At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive procurement excellence and support high-value contracts in a dynamic team.
- Company: Join the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea, focused on local impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working model, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Exciting roles with diverse challenges across various departments.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community while developing your procurement expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 58899 - 66693 £ per year.
Salary: £58,899 - £66,693 + Benefits
Hybrid working model: 3 days per week in the office
Location: Kensington, London
Closing date: Monday 3rd August
About Us
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. Following the Government funding settlement, RBKC need to deliver efficiencies in the region of £120m over the next 4 years and so you will play a critical role in driving best value from our contracts as well as seeking opportunities to increase income.
The Role
With scope to contribute procurement expertise across all our departments, this is an ideal step up for a procurement specialist seeking greater variety and challenge. As a tendering expert within the team, you’ll actively support the delivery of high value, complex procurements. 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. You will assist in the delivery of our team’s work plan. 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.
About You
Most likely with a background in Public Sector, Charity or third-sector procurement, you will bring deep subject expertise in public sector tendering, including knowledge of relevant regulations. An excellent communicator, you’ll be capable of sharing your expertise with stakeholders at all levels, including non-procurement specialists. A strategic thinker, you’ll have the versatility to apply your skills in a new and fast-moving team that’s focused on the future.
To apply
Please submit a copy of your CV and your Supporting Statement (2-page limit) explaining how you meet the role's requirements. The Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea are partnering with Hammond Clarke in the recruitment of this role. For further information, please contact Haben Solomon on hs@hc-exec.co.uk / 0203 854 3937.
Contact Details:
ROYAL BOROUGH OF KENSINGTON AND CHELSEA Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Specialists (two posts) in City of London
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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!
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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!
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We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Specialists (two posts) 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.
