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- Tasks: Manage procurement activities and improve systems across ICT, Corporate and Commercial sectors.
- Company: North Northamptonshire Council, dedicated to community service and transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, hybrid working, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact in public sector procurement.
- Qualifications: Proven public sector procurement experience and strong project management skills.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to inclusivity and employee wellbeing.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 ÂŁ per year.
North Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Procurement Professional to help strengthen and develop our procurement function across ICT, Corporate and Commercial Services. This strategic role will support strong governance, drive effective procurement activity, and ensure the Council achieves value for money while meeting public‑sector legislative and compliance requirements.
In this role, you will contribute to the ongoing growth of the procurement team, support improvements to our digital tools and processes, and collaborate closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver efficient, transparent, and well‑managed procurement outcomes. The successful candidate will assist in managing procurement policy and leading procurement activity on behalf of both the Council and The Children’s Trust. The role reports to the Head of Procurement and offers the opportunity to work within a supportive, experienced, and knowledgeable team. This is a 2‑year fixed term contract. The post will initially be based at Cedar Drive, Thrapston, with a planned future move to Haylock House, Kettering.
We Are Looking For Someone Who Can Demonstrate:
- Proven procurement experience within the public sector and a solid understanding of procurement processes and systems.
- The ability to manage multiple projects and tasks simultaneously.
- Experience updating procurement policies and delivering training to support organisational capability.
What will you be doing?
The successful candidate will be responsible for maintaining procurement policies, supporting improvements to procurement systems and processes, and managing a variety of procurement activities across ICT, Corporate and Commercial categories for both North Northamptonshire Council and The Children’s Trust. They will work closely with service teams to provide guidance, ensure compliance with public‑sector procurement standards, deliver training, and support the wider development of the procurement function. This role requires managing multiple projects, contributing to digital and operational improvements, and playing an integral part in ensuring that procurement activity is efficient, transparent, and aligned with organisational objectives.
About You
We are looking for a proactive and organised procurement professional who brings strong public‑sector experience and a solid understanding of procurement processes. This person will be confident managing multiple projects at once, able to prioritise effectively, and comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders across the organisation. The ideal candidate will be analytical, detail‑focused, and committed to transparency, good governance, and achieving value for money. They will thrive in a collaborative team environment, demonstrate initiative, have good oral and written communication skills, and be able to communicate with a range of stakeholders, including those in senior roles. Computer literate to intermediate level in Word, Excel, MS Project (planner) and PowerPoint with knowledge of procurement electronic systems such as ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning). Evidence of being able to provide professional advice, support and guidance.
Benefits
- Competitive salary.
- Pension scheme with significant council contribution; includes life cover and ill‑health protection.
- Opportunities to develop skills, knowledge and potential in a large unitary council.
- Generous leave entitlement (28 days, rising to 33 days) and bank holidays, plus the option to buy up to an extra 10 days.
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements where practicable for service needs to help you with a healthy work‑life balance.
- Employee Assistance Programme, Employee Benefits Scheme, wellbeing support, travel rates at HMRC rates, and support for active Employee Network Groups.
About Us
North Northamptonshire Council is committed to delivering excellent services for the local community and transforming for the better. Our Values and Behaviours: Customer‑focused, respectful, efficient, supportive, trustworthy.
Disability Confident Employer
We are a recognised Disability Confident Employer and commit to an inclusive recruitment process and will offer an interview to disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the role. Our Employment and Disability Service provides bespoke support to individuals facing barriers to employment.
Armed Forces Community
The council has obtained the Gold status award for the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS).
Procurement Category Manager- ICT, Corporate and Commercial (2 years fixed term) in Thrapston employer: North Northamptonshire Council
Contact Detail:
North Northamptonshire Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Category Manager- ICT, Corporate and Commercial (2 years fixed term) in Thrapston
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in the public sector. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the council's recent procurement projects and challenges. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to contribute to their goals. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you on their radar and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that role! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Category Manager- ICT, Corporate and Commercial (2 years fixed term) in Thrapston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant procurement experience, especially in the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with the specific requirements of the role!
Showcase Your Projects: When detailing your experience, focus on specific projects you've managed. We love seeing examples of how you've handled multiple tasks and delivered value for money in procurement activities.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your application. Remember, we appreciate good communication skills!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at North Northamptonshire Council
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially within the public sector. Familiarise yourself with relevant legislation and compliance requirements, as well as the specific procurement processes used by North Northamptonshire Council. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but that you genuinely understand the landscape you'll be working in.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Since the role involves managing multiple projects simultaneously, prepare examples of how you've successfully juggled various tasks in the past. Think about specific challenges you faced and how you prioritised effectively to meet deadlines. This will demonstrate your organisational skills and ability to thrive under pressure.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
You'll need to work closely with a range of stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you've communicated complex procurement policies or training to different audiences. Good oral and written communication skills are key, so don’t shy away from showcasing these during your interview.
✨Be Ready to Collaborate
This role is all about teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked collaboratively to achieve a common goal. Highlight your experience in supporting improvements to systems and processes, and how you’ve contributed to a positive team environment. Showing that you can work well with others will make you stand out as a candidate who fits into their supportive culture.