At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and deliver procurement activities for diverse projects at Milton Keynes Council.
- Company: Milton Keynes Council, a dynamic local authority with a focus on community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Flexible environment with opportunities to manage multiple projects.
- Why this job: Join a vital role in public sector procurement and drive social value.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and knowledge of relevant legislation required.
**Client:** Milton Keynes Council
**Location:** Hybrid - 1 day per week onsite (Tuesdays, Head Office)
**Contract:** 3 months initially
**Rate:** £325 PAYE / £450 Umbrella per day
### The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for an **Interim Procurement Manager** to join **Milton Keynes Council** on an initial 3-month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and deliver compliant, value-driven procurement activities across a diverse project portfolio. You'll play a key role in supporting service areas to achieve their objectives by delivering high-quality procurement outcomes, ensuring compliance with the **Procurement Act 2023 (PA23)** and **PCR 2015**, while driving social value, effective risk management, and commercial sustainability. Projects will typically range from **£250k to £2m**, and you may join procurements at any stage—from initial scoping through to contract award.
### Key Responsibilities
- Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes across goods, services, and works contracts
- Develop sourcing strategies aligned to council priorities
- Prepare and manage tender documentation, ensuring compliance and clarity
- Evaluate tenders and support moderation processes to ensure fair and transparent outcomes
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted advisor to internal service areas, providing procurement expertise
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
- Lead or support market engagement activities, including supplier events and soft market testing
- Compliance & Governance
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with **PA23, PCR 2015**, and internal governance frameworks
- Maintain clear audit trails and accurate procurement records
- Support reporting requirements, including pipelines, notices, and decision documentation
### About You
- Strong experience in **public sector procurement** (local authority preferred)
- In-depth knowledge of **Procurement Act 2023 (PA23)** and/or **PCR 2015**
- Proven track record delivering full end-to-end tenders (above threshold)
- Confident managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong written communication (tender documentation, reports, feedback)
- MCIPS qualified or working towards (minimum Level 4 desirable)
- Flexible, adaptable and able to pick up projects at varying stages
### What's on Offer
- Hybrid working - just **1 day per week onsite**
- Varied procurement portfolio across multiple categories
- Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a local authority setting
Procurement & Business Services Procurement Manager Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £450 / day employer: Oaksec
Milton Keynes Council is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on the community through strategic procurement initiatives. With a strong focus on compliance and social value, employees benefit from a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance, alongside opportunities for professional growth in public sector procurement. Join us to be part of a collaborative culture that values innovation and stakeholder engagement, all while working on diverse projects that contribute to the local authority's objectives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement & Business Services Procurement Manager Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £450 / day
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with local authorities. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the Procurement Act 2023 and PCR 2015. We want you to be able to discuss how you’ve navigated compliance in past roles. Show them you know your stuff!
✨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 fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be perfect for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement & Business Services Procurement Manager Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire Up to £450 / day
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Interim Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in public sector procurement and your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and PCR 2015. We want to see how your skills align with what Milton Keynes Council is looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage end-to-end procurement processes. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact, like successful projects or savings made. This helps us see the value you can bring to the team!
Be Clear and Concise:In your written application, clarity is key! Make sure your tender documentation and reports are easy to read and understand. Avoid jargon where possible and get straight to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication that gets the message across effectively.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows us you’re keen and know how to navigate the process. Don’t miss out on this opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oaksec
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and PCR 2015 before your interview. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you’re not just familiar with them, but that you can apply them in real-world scenarios.
✨Showcase Your Project Management Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed end-to-end procurement processes in the past. Highlight specific projects, the challenges you faced, and how you delivered value while ensuring compliance. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the diverse project portfolio they'll throw your way.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you’ve built relationships with stakeholders in previous roles. Be ready to share strategies you’ve used to engage and influence them effectively. This is crucial for the role, so showing you have a solid approach will set you apart.
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current procurement challenges or how they measure success in their projects. It shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it’s the right fit for you.
