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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead end-to-end procurement activities and manage multiple tenders independently.
- Company: Join a large, complex organisation in the public sector with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive day-rate, hybrid working, and potential for contract extension.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in procurement while working in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on diverse projects in a regulated industry.
Robert Half is recruiting for an experienced Procurement Manager on behalf of a large, complex organisation operating within a regulated public sector environment. This is a 12-month fixed-term contract, offered on a day-rate basis, with strong potential for extension. The successful contractor will be expected to operate autonomously, lead their own workstreams, and deliver end-to-end procurement activity.
Location: York or Birmingham
Hybrid working: 3 days per week on-site
The Role
You will act as the lead procurement professional across multiple workstreams, managing procurement activity from market engagement through to contract award. The role requires confidence working independently, maintaining momentum across parallel tenders, and engaging effectively with senior stakeholders.
Key responsibilities include:
- Leading end-to-end procurements in line with public sector regulations
- Managing both low-value and high-value tenders concurrently
- Developing and executing procurement strategies that deliver value for money
- Producing and managing tender documentation, evaluation frameworks and audit trails
- Acting as the primary commercial interface with suppliers throughout the procurement lifecycle
- Partnering closely with internal stakeholders, legal and commercial teams
- Ensuring compliance, governance and robust documentation across all activity
About You
- Proven experience leading procurements within a public sector or highly regulated environment
- Comfortable running tenders independently with minimal supervision
- Strong stakeholder engagement and commercial negotiation skills
- Experience managing both SME and large, complex supplier tenders
- Background in rail, utilities, engineering, infrastructure or a related technical industry is highly desirable
- Solid understanding of public procurement frameworks and governance
- CIPS qualification (or working towards) advantageous but not essential
Contract Details
- 12-month FTC with potential to extend
- Day-rate contract, dependent on experience
- Hybrid working model (3 days on-site)
Procurement Manager employer: Robert Half
Contact Detail:
Robert Half Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in public sector roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings or even referrals.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation's procurement processes and recent projects. This shows you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running. Plus, it gives you great talking points!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Procurement Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to engage with suppliers and stakeholders. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new roles as they come up.
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in leading procurements, especially in public sector environments. We want to see how your skills match the job description!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in managing tenders and engaging with stakeholders.
Showcase Relevant Experience: When filling out your application, focus on showcasing your experience with both low-value and high-value tenders. We’re looking for someone who can manage multiple workstreams, so make that clear!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes the process smoother for everyone involved.
How to prepare for a job interview at Robert Half
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public procurement frameworks and regulations. Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role, especially around managing both low-value and high-value tenders. This will show that you're not just a fit for the job, but that you genuinely understand the complexities involved.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully engaged with senior stakeholders in the past. Think about times when you’ve had to negotiate or manage expectations. Being able to demonstrate your strong stakeholder engagement skills will be crucial, especially since this role involves partnering closely with various teams.
✨Demonstrate Independence
Since the role requires operating autonomously, be ready to discuss instances where you've led projects or workstreams independently. Highlight your ability to maintain momentum across multiple tenders and how you manage your time effectively. This will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities without constant supervision.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the industry, brush up on relevant topics related to rail, utilities, or engineering. Be prepared to discuss how your background aligns with the organisation's needs. This will not only showcase your expertise but also your enthusiasm for the sector.
