Strategic Procurement Manager

Newham Council is developing its corporate procurement team with a new operating model and is looking for a part or fully qualified enthusiastic procurement professional to join the team at this exciting time. This is a central senior role within the procurement team providing team leadership and support to the team who support a wide range of frontline services and all types of procurement activity. The candidate will also design and deliver training on PA23, and systems for all staff throughout the Council, so excellent communication skills would be an advantage. If you are looking to build on your management experience in a fast-moving and exciting organisation and already have the technical skills and experience in any public sector category, then we would welcome your application. We are a small team based at the incredible Dockside offices in Newham, but offer Hybrid working to all staff, which is currently 2 days in the office or at an alternative work location.

Main Purpose of the Role

• Managing a team of up to 5 Procurement Officers to support all services in procurement activity.
• To ensure improved procurement planning, right decision-making, execution, and robust commercial management activities.
• Input into the development and implementation of the relevant Councils’ Procurement Strategy which will contribute toward delivery of the Councils’ priorities and aims as set out in the corporate plans.
• Manage projects which drive innovation and Best Practice wherever possible to deliver excellence for the residents.
• Responsibility for Demand Management within the post holder’s designated areas.
• Represent Strategic Procurement Unit at Boards, Councils and collaborations when required.
• Responsible for developing procurement strategies, leading and managing complex procurement projects, and developing procurement plans and programmes.
• Providing procurement expertise throughout the commissioning cycle, negotiating with and developing suppliers, analysing and acting on spend data to achieve savings.
• Participate in the development of strategic sourcing and commissioning strategies working across both boroughs and externally.
• Be responsible for achieving category performance, operational and corporate performance targets and to ensure delivery of the Council’s Commissioning and Strategic objectives within post holder’s designated areas.
• Proactively identify areas of weak procurement management, risks, and pressures and to work with the relevant service to improve them.
• Provide Category support/expert input to members of the other procurement teams as required.
• Lead, manage and motivate staff through excellent communication, professional guidance, support, and development in accordance with the Council’s policies and procedures and striving for continuous improvement and innovation.
• Collaborate with stakeholders to proactively identify areas where procurement can add value and maximise savings opportunities.
• Manage the production of tender and contract documents, including Key Performance Indicators and ensuring liaison with customers and external advisors (where appropriate) to ensure contracts achieve value for money through innovation, cost savings, and improved service levels and are legally compliant.
• Provide expert leadership, training, and coaching to ensure your team and Council Officers deliver the outcomes required of their contract and develop the metrics to allow the Councils to measure the contractual obligations.
• Lead and act as project manager on major procurement projects and new initiatives.

Skills And Experience

• Excellent Communication skills
• Experience of management of a small team
• Up to date knowledge of PA 23 and PCR 2015.
• Experience of supporting key users
• General knowledge of all procurement categories.

Please see the Job Description for full details. If we receive suitable applications, we may close the application process before this date. Closing date is Monday 14th April 2025. Interviews will be online week commencing Monday 21st April.

We are committed to creating an inclusive, anti-racist environment for all. When you apply for a job at Newham, your application is considered on its merits regardless of your age, disability, ethnicity, faith, gender identity, or sexual orientation. If you share our vision and values, and you bring the experience and skills we need, that’s all that matters to us. The London Borough of Newham has important responsibilities for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people, and vulnerable adults. If you are appointed to a job that involves working with these groups, you may be subject to a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

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