At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement projects that protect Scotland's environment and deliver best value solutions.
- Company: Join SEPA, a passionate organisation dedicated to environmental protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, up to 35 days leave, and wellbeing support.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements and commitment to equality and diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's environment while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Relevant experience or qualifications in procurement and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
We are recruiting for a full-time Senior Procurement Specialist on a permanent basis. Your passion has never had a greater purpose. Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise. That’s why, when you join us as Senior Procurement Specialist, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.
Work that goes beyond your desk. Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Senior Procurement Specialist, that involves:
- Perform a key role in the delivery of SEPA Corporate Plan through the sourcing, negotiation, and management of contracts across multiple Portfolios.
- Provide specialist procurement guidance and support whilst delivering best value for money solutions for SEPA business needs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with senior staff internally and with external bodies and suppliers.
- Lead the relationship with at least one Portfolio in the organisation.
Respect for your expertise. This is a highly important role within our Finance, Modernisation & Digital portfolio, which means you’ll need:
- Relevant experience or qualification equivalent to SCQF Level 10, with CIPS membership (or working towards).
- Comprehensive legislative knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and technical knowledge of public sector procurement policy and procedure.
- Written skills will be important in the generation and interpretation of terms and conditions for purchasing goods, works and services.
- Well developed planning and procurement management skills together with strong interpersonal, consultative and negotiating skills.
- Demonstrate sound commercial judgement and strong operational knowledge to resolve varied and complex issues.
Support that goes beyond the workplace. We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:
- Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities.
- Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata).
- Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community.
- Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS).
- Progressive Family Friendly policies.
- Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.
- Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.
SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer. Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.
We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and home life. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.
We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do. Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape. For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.
Senior Procurement Specialist in Holytown employer: Scottish Enterprise
SEPA in Scotland is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee development and collaboration, offering a dynamic work culture where your contributions directly impact organisational transformation. With a strong focus on coaching and HR expertise, you will have ample opportunities for professional growth while working in a supportive environment that values partnerships with stakeholders and unions. Join us to be part of a meaningful mission that shapes the future of environmental protection in Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Specialist in Holytown
✨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 Scottish Enterprise.
✨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 Specialist in Holytown
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 Scottish Enterprise:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Scottish Enterprise. 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 Scottish Enterprise.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Enterprise
✨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 Scottish Enterprise!
✨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 Scottish Enterprise. 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 Scottish Enterprise's culture.
