An opportunity to join the Thames Valley Police Procurement team as an Assistant Procurement Manager, where you will play a key role in supporting strategic sourcing within the Professional Services category, managing existing contracts and ensuring operational efficiency and cost savings are provided to the force.
What will you be doing?
Working in collaboration with the functional stakeholders, operational and commercial teams and reporting to the Procurement Manager. The Assistant Procurement Manager will support the implementation of procurement strategies for the Professional Services category in line with organisational objectives to improve business performance, mitigate supply chain risks, add value and commercial control through timely strategic and tactical sourcing management.
What will your key responsibilities be?
- Maximise value for the organisation by supporting and providing guidance to peers and fostering inter departmental teamwork.
- Promoting the PA2023 regulations and enforcing the correct procurement processes are followed by all stakeholders.
- Ensure stakeholders adherence to business policies and procedures.
- Instigating and supporting the end-to-end procurement process from onboarding through to contract execution.
- Ensuring scopes of work are properly formed and developed with risks passed down the supply chain and lead supplier negotiation.
- Establishing collaborative ways of working with all relevant stakeholders for the successful execution to strategic supplier management.
- Supporting and implementing innovative initiatives to deliver sourcing led competitive advantage.
What skills and experience are we looking for?
- UK Full Driving Licence.
- Demonstrable organisational skills, process-orientated and a strong commercial acumen.
- Experience with cross-functional collaborative working methods.
- Educated to GCSE or equivalent in a relevant commercial or procurement/finance discipline and/or working towards CIPS.
- Background in procurement/finance is desirable.
If you are a permanent member of staff applying for this role, please note it will be offered on a secondment basis. Important: All secondments must be supported in writing by your line manager and Head of Department/Commander or Deputy. Please send approval to RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk on submission of your application. If the secondment is not supported then a strong business rationale must be sent to RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting the reference number for the role, on submission of application.
Please note: Shift allowance, on-call or other job related allowances from the previous role will not be protected unless they are attached to the new role for the duration of the secondment.
As part of the Thames Valley Police family you will enjoy a fantastic range of benefits including 24 days annual leave per annum, pro-rata for part time (plus Bank Holidays), flexible working conditions, a wide range of lifestyle discounts, career development opportunities and have the option to join a local government pension scheme. For more information on our benefits, please visit the supporting you page, via the link at the bottom of the advert.
If you have any queries please contact the Recruitment Team at RecruitmentPoliceStaff@thamesvalley.police.uk quoting reference 22963. We will endeavour to respond to your query as quickly as possible.
Please use Google Chrome when completing your application, wherever possible, as this will enhance performance. The closing date for enquiries and receipt of completed applications is Sunday 2 November 2025.
At Thames Valley Police (TVP) we work together to protect our communities. Whether as an officer, staff member or volunteer, you will make a difference and play an important role in helping achieve our mission. As you take on a role with pride and confidence, you will be supported, developed and valued, ensuring you can be at your best in the service of our communities.
Your wellbeing and safety is at the heart of all we do. Whilst you are doing the work that matters, we will be supporting you via a wide range of Wellbeing services, partnerships and initiatives. We have a number of active staff support networks and buddy schemes which you will have access to and can be involved with. We are committed to building a workforce that better reflects the communities we serve and an inclusive culture that not only values, but finds strength in difference. We also offer a comprehensive range of benefits and discount schemes, some provided directly by the organisation and others via partnerships including Blue Light card.
We promote a culture where your continuous professional development and learning is actively encouraged and where people have the opportunity, and responsibility, to achieve their full potential.
All posts require a level of Police Vetting as per the National Vetting Code of Practice. The residency requirement is necessary to enable all applicants to be checked in an equitable manner. Thames Valley Police will allow applicants to apply who do not necessarily reach the criteria as long as they have proven UK residency and supporting evidence where necessary. Applications will be considered on a case by case basis.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Procurement Manager (Secondment/Fixed Term Contract) in Edinburgh
✨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 Thames Valley Police.
✨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!
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 Thames Valley Police:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to Thames Valley Police. 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 Thames Valley Police.
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames Valley Police
✨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 Thames Valley Police!
✨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 Thames Valley Police. 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 Thames Valley Police's culture.
