Senior Procurement Specialist - B3

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

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.

As a Senior Procurement Portfolio Specialist you will play a crucial role in ensuring compliance with the public procurement regulations, identifying opportunities for savings and benefits and contributing to the wider government agenda including improving business for Subject Matter Experts, equality awareness and delivering the sustainability agenda. The level of Delegated Purchasing Authority for this role is commonly in the region of £5 million.

• You will lead the development, planning and implementation of procurement strategies for high-value, high-risk procurements optimising value for money for customers.
• You will be able to lead and manage all stages of the end-to-end public sector procurement process, ensuring compliance with relevant public procurement legislation and Scottish Government procurement policies.
• You will ensure that all stages of your procurement delivery address the Sustainable Procurement Duty and contribute to the government’s sustainability agenda.
• You will work effectively with a wide range of key stakeholders, including customers, colleagues and external markets to deliver credible procurement strategies and contracts.
• You will actively manage suppliers and engage with customers advising them on their contractual agreements and options using product and market knowledge.
• You will be required to manage a number of activities and projects concurrently and therefore need to have effective time and task management skills.
• You will work flexibly within the team, Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan.

This is a specialist role which requires evidence of a commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma, WCC Advanced Practitioner Certification or relevant equivalent; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post. 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.

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 12 months.

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 27 May.

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact stuart.livingstone@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.