At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement projects and develop innovative plans for local authorities.
- Company: Join Orbis, a dynamic Local Authority Partnership focused on impactful procurement.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborate with multiple councils and manage high-value contracts for lasting impact.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in public sector procurement and drive social value.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in strategic procurement and strong stakeholder engagement skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Strategic Procurement Manager
Organisation
Orbis – Local Authority Partnership
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Strategic Procurement professional to join Orbis, supporting its partner local authorities in delivering effective, innovative and commercially focused procurement strategies.
Orbis supports partner councils with a combined annual spend of approximately £1.3 billion across goods, works and services.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for developing and delivering strategic procurement plans across a major spending area, ensuring value for money, strong commercial outcomes and compliance with relevant procurement legislation.
This is a senior position involving complex, high-value procurement projects, strategic stakeholder engagement and the management and development of a small team.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop and deliver strategic procurement and category management plans across an allocated spending area.
- Lead complex procurement projects and high-value tendering exercises, including major contracts worth approximately £50m–£100m.
- Manage procurement projects from initial planning and route-to-market decisions through to contract award and benefits realisation.
- Identify opportunities to improve value for money, achieve cost savings and deliver better commercial outcomes.
- Advise senior stakeholders, including Directors and Heads of Service, on procurement strategies and commercial decisions.
- Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant public procurement regulations, legislation and organisational procedures.
- Build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, partner authorities and internal stakeholders.
- Drive social value through procurement projects in line with organisational policies.
- Lead, coach and develop a small team of procurement professionals.
- Monitor project delivery, budgets, resources and procurement benefits.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Significant experience in strategic procurement and category management.
- Proven experience developing and implementing procurement strategies.
- Experience leading complex, high-value tendering and commercial projects.
- Strong understanding of public procurement regulations and relevant legislation.
- Experience managing commercial contracts, supplier relationships and negotiations.
- Strong financial and commercial awareness, including cost analysis and value-for-money principles.
- Experience influencing and engaging senior stakeholders.
- Previous experience leading, coaching or mentoring procurement professionals.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver strategic projects to deadlines.
Qualifications
- CIPS Level 5 qualification or equivalent experience.
- Degree or equivalent professional qualification, alongside substantial relevant senior-level experience.
- Procurement Areas
The role will cover one of three major procurement categories
Health & Social Care
Healthcare, social care and associated service provision.
Assets & Infrastructure
Property, construction, housing, maintenance and infrastructure.
Corporate & Business
IT, technology, professional services and corporate services.
- Additional Information
- Work across multiple local authority partners within the Orbis partnership.
- Develop strategic procurement plans with a two-year horizon.
- Lead major contracts typically lasting 3–5+ years.
- Work collaboratively with senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams.
- Some flexibility and travel between partner authority offices will be expected.
This is an excellent opportunity for an established procurement professional to take ownership of significant strategic projects and influence commercial outcomes across a major public-sector partnership.
Strategic Procurement Manager – AR in England employer: Surrey County Council
Surrey County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. With a generous benefits package including up to 31 days of annual leave, a local government pension, and access to a wealth of learning resources, employees are empowered to thrive in their roles while making a meaningful impact on the community. Located in Reigate, this role provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the digital transformation of public services, all within a collaborative environment that values innovation and inclusivity.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Procurement Manager – AR in England
✨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 Surrey County 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 Strategic Procurement Manager – AR in England
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 Surrey County Council:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Surrey County 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 Surrey County Council.
How to prepare for a job interview at Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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 Surrey County 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 Surrey County Council's culture.
