At a Glance
- Tasks: Evaluate bus operator bids and shape the future of public transport in South Yorkshire.
- Company: Join SYMCA, a leader in transforming public transport services.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and generous holiday entitlement.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities while gaining valuable experience in procurement.
- Qualifications: Experience in procurement evaluation and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 35929 - 38737 £ per year.
Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
Department: Corporate Delivery
Employment Type: Fixed Term - Full Time
Location: Remote
Reporting To: Matt Goggins
Compensation: £35,929 - £38,737 / year
Description
Hours: 37 hours
Contract: Fixed Term / Secondment - 3 months
Salary: Grade 7 £35,929 - £38,737
Location: Sheffield (This is a hybrid role - Remote for Evaluation / On-Site for Moderation)
Help Deliver the Future of Bus Services Across South Yorkshire
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) is leading one of the largest and most ambitious public transport transformation programmes in the UK. We are looking for experienced professionals to join us as Procurement Evaluators, supporting the assessment of operator bids as part of the Bus Franchising procurement process. This exciting opportunity will allow you to use your professional expertise to help shape the future operation of bus services across South Yorkshire.
About the role
As a Procurement Evaluator, you will work alongside specialist colleagues and senior stakeholders to assess complex operator submissions against defined evaluation criteria.
Key responsibilities include:
- Undertaking robust and objective evaluation of procurement submissions.
- Reviewing evidence and making informed, defensible assessments.
- Preparing clear scoring commentary and evaluation reports.
- Participating in moderation and consensus meetings.
- Identifying risks, concerns and opportunities within submissions.
- Ensuring compliance with procurement regulations and governance requirements.
- Maintaining confidentiality and professional standards throughout the procurement process.
About you
- Operations and service delivery
- Human resources and workforce planning
- Business resilience and continuity
- Fleet and engineering
- Property and depot management
- Intelligent Transport Systems (ITS)
- Health and Safety
- Environmental and sustainability management
- Timetabling and scheduling
- Public transport operations
- Customer experience and customer service
- Brand and communications management
Essential Requirements
- Significant professional experience or subject matter expertise in a relevant discipline.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to assess complex information objectively.
- Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
- A methodical approach with strong attention to detail.
- Experience working collaboratively within multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to meet demanding deadlines.
- High levels of integrity and professionalism.
Desirable Experience
- Procurement or tender evaluation activities.
- Transport, infrastructure or public-sector organisations.
- Commercial assessment frameworks.
- Bus operations, public transport networks or franchising models.
Why Join Us?
This is a rare opportunity to contribute to a transformational public transport programme that will benefit communities, businesses and passengers across South Yorkshire. You’ll gain valuable experience working on a nationally significant procurement exercise, collaborating with experts from a wide range of disciplines while helping to deliver better bus services for the region. At SYMCA, we value Collaboration, Integrity, Ambition and Accountability and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive.
Benefits
- All colleagues have access to a Local Government Pension Scheme and the chance to be part of an organisation where you can really make a difference.
- Located in Sheffield City Centre, we are well-placed for transport links and encourage employees to take advantage of the active travel facilities.
- Work/life balance is extremely important to us here at SYMCA with our recognised family friendly policies, genuine work flexibility, recognition, and shared success.
- Holiday Entitlement - From 28 to 36 days annual leave entitlement (depending on length of service) plus bank holidays. Pro-rata for part time colleagues.
- Annual Leave Purchase Scheme - The ability to purchase up to a further 15 days per year in addition to your normal annual leave.
- Hybrid working - Our offices are a space where we come together and collaborate. Most of our roles are offered on a hybrid basis with the exception of some support roles that are on-site full time.
- Flexible Hours Scheme - Most roles within SYMCA work under the Flexi Scheme which allows office-based employees flexibility and discretion over their working hours.
- Rewarding You - Reducing everyday expenses through discounts, benefits, financial advice, wellbeing solutions and more with Reward Gateway and Cycle-to-Work schemes.
- Training on the job - Support with upskilling skills through on-the-job training and qualifications.
- Professional Membership Fees - Where membership to Professional bodies is applicable to your role, SYMCA will reimburse your membership fees where applicable and following approval by Line Management.
Diversity and Equality
Our workforce is made up of a diverse community, where we all belong and feel part of something bigger. We are committed to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, socio-economic background, religion and/or belief. All employees are eligible to request Flexible Working arrangements from day one of employment and will be considered subject to operation requirements.
Where candidates share disabilities within the application process, if they demonstrate that they meet all essential criteria from the Role Profile within their application, they will automatically be invited to interview. If you require any reasonable adjustments throughout the process, please contact or include within your application form detailing the adjustment and how it will assist in managing any barriers.
Contact Details:
SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bus Franchising Procurement Evaluators (FTC / Secondment) in London
✨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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
✨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 Bus Franchising Procurement Evaluators (FTC / Secondment) in London
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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY. 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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY.
How to prepare for a job interview at SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY
✨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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY!
✨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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY. 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 SOUTH YORKSHIRE MAYORAL COMBINED AUTHORITY's culture.
