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- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and develop tender documentation for various categories.
- Company: Join the Vehicle Certification Agency, a key player in the public sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and 25 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Flexible working options and excellent career development opportunities await you.
The predicted salary is between 44241 - 44241 £ per year.
The Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) is seeking a motivated Procurement Manager to help establish and develop its new Commercial function. Working with VCA and the Department for Transport teams, you will impart expert pre-procurement advice, undertake procurements, support contract management, contribute to commercial governance, and work closely with internal stakeholders and the Department for Transport (DfT) Commercial team to ensure value for money and strong commercial outcomes.
Responsibilities
- Lead end to end procurement activity across a variety of categories including professional services, technology, operational services, and corporate requirements.
- Develop clear, robust tender documentation including specifications, evaluation criteria and contract terms.
- Manage market engagement, tendering, evaluation, moderation and contract award.
- Apply up to date knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015, the Procurement Act 2023 and Cabinet Office commercial policy.
- Ensure appropriate use of government wide frameworks (e.g., CCS) and support sound route to market decisions.
- Maintain accurate procurement documentation and ensure complete audit trails.
- Provide timely and professional procurement advice to stakeholders across the agency.
- Support early engagement to shape requirements and challenge specifications to ensure competitive, compliant and value driven outcomes.
Benefits
- Employer pension contribution of 28.97% of your salary.
- 25 days annual leave, increasing by 1 day each year of service (up to a maximum of 30 days annual leave).
- 8 Bank Holidays plus an additional Privilege Day to mark the King’s birthday.
- Access to the staff discount portal.
- Excellent career development opportunities and the potential to undertake professional qualifications relevant to your role paid for by the department, such as CIPD, Prince2, apprenticeships, etc.
- 24-hour Employee Assistance Programme providing free confidential help and advice for staff.
- Flexible working options where we encourage a great work-life balance.
About You
To be successful in this role you will need to have the following experience:
- Demonstrable experience delivering end‑to‑end procurement in the public sector.
- Experience developing tender packs and supporting evaluation processes.
- Working knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023 (or completion of training modules ahead of its implementation).
- Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple competing priorities.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to challenge and influence.
- Proficiency in e‑procurement systems and Microsoft Office applications.
Additional Information
- CIPS/MCIPS (or working towards).
Procurement Manager employer: Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
Contact Detail:
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the procurement field, especially those who work at VCA or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insider info that could help you stand out.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. We want you to be able to discuss these confidently, showing you’re not just a candidate but a knowledgeable asset.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your organisational skills! Bring examples of how you've managed multiple projects or priorities in the past. This will demonstrate your ability to handle the demands of the Procurement Manager role effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in end-to-end procurement, especially in the public sector. We want to see how your skills align with the role of Procurement Manager at VCA!
Showcase Your Knowledge: Don’t forget to mention your understanding of the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you stay updated on these regulations.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to see your key achievements and skills. We appreciate clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website by the deadline! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in real-world scenarios.
✨Prepare Your Tender Documentation Examples
Have a couple of examples ready where you've developed tender packs or managed evaluations. This will help you illustrate your experience and give the interviewers a clear picture of your capabilities in action.
✨Show Off Your Stakeholder Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders or influenced decisions. Being able to share these stories will demonstrate your excellent communication skills and your ability to challenge and influence effectively.
✨Get Familiar with E-Procurement Systems
If you have experience with e-procurement systems, be ready to discuss it. If not, do a bit of research on common platforms used in the public sector. Showing that you're tech-savvy can set you apart from other candidates.