At a Glance
- Tasks: Support procurement processes and provide commercial advice to enhance local services.
- Company: Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, focused on community-driven decision-making.
- Benefits: Hybrid working model, professional development, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Opportunity to work across various sectors and develop valuable skills.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team transforming local services and shaping the future of your community.
- Qualifications: Strong communication skills and a passion for improving local services.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea is seeking Commercial Specialists (two posts) with a hybrid working model: 3 days per week in the office.
In Kensington and Chelsea, we put local people and local businesses at the heart of decision-making, working in partnership with them to provide quality services that are responsive, effective and efficient.
The new Procurement Act provides an ideal opportunity for transformation, driving forward our growing in-house procurement team as they work to make a strong, positive difference for the people and communities we serve. While your technical input will be highly valued, we’ll also look to you to guide stakeholders through the governance process and offer high-quality commercial advice on the review and management of contracts.
There will also be some involvement in writing and rolling out new training activities and other procurement improvement projects. Promoting strong coordination and technical consistency across your portfolio, you will also help to identify the cross-cutting and strategic procurement opportunities that will shape our future service.
We have two roles: one will predominantly work with services within the Housing and Property Directorate, whilst the other will work predominantly within Resources but also across Environment and Neighbourhoods.
Contact Details:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Assistant - Hybrid Working in City of London
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA.
✨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 Assistant - Hybrid Working in City of London
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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA. 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA.
How to prepare for a job interview at ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA!
✨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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA. 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 ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA's culture.
