At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage supplier relationships to ensure value for money.
- Company: Join Leicestershire County Council, a dynamic organisation making a real difference.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working options, and commitment to professional development.
- Other info: Open to diverse backgrounds and committed to inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make an impact in a role where no two days are the same.
- Qualifications: Degree or equivalent qualification with extensive procurement experience required.
The predicted salary is between 49221 - 53826 £ per year.
Organisation: Leicestershire County Council
Work Location: County Hall
Salary: £49,221 - £53,826 per annum (pro rata for part time) (pay award pending)
Working Hours: 37hrs - 7.4 hrs a day 5 days a week
Contract Type: Permanent
Closing Date: 19th June 2026
Interview Date(s): week commencing the 22nd June 2026
Are you looking for a rewarding career where you can make a difference? Do you want a job where no two days are the same?
About the Role
This Commercial Specialist (Grade 13) role sits within the Commissioning Support Unit and provides a rigorous commercial approach across designated procurement categories, working closely with Senior Commercial colleagues, commissioners and contract managers. The post develops and delivers category strategies, leads high-value sourcing activity through the full procurement lifecycle, and supports effective supplier relationship management to secure value for money and strong service outcomes. It also provides commercial insight and challenge to commissioning plans, ensures compliance with procurement regulations and internal procedure rules, and maintains robust procurement/contract records while collaborating with partners such as ESPO and other public sector bodies.
The Category for this role is mainly Operational Property and Facilities Management.
About You
To apply for this post, you must be able to evidence in your application how you meet the following criteria:
- Hold a degree or equivalent professional qualification (MCIPS) or other relevant commercial/professional qualification and have evidence of continuing professional development.
- Have extensive experience of procurement at an influential level in a large, complex organisation and have extensive sourcing and/or contract management experience relevant to category/s. This will include experience of developing and implementing a category management approach and having knowledge of the supply market, specifications, cost drivers and the relevant regulatory environments.
- Have a proven track record of leading high-value, complex sourcing activity through the full procurement lifecycle, including market engagement and supplier management and successfully engaging with a range of stakeholders partner bodies, building effective working relationships and promoting organisational reputation and interests.
- Have knowledge and understanding of fundamental contract law and the relevant procurement legislation and key national policy drivers (including EU Procurement Directives, Public Contract Regulations 2015 and Procurement Act 2023).
- Experience of managing and delivering successfully a number of projects simultaneously and delivering to deadlines whilst being innovative and creative, with ability to think through complex issues/problems to reach successful conclusions.
- Be able to communicate clearly at all levels (verbally and in writing) and negotiate effectively to achieve desired outcomes with evidence of the successful management of strategic commercial relationships to ensure positive provider performance, to improve value for money and achieve service outcomes.
- Experience of implementing organisational change and effective working with staff and other stakeholders within a customer focused environment.
In addition, we also expect you to share our commitment to our values and to delivering accessible and inclusive services which meet the needs of all of our residents. You will be asked to demonstrate your understanding of these commitments as part of the selection process. Reasonable adjustments will be considered for applicants with a disability. We are a Disability Confident Employer.
Interested in Flexible Working? We are open to discussions about flexible working, which may include part time working, job sharing, term-time working, flexible start and finish times, and hybrid working, depending on the requirements of the role and the service. If you would like to discuss the possible flexible working options that might be applicable to this role, please contact the person named below.
For more information or an informal discussion, please contact: Rosie O'Doherty - Senior Commercial Specialist (Place) Telephone: 0116 3051615 Email: Rosie.Odoherty@leics.gov.uk
How to Apply
At Leicestershire County Council we’re looking for top talent from all walks of life. Whoever you are, wherever you’re from, and whatever your background - we care about what you bring to our organisation, not just what’s on your CV. That’s why we’ve designed a recruitment process that’s fair, accessible, and focused on potential. And with benefits that support people at every age and stage of life, we make sure you can thrive - both personally and professionally. If you share our passion to make a difference for the people of Leicestershire, we’d love to hear from you. Click the apply button to submit your application, ensuring that you upload a supporting statement that explains how you meet the criteria listed in the ‘About You’ section above. Without this information, we won’t be able to assess your suitability for the role, and your application will be rejected. For tips on how to write your statement, see the How to Apply section on our career site. We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.
If you have any technical issues when trying to apply for this post or you want to request an application pack in an alternative format, please contact our Employee Service Centre by telephoning 0300 3030222 (select option 2) or raising a ticket via our online portal: https://emss.org.uk/support.
By applying for this post, you agree to our Terms and Conditions.
Commercial Specialist in Glenfield employer: Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
Leicestershire County Council is an exceptional employer that values diversity and inclusivity, offering a supportive work environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a focus on employee development, this role as a Commercial Specialist provides the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community while collaborating with dedicated professionals in a dynamic setting at County Hall.
Contact Details:
Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Specialist in Glenfield
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the company inside out! Research Leicestershire County Council, their values, and recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in making a difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for common interview questions related to procurement and contract management. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and highlight your achievements.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend industry events. This can give you insider knowledge about the role and might even lead to a referral, which can boost your chances of landing the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a great way to reinforce your interest in the role and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Specialist in Glenfield
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement:Make sure to customise your supporting statement to highlight how you meet the specific criteria listed in the job description. We want to see your unique experiences and skills shine through, so don’t hold back!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just listing duties. Use concrete examples that demonstrate your impact in previous roles, especially in procurement and contract management.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your application is easy to read and understand.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We might close the vacancy early if we get enough applications, so get your application in as soon as you can. Plus, it gives you peace of mind!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nottingham City Council, Leicestershire County Council, East Midlands Group
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of procurement regulations and contract law. Familiarise yourself with the EU Procurement Directives and the Public Contract Regulations 2015, as well as the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're serious about the role.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your extensive experience in procurement and contract management. Highlight any high-value sourcing activities you've led and how you successfully engaged with stakeholders. This will help you stand out as a candidate who can hit the ground running.
✨Communicate Clearly
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely. You’ll need to communicate effectively at all levels, so consider doing mock interviews with friends or family. Focus on how you can negotiate and manage strategic commercial relationships to achieve positive outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Values
Leicestershire County Council values inclusivity and accessibility, so be prepared to discuss how you align with these principles. Think about examples where you've implemented organisational change or worked in a customer-focused environment, and be ready to share how you can contribute to their mission.
