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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.
Are you an experienced procurement professional looking for a strategic leadership role? Reading Borough Council is seeking a Procurement and Contracts Manager to oversee procurement operations for one of our Directorates, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and value for money.
We support hybrid working, allowing flexibility while ensuring employees can excel in their roles. Within this role we\’d expect you will need to be in the office 1–2 days per week on average.
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
You\’ll be responsible for managing the procurement programme for the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods service area, overseeing key procurement projects while also supporting the leadership team by analysing and producing data that supports efficiencies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead procurement projects from conception to contract management, ensuring best practices and regulatory compliance.
- Manage the procurement programme for the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods service area.
- Provide expert advice and guidance on procurement systems and processes to support team capacity building and ensure consistent operational practices.
- Lead market engagement and sourcing activities, including tendering and contract negotiations.
- Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023.
- Drive value for money, cost savings, and supplier performance improvements.
- Oversee contract execution, risk management, and performance monitoring.
- Support benchmarking activities to ensure competitive procurement practices.
- Analyse and produce data to support performance reporting and efficiencies.
- Lead meetings, supporting the directorate in procurement and contract management best practices.
Key Requirements
- Expertise in procurement regulations and ensuring compliance across all operational activities.
- Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement a Procurement Plan that enhances efficiency and quality.
- Stakeholder management skills, ensuring effective collaboration across departments.
- Analytical and commercial acumen, driving cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
- Leadership skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
- Good overall interpersonal skills, particularly strong communicational skills.
You’ll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you’ll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.
Our Vision
- Work Together as one team – work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do.
- Drive Efficiency – show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential.
- Be Ambitious – be demanding of our own performance – striving to be even better – and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way.
- Make a Difference to Reading – maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed.
Our Offer
A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday entitlement – 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays – rising to 33 days after 10 years\’ service, with the option to buy additional leave.
- A wide range of flexible working opportunities.
- Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Life Assurance – three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS).
- On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted.
- Season Ticket Loan – a loan to help with the cost of your rail or bus journey, to and from work.
- Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax.
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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.
