At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to manage complex procurement projects and drive impactful change.
- Company: Innovative consultancy focused on creating positive human futures through ingenuity.
- Benefits: Enjoy health perks, generous leave, pension scheme, and opportunities for community involvement.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on inclusion and personal growth.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful projects in a collaborative environment while developing your professional skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, strong interpersonal skills, and a desire to learn.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We believe in the power of ingenuity to build a positive human future. As strategies, technologies, and innovation collide, we create opportunity from complexity. Our teams of interdisciplinary experts combine innovative thinking and breakthrough technologies to progress further, faster. Our clients adapt and transform, and together we achieve enduring results. We are over 4,000 strategists, innovators, designers, consultants, digital experts, scientists, engineers, and technologists. And we have deep expertise in consumer and manufacturing, defence and security, energy and utilities, financial services, government and public services, health and life sciences, and transport. Our teams operate globally from offices across the UK, Ireland, US, Nordics, and Netherlands.
Do you feel the desire to join a highly motivated team that aims to create positive and lasting changes in the world? Our Major Programme Services (MPS) team is looking for an exceptional Commercial & Procurement Specialist. As part of PA’s Delivery stream, PA’s Centre of Excellence for all project, programme, and portfolio capability, MPS works across Defence, major projects & infrastructure, transport, and public sector in client-facing roles on long-term assignments. Having experienced repeated successes in delivering value and excellence for our clients, most of whom are within daily commuting range from home, we are in high demand and are now expanding further across the UK.
As a Procurement & Commercial Specialist, you will play a pivotal role in executing complex projects across various industries. Your expertise and strategic thinking will be crucial in delivering successful outcomes for our clients. This role offers an exciting opportunity to work in a collaborative and innovative environment, shaping projects that drive meaningful impact.
Location: Hybrid working - our approach is to be on client site 2 days per week.
You will have the opportunity to:
- Work with the buyer organisation, sometimes with prime suppliers, on high spend categories, typically in complex equipment and capabilities, digital services, infrastructure and professional services.
- Design and run major procurements: helping clients to understand their requirement and how to leverage major procurements to improve their business; creating the procurement and contracting strategy, creating commercial agreements and advising on how to drive the best from the market.
- Project manage and provide expert advice on the process of procurement: managing supplier engagement; the evaluation of tenders; helping to negotiate and close deals; and making the business case to launch procurements and award agreements.
- Advise and put the systems and processes in place to successfully transition from legacy to new frameworks and contracts, and to properly manage major contracts including the associated business change.
- Review client procurement and commercial team performance and identify and lead programmes to restructure the function and improve capability.
- Support to renegotiate and improve agreements or help resolve major disputes.
- Provide effective commercial management for PA’s largest complex assignments, often with large collaborative teams.
About You
This is an opportunity to develop your skills and gain experiences that will take you into the top levels of the profession. Experience will include:
- Working with large and complex procurements, in any or all of equipment, digital services and infrastructure.
- Understanding of the procurement lifecycle and comfort around: identifying procurement and commercial strategies; running the processes of sourcing; managing the evaluation of tenders; helping to negotiate and close deals; and properly managing major contracts.
- Experience advising on contract terms and designing agreements to drive the best from a particular market.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including recognising how to manage multiple stakeholders.
- Experience with major government procurements, including the approvals processes, is highly desired.
- Familiarity using NEC contract forms would be an advantage.
- Ideally possessing MCIPS or MRICS Chartered status.
- Project management or financial management skills; this would be an advantage but can be learned.
We know the skill-gap and ‘somewhat need to tick every box’ can get in the way of meeting brilliant candidates, so please don’t hesitate to apply – we’d love to hear from you.
Life At PA encompasses our peoples' experience at PA. It's about how we enrich peoples’ working lives by giving them access to unique people and growth opportunities and purpose led meaningful work. Our purpose guides how we work with our clients and our teams, and support our communities, to deliver insight and impact, solving the world’s most complex challenges. We're focused on building a workplace that values human difference and diverse mindsets, and a culture of inclusion and equality that unlocks the potential in our people so everyone can be their best self.
We are dedicated to supporting the physical, emotional, social and financial well-being of our people. Check out some of our extensive benefits:
- Health and lifestyle perks accompanying private healthcare
- 25 days annual leave (plus a bonus half day on Christmas Eve) with the opportunity to buy 5 additional days
- Generous company pension scheme
- Opportunity to get involved with community and charity-based initiatives
- Annual performance-based bonus
- PA share ownership
- Tax efficient benefits (cycle to work, give as you earn)
We’re committed to advancing equality. We recruit, retain, reward and develop our people based solely on their abilities and contributions and without reference to their age, background, disability, genetic information, parental or family status, religion or belief, race, ethnicity, nationality, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression), political belief, veteran status, or any other range of human difference brought about by identity and experience. We welcome applications from underrepresented groups.
Adjustments or accommodations - Should you need any adjustments or accommodations to the recruitment process, at either application or interview, please contact us on [email protected]
Commercial & Procurement Specialist - Defence & Security - Consultant in Bristol employer: PA Consulting
At PA Consulting, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. As a Data Architect, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects in a hybrid working environment, allowing for flexibility while engaging with clients and colleagues. We are committed to your professional growth, offering continuous learning opportunities and the chance to work on cutting-edge AI-driven data solutions that make a real impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial & Procurement Specialist - Defence & Security - Consultant in Bristol
✨Get Savvy with Industry Perks
Join procurement and purchasing forums or groups where pros hang out, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply). They'll share the inside scoop on job openings that might not show up on traditional job boards!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Consider creating a portfolio that outlines your achievements in procurement, like cost-saving initiatives or supplier management strategies. Having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart when applying to companies like PA Consulting.
✨Tap into Your Network
Leverage LinkedIn to connect with professionals in procurement—follow relevant hashtags, join groups, and engage in discussions. This is a great way to get noticed by potential employers before they even post a job!
✨Keep Your Eyes on Job Boards
With full-time positions, timing can be everything. Set alerts on job boards specifically for procurement roles. Don't wait for a job posting to close; apply through our website as soon as you see a fit—being proactive can give you the edge!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial & Procurement Specialist - Defence & Security - Consultant in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Procurement Know-How:When you're crafting your CV, make sure to highlight any procurement-specific skills you've got. Talk about your experience with supplier negotiations, cost analysis, or inventory management. If you’ve used software like SAP or Oracle, don’t forget to mention that too – it shows you know your way around the tech side of things!
Quantify Your Achievements:In procurement, numbers matter. Use your CV and cover letter to showcase any quantifiable achievements you've made in reducing costs or improving efficiencies. For example, mentioning that you helped save 20% on purchasing costs last year is way more impressive than just saying you managed the budget!
Tailor Your Cover Letter to PA Consulting:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to PA Consulting. Research the company’s procurement strategy, mention how your skills align with their goals, and share your enthusiasm for contributing to their success. This personal touch can really set you apart from the crowd!
Professional Certs Can Go a Long Way:If you've got any procurement-related certifications, such as CIPS or APICS, make sure they're front and centre on your CV. These qualifications show you're serious about your career in procurement and are committed to continuous learning. It’s a great way to signal your expertise and dedication to potential employers like PA Consulting.
How to prepare for a job interview at PA Consulting
✨Show Off Your Negotiation Skills
In procurement, strong negotiation skills are key. Be ready to share examples of past negotiations where you've successfully saved costs or improved supplier terms. We want to hear how you approached those situations and the strategies you used to achieve positive outcomes!
✨Know Your Tools
Make sure you’re familiar with procurement software and tools commonly used in the industry, such as SAP Ariba or Coupa. Come prepared to discuss any experiences you've had with these tools or similar platforms, as we need someone who can hit the ground running at PA Consulting!
✨Understand Market Trends
As a procurement professional, being aware of market trends can set you apart. Brush up on recent developments in supply chain management or procurement best practices and think about how they could impact your role at PA Consulting. Bringing a current perspective will show your enthusiasm for the industry.
✨Demonstrate Your Team Player Attitude
A full-time position means you'll be working closely with various teams. Be prepared to discuss how you collaborate with others, manage conflicts, and build relationships with stakeholders. Sharing anecdotes about past teamwork experiences will highlight your ability to fit into PA Consulting's culture.
