At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive commercial outcomes and deliver sustainable savings in procurement.
- Company: Join a local government organisation in Southwark, London.
- Benefits: Competitive pay of £454.81 per day with hybrid working options.
- Other info: Temporary contract with potential for extension and excellent career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on public sector procurement and contract management.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement, supplier management, and contract negotiation required.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 £ per year.
Positive Employment is currently recruiting for a Procurement Specialist for our client, a local government organisation based in Southwark, London. The successful post holder will be responsible for delivering approved business cases and embedding this organisation's Procurement & Contract Management Target Operating Model. The role will focus on driving commercial outcomes, delivering sustainable savings across third-party spend, implementing category strategies, and improving supplier and contract performance. Working closely with service areas, finance teams and programme stakeholders, the post holder will ensure delivery remains on track, risks are managed effectively, and agreed benefits are realised. This role is a temporary contract with an initial contract length of 3 months with the possibility to extend. This role is hybrid working 3 days in the office, 2 days remote.
Responsibilities
- Deliver assigned business cases, ensuring agreed outcomes, savings and performance improvements are achieved.
- Develop and implement category plans using spend analysis, market intelligence and performance data.
- Translate approved business cases into clear delivery plans with defined actions, ownership and timelines.
- Monitor progress against milestones and take corrective action where delivery is off track.
- Coordinate stakeholders across service areas, finance teams and programme functions to ensure successful delivery.
- Lead regular delivery meetings to review progress, risks, dependencies and key actions.
- Identify, manage and resolve risks, issues and delivery blockers, escalating where appropriate.
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with governance requirements, procurement regulations and organisational policies.
- Work closely with finance colleagues to track, validate and report savings and benefits realisation.
- Negotiate with suppliers to secure improved pricing, contract terms and value for money outcomes.
- Establish and support effective contract management practices, including supplier performance reviews and governance meetings.
- Monitor supplier performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement and additional efficiencies.
- Maintain delivery documentation including project plans, risk registers, action logs and milestone trackers.
- Produce accurate reporting for senior stakeholders, programme boards and governance forums.
- Capture lessons learned and contribute to the ongoing development of procurement and contract management best practice.
Personal Requirements
- Significant procurement and commercial experience within the public sector or a similarly complex environment.
- Proven experience developing and implementing category strategies.
- Demonstrable track record of delivering procurement-led savings and value-for-money initiatives.
- Strong experience of supplier management, contract negotiation and contract management.
- Experience delivering complex programmes, transformation projects or business case implementation.
- Knowledge of procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector governance requirements.
- Strong stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to engage effectively at all levels.
- Experience working with financial reporting, benefits realisation and performance monitoring frameworks.
- Ability to identify and mitigate risks while maintaining delivery momentum in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organisational, communication and leadership skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a proactive, hands-on approach.
- Ability to work independently while managing multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
Working Arrangements
- Working Hours: Monday - Friday / 9:00am - 5:00pm
- Pay: £454.81 per day
- Please note this role is within the scope of IR35.
Procurement Specialist employer: Positive Employment
As a local government organisation based in Southwark, London, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and inclusive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our Procurement Specialist role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within the community while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements and competitive pay. We are committed to employee growth, providing access to professional development resources and a chance to contribute to sustainable procurement practices that benefit both the organisation and the public we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience with local government organisations. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's procurement strategies and recent projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since this role involves supplier management and contract negotiations, being able to demonstrate your expertise in these areas during interviews will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you ace your application and connect with potential employers in the procurement sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your procurement experience and how it aligns with the role. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what they're looking for.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; focus on what you've achieved in previous roles. Quantify your successes, like savings made or improvements in supplier performance, to make your application stand out.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your writing clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read. This shows that you can communicate effectively, which is key for this role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved!
How to prepare for a job interview at Positive Employment
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your procurement knowledge, especially around the Procurement Act 2023 and public sector governance. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully delivered savings and value-for-money initiatives in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholders in previous positions. Highlight your ability to engage with different levels of an organisation and how you've coordinated across teams to ensure successful delivery.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Category Strategies
Think about specific category strategies you've developed and implemented. Be prepared to explain your approach to using spend analysis and market intelligence to drive commercial outcomes and improve supplier performance.
✨Demonstrate Problem-Solving Abilities
Have a few examples ready that showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills. Talk about how you've identified risks and issues in past projects and the steps you took to mitigate them while keeping everything on track.
