Procurement Manager

Shape the future of digital transformation across the Scottish public sector by leading high-profile, complex procurement activity that delivers real impact. Join the ICT Portfolio team within the National Collaborative Procurement Division (NCPD), part of the Scottish Government's Procurement and Property Directorate. The ICT Portfolio team deliver and manage a wide-ranging portfolio across products, services & software and networks, and supports Digital Directorate, Corporate Operations Directorate and CivTech. The team provides commercial support that enables the delivery of critical digital services and transformation programmes across government. As Portfolio Manager, you will lead the Digital Commercial Service team, providing strategic commercial leadership across complex digital and technology procurements. Working closely with senior colleagues and stakeholders, you will help shape procurement strategies and deliver commercial solutions that support organisational transformation, maximise value for money and contribute to wider government priorities.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the Digital Commercial Service team, providing direction, coaching and support to deliver high-quality commercial outcomes.
• Drive the development and delivery of complex, high-value digital and corporate procurements, working in partnership with key stakeholders across Scottish Government.
• Provide strategic commercial advice and expertise, ensuring compliance with procurement legislation, policy and best practice.
• Build strong relationships with senior stakeholders, influencing decision-making and promoting collaborative ways of working.
• Champion continuous improvement by sharing knowledge, identifying opportunities for innovation and embedding best practice across the organisation.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships to maximise value for money, service quality and sustainable procurement outcomes.
• Support the delivery of wider organisational priorities by identifying and realising commercial benefits, efficiencies and added value.
• Work flexibly across the ICT Portfolio and wider Directorate, contributing to strategic objectives and fostering a positive, collaborative team culture.

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. Evidenced experience operating and delivering at the required level for the post may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attaining an accreditation once in post.

Success profile:

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Risk Management – Expert level
• Managing High Performing Teams – Expert level
• Commercial Competence – Expert level

Experience:

Demonstrable experience of delivering high-value, complex procurements from strategy development through to contract award and management, with a comprehensive understanding of public procurement legislation. Significant experience in strategic sourcing, supplier relationship management and commercial negotiation is essential.

Behaviours:

• Making Effective Decisions – Level 4
• Communicating & Influencing – Level 4
• Delivering at Pace – Level 4

How to apply:

Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1000 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 14 September 2026 however this may be subject to change. Apply before 23:59 on 30 August 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy).

Recruitment Principles:

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us:

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, observing the Civil Service Code and working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits.

Working pattern:

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

Security checks:

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

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.

Equality statement:

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Further information:

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.