and stakeholder engagement during interviews. Use specific examples to demonstrate how you've delivered cost savings and improved procurement processes in the past.
✨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 Commercial Category Lead – Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Category Lead role. Highlight your experience in procurement and how it aligns with the objectives of Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past experiences that showcase your ability to manage procurement processes, engage with stakeholders, and deliver cost savings. We love seeing real-life applications of your expertise.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your passion for the role shines through without unnecessary fluff!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our team there!
How to prepare for a job interview at National Fire Chiefs Council Limited.
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act and Regulations. Understand how they apply to the role and be ready to discuss how you've used them in past experiences. This shows you're not just familiar with the theory but can apply it practically.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've engaged with key stakeholders in previous roles. Highlight your ability to identify savings opportunities and improve procurement processes. This will demonstrate your capability to work collaboratively and drive value for money.
✨Be Ready for Ethical Discussions
Since this role involves managing contracts responsibly, be prepared to discuss ethical procurement practices. Think about how you've addressed issues like Modern Slavery or sustainability in your past work, and be ready to share those insights.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Prowess
You’ll need to analyse financial data and review contracts, so come prepared with examples of how you've done this before. Discuss any tools or methods you’ve used to forecast improvements or identify cost-saving opportunities, as this will show your analytical skills are top-notch.
