At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement insights and manage contracts to ensure value for money.
- Company: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council, committed to inclusivity and community representation.
- Benefits: Permanent role with a full-time schedule and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team that values innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public sector procurement and improve community services.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement or contract management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Employer: Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council
Location: Council Region & Work from Home
Contract: Permanent
Working Pattern: Full Time
Hours: 36 hours per week.
DBS Check: No
Closing Date: 03/07/2026 at 23:59
Reference: CorpSC/26/339837
About the Role
Working within the framework of the Procurement Act 2023 and wider public sector procurement legislation, the Procurement Insight and Contract Management Lead plays a key role in supporting effective procurement and contract management arrangements across Sefton Council. This specialist role is responsible for supporting teams across the Council to be effective in contract lifecycle management, contract systems, procurement insight data and spend analysis, compliance, and assurance activities. The postholder will help ensure procurement activity is translated into well‑managed, compliant, and high‑performing contracts that deliver value for money and support the Council’s corporate priorities.
The post-holder will be responsible for managing the Council’s Atamis Commercial Management System, providing easy access to data and information about all aspects of commissioning, procurement, and contract management including spend analysis, supplier relationship management, pipeline planning, tendering, and contract lifecycle management. The role will work closely with Procurement Category Managers, service areas, Finance, Legal, and corporate partners to strengthen governance, improve procurement intelligence, reduce commercial risk, and embed consistent contract management practices across the organisation.
Key responsibilities include:
- Supporting and promoting effective contract lifecycle management across the Council, including mobilisation, implementation, performance management, renewals, extensions, variations, and contract exit arrangements.
- Leading on the maintenance and development of procurement and contract management systems, templates, workflows, and reporting tools to ensure they are efficient, accessible, and user‑focused.
- Ensuring the corporate contract register remains accurate, complete, and audit‑ready.
- Developing dashboards, reports, and procurement insight to support decision‑making, performance monitoring, compliance, and procurement planning.
- Providing spend analysis, management information, and procurement intelligence to identify risks, opportunities, aggregation potential, and areas for improvement.
- Supporting compliance with procurement governance requirements, statutory transparency obligations, and reporting requirements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Promoting best practice in contract management, supplier performance management, and contract assurance across the organisation.
- Supporting audit, governance, and assurance activity through accurate record keeping, reporting, and data management.
- Contributing to continuous improvement initiatives, including improvements to procurement systems, guidance, templates, and user experience.
- Embedding ethical procurement, sustainability, social value, and responsible sourcing principles within operational contract management activity.
- Providing practical advice, guidance, and support to service areas to strengthen procurement and contract management capability across the Council.
- Working collaboratively with internal stakeholders and suppliers to support compliant, customer‑focused, and value‑driven outcomes.
This role will suit someone with significant experience in public sector procurement or contract management who enjoys working with systems, data, governance, and operational improvement. The successful candidate will bring strong organisational skills, analytical capability, attention to detail, and a collaborative approach to delivering high‑quality procurement and contract management support across the Council.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Sefton Council strives to ensure that our workforce is inclusive and representative of our communities. A diverse workforce is important to us, our staff bring with them a wide range of experiences, views, ideas, and innovations, and we are committed to providing an environment that recognises, respects, and values everybody’s identity, where individual differences are strengths and where everyone can thrive and maximise their potential. We are always open to learning and growing as an organisation, and we welcome new ideas and initiatives that promote equality, diversity and inclusion. We are an Equal Opportunities Employer; all candidates will receive equal treatment. Our decision to appoint will be based upon whether an individual’s skills, experience, qualifications, and abilities make them the most suitable candidate for the role. Please note that all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for these jobs (as given in the Person Specification) and who want to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme will be invited to interview. If you are currently in care or have previously been in care, we provide a guaranteed interview scheme for care experienced people if you meet the essential requirements for the role.
Procurement Insight and Contract Management Lead employer: Sefton Council
Sefton Metropolitan Borough Council is an exceptional employer that prioritises inclusivity and employee development, offering a supportive work culture where diverse perspectives are valued. As a Procurement Insight and Contract Management Lead, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on public sector procurement while enjoying a flexible work-from-home arrangement. The Council is committed to continuous improvement and provides ample opportunities for professional growth, ensuring that employees can thrive in their roles and contribute to the community effectively.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Insight and Contract Management Lead
✨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 Sefton Council.
✨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 Procurement Insight and Contract Management Lead
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 Sefton Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Sefton Council
✨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 Sefton Council!
✨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 Sefton Council. 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 Sefton Council's culture.
