At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the procurement process and develop contract solutions for public sector organisations.
- Company: Join Scotland Excel, a leader in public sector procurement in Scotland.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid work, generous holidays, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact through smarter procurement and collaborative working.
- Qualifications: Degree or HND in business, CIPS membership preferred, strong organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 46148 - 55000 £ per year.
Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for the local government sector in Scotland. Established in 2008, their remit is to work collaboratively with the 32 local authority membership in Scotland and suppliers to raise procurement standards, secure best value for customers and to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of public sector procurement in Scotland. Scotland Excel continues to see growing demand for its procurement expertise from local authorities and other public sector organisations across Scotland.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Procurement Specialist to join their busy and expanding Flexible Procurement Services team for a fixed-term two-year period. While the core business of Scotland Excel is collaborative at the national level for the 32 Scottish local authorities (councils) and their member organisations, The Flexible Procurement Services team at Scotland Excel operates in a unique, client-facing environment. This team works on behalf of their member organisations delivering local contracts for use by individual public bodies with a focus on customer relations and client satisfaction as well as procurement best practice.
In this role, you will oversee the end‑to‑end procurement process, make contract award recommendations, coordinate contract placement and mobilisation, and keep up to date with emerging procurement technologies and techniques. You will also provide guidance to team members, support the application of HR policies, and ensure all activity meets health and safety requirements. You will work closely with key stakeholders to understand their needs and develop contract solutions that ensure effective service delivery. As part of this, you will oversee every stage of the procurement process, embedding sustainable procurement principles and maintaining a consistently high standard of service.
The ideal candidate will be educated to degree or HND level in a business‑related field and will have achieved or be working toward CIPS membership. You will bring strong organisational and analytical skills, a collaborative leadership approach, and enthusiasm for process improvement and project planning. You will have a good understanding of public sector procurement regulations and be capable of understanding financial/standing orders of our member organisations and adapting to the clients’ ways of working across various organisations. Experience of delivering to performance measures, managing client relationships and leading project activity, is essential.
When joining Scotland Excel, you will have access to a fantastic range of benefits including a hybrid and flexible approach to work which can include a nine-day fortnight, a defined benefits pension scheme, generous holiday allowance and opportunities for professional development.
If you’re motivated by the opportunity to make a real impact through smarter procurement and collaborative working, we’d love to hear from you. To apply, please send a tailored CV and a covering letter (max. 2 pages), outlining your relevant experience and motivation for applying by Sunday 28th June.
Scotland Excel is committed to diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Candidates with disabilities who meet the essential criteria are guaranteed an interview; please let us know when applying.
Senior Procurement Specialists in Milton employer: Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Paisley that champions collaboration and innovation within the public sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on diversity and inclusion, Scotland Excel empowers its team members to make a meaningful impact through their procurement expertise. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking organisation that values your contributions and supports your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Specialists in Milton
✨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 Scotland Excel.
✨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 Senior Procurement Specialists in Milton
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 Scotland Excel:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Scotland Excel. 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 Scotland Excel.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scotland Excel
✨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 Scotland Excel!
✨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 Scotland Excel. 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 Scotland Excel's culture.
