The Central Government Procurement Shared Services (CGPSS) team offers other Central Government organisations both operational and strategic support in all aspects of procurement and contract management. We help our partners to maximise value and performance from their contracting activities whilst managing risk and remaining compliant with changing legislation and policy. We provide access to a team of highly skilled procurement professionals who provide support that can cover setting up of procurement governance and policies, procurement training and the provision of document templates, through light-touch advice on specific procurements, all the way up to the running of complex procurements and the provision of a fully managed service.
We're looking for a confident and experienced procurement professional to lead a team in planning and delivering procurement projects.
Procurement is much more than buying the goods, services or works the public sector need. Colleagues in the profession balance cost, quality and time considerations. It’s also about ensuring we use our collective spending power to innovate and to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework.
Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer only.
- Leading a team of procurement staff in the development, planning and implementation of procurement projects and contract management for customers on behalf of Central Government organisations in Scotland as part of the Central Government Procurement Shared Service (CGPSS). This will involve working with and influencing key senior stakeholders across the Central Government Sector in Scotland.
- Customer account management, pipeline development, operational oversight, finance, and budgeting for the shared service.
- Working across the organisation, sharing experience and input to the identification and deployment of best practice.
- You will advise on legal, policy and other requirements pertaining to public procurement. The post holder will be an expert in their portfolio.
- Proactively manage and develop the supply base to continually improve customer service and value for money whilst delivering sustainable procurement benefits in line with procurement policy.
- Drive the delivery through leading and accelerating benefits for the Scottish public sector. You will realise identifiable savings and other benefits to the wider government economic and sustainability agenda.
- Work flexibly both within the Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan. You will promote flexible working across the team and contribute to best practice initiatives.
Responsibilities
Person Specification
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Technical / Professional Skills
- Commercial Competence - Expert
You can find out more here : Procurement competency framework - gov.scot
Experience
- Strong knowledge and experience in all aspects of the full end-to-end procurement process including , strategic techniques and sustainable procurement with clear working knowledge of public procurement legislation.
- The ability to build strong networks and partnerships is essential combined with experience of engaging with and influencing senior stakeholders to maximise collaboration and outcomes
Behaviours
- Leadership
- Developing Self and Others
- Delivering at Pace
Qualifications
This is a specialist role which requires evidence of a commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of MCIPS/FCIPS, WCC Expert Certification or relevant equivalent*; a pass at the UK Government Commercial Organisation assessment centre at an appropriate level; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post.
* ‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attaining an accreditation once in post.
You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide
Qualifications
Pay Supplement
The post attracts a procurement pay supplement, currently £4250 subject to minimum eligibility criteria which includes a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a procurement or commercial role, 1 year at this level and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Pay supplements are discretionary payments designed to address recruitment and retention issues caused by market pressures and are subject to regular review and affordability.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Further Information
Further information about this opportunity is available from julie.gordon@gov.scot.
How to Apply
Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team.
Vacancies close at 11:59pm on 2nd July 2026.
Interviews
Interviews will be scheduled for w/c 13 July 2026.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.
For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact julie.gordon@gov.scot.
