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- Tasks: Lead procurement processes and manage contracts to support community services.
- Company: Join Reading Borough Council, dedicated to making a vibrant community.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, flexible working, and a supportive career growth environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement and contract management; CIPS Level 4 preferred.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with a focus on diversity and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Reading Borough Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to play a vital role in supporting the Housing Team in our Communities and Adult Social Care directorate. This role acts as a dedicated business partner for budget managers and technical experts in sourcing and ensuring robust contract management for a range of subject matter including:
- Repairs, maintenance and renovations
- Professional services
- Property-related services and works
We support hybrid working, allowing flexibility while ensuring employees can excel in their roles, with an expectation of 1-2 days per week in the office.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, seeking talent from the widest pool of candidates. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively support the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.
About the Role:This position ensures procurement processes run efficiently and in full compliance with regulations, helping to deliver high-quality services that benefit the community, with contract values ranging from £5k up to £multi-million development schemes.
You will want to have knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, and ideally Public Contracts Regulations 2015 – top candidates will have completed the Procurement Act eLearning course. The role works with a range of contract types including service contracts, framework and DPS call-offs, and JCT contracts. You'll work closely with colleagues and suppliers to manage contract delivery is effective, and drive value for money. Holding a Level 4 or higher CIPS qualification is preferable, although apprenticeship and training options will be available.
This role is key to ensuring procurement processes follow our internal governance requirements, plan proactively for procurement cycles and support implementation of Council policies such as Social Value and working towards Net Zero. The postholder will oversee their services' contract portfolio, lead procurement activities, and help define contract management for their area ensuring time in appropriate invested in their commercial partnerships.
By embedding best practice procurement arrangements and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, this role helps secure value for money while supporting essential corporate initiatives across the Reading borough.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead and manage end-to-end procurement processes, including complex tenders and competitive quotation exercises across a range of spend categories, ensuring timely and transparent delivery of a wide-ranging portfolio projects.
- Ensure adherence to public procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legal frameworks.
- Embed category management approaches to individual contract sourcing approaches, optimising procurement outcomes and maximising supplier engagement.
- Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful delivery of procurement activities, meeting deadlines and achieving Council priorities.
- Incorporate social value, ethical procurement and sustainability principles into procurement strategies, supporting local economic growth and community development.
- Oversee contract management, ensuring delivery of outcomes, performance and cost monitoring, and change/risk management.
About You:We're looking for a procurement specialist with expertise in market engagement, procurement strategy, and strong contract management.
- Experience in leading complex procurement programmes, ideally in the public sector.
- Strong understanding of a range of contracts and commercial agreements.
- Ability to ensure adherence to governance structures and corporate compliance.
- Knowledge of category management, supplier negotiations, and commercial risk mitigation.
- Ability to provide professional challenge and secure outcomes.
- Familiarity with budget management and financial planning within procurement operations.
- Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.
- We'd like an understanding of repairs contracts and/or Housing knowledge to enable you to bring strong experienced advice to the service
Working at Reading Borough Council:
You'll be part of Team Reading, contributing to making Reading a successful and vibrant community. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.
Our values guide how we work:
- Work Together – Collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals.
- Drive Efficiency – Show initiative, adapt to change, and seek improvements.
- Be Ambitious – Strive for excellence and challenge constructively.
- Make a Difference – Provide outstanding customer service and flexibility in service delivery.
Our Offer:
We provide a supportive environment for career growth, encouraging innovation and ambition. Benefits include:
- 25 days holiday plus public holidays (rising to 33 with service).
- Flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life assurance (three times annual salary).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery)
- Season ticket loan to assist with travel costs.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme.
For more information or an informal discussion, contact Isabelle Robson – Head of Housing Repairs and Property Services – Isabelle.robson@reading.gov.ukClosing Date: Tuesday 28th October 2025
Interview Process: Competency-based interview.
Interview Date: To be confirmed
Procurement and Contracts Manager employer: Reading Borough Council
Contact Detail:
Reading Borough Council Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement and Contracts Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who work in local government. They might have insider info on job openings or can even refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015. We want you to be able to discuss these confidently, showing you’re the expert they need!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with contract management and procurement strategies during interviews. Use specific examples that highlight your ability to drive value for money and manage complex projects.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement and Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in procurement and contract management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your achievements in leading procurement processes and managing contracts. We want to see how you've driven value for money and adhered to regulations in your previous roles.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read through your qualifications and experiences quickly.
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 the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Reading Borough Council
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and the Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're serious about compliance and understand the legal frameworks that govern procurement.
✨Showcase Your Contract Management Skills
Prepare examples of your experience with different types of contracts, especially service contracts and framework agreements. Be ready to discuss how you've managed contract delivery effectively in the past and how you ensure value for money.
✨Demonstrate Collaborative Spirit
Since this role involves working closely with internal teams and external partners, think of instances where you've successfully collaborated on projects. Highlight your interpersonal skills and how you've engaged stakeholders to achieve common goals.
✨Emphasise Your Commitment to Social Value
Be prepared to talk about how you've incorporated social value and sustainability principles into your procurement strategies. This is a key focus for the council, so showing your understanding and commitment to these areas will set you apart.
