At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement and contract management for social care services, driving efficiency and innovation.
- Company: Scotland Excel, a non-profit organisation supporting local government procurement in Scotland.
- Benefits: Hybrid work, generous holiday allowance, defined benefits pension, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to continuous improvement and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on social care through smarter procurement and collaborative working.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement or commissioning, strong analytical skills, and project management experience.
The predicted salary is between 51647 - 54786 £ per year.
Paisley (Hybrid) £51,647 - £54,786 (Grade 10) Opportunities for Permanent and 24 month FTC
Scotland Excel is the Centre of Procurement Expertise for local government in Scotland. Established in 2008, they are a leading public sector shared service and operate as a non-profit organisation funded by Scotland’s 32 local authorities. Scotland Excel has a contract portfolio that supports the delivery of a wide range of essential public services provided by councils and includes contracts for social care. This is designed to maximise the value of council spending through efficiency and innovation and their contracts also facilitate national and local policy priorities, support the local economy, and generate additional social value for Scotland’s communities.
We are seeking an experienced and motivated Senior Procurement Specialist to work within Scotland Excel’s Social Care procurement team and lead on the provision of procurement and contract management activities. Within the role you will develop and share contract, performance and financial intelligence, and produce national and local statistics to inform commissioning and fee negotiations. You will assess commissioner needs, design and deliver innovative procurement strategies, and manage high‑value, high‑risk contracts through the full procurement lifecycle.
The role also involves leading provider engagement and visits, contributing to fee negotiations, supporting local authorities with any contract related queries and providing guidance and leadership to team members, ensuring effective service delivery and continuous improvement across the sector.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced procurement or commissioning professional with a background focussed on social care along with a commercial mindset and a proven ability to manage complex services from initiation through to contract management and renewal. Strong analytical capability, project management experience and advanced skills in Microsoft Office are essential, as is the ability to work collaboratively with a wide range of stakeholders.
We are open to candidates whose expertise covers either children or adult social care services.
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.
Scotland Excel is committed to diversity and inclusion and is a Disability Confident registered employer who welcomes applications from all backgrounds. If you wish to be considered under the Disability Confident scheme please let us know when applying or by email.
Senior Procurement Specialists (Social Care) in Warrington employer: Scotland Excel
Scotland Excel is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Paisley that champions innovation and efficiency in public sector procurement. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on social value, employees are empowered to make a meaningful impact in their communities while enjoying a supportive and inclusive culture. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and strives for continuous improvement in social care services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Specialists (Social Care) in Warrington
✨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 (Social Care) in Warrington
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.
