At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement activities and develop tender documentation for various categories.
- Company: Join the Vehicle Certification Agency, a key player in public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in public procurement while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong communication skills required.
- Other info: Great opportunities for professional development and work-life balance.
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.
Top 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
- 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).
This vacancy closes at 23:55 on Monday 6th April 2026.
Procurement Manager employer: Vehicle Certification Agency
Contact Detail:
Vehicle Certification Agency 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 at the Vehicle Certification Agency or similar organisations. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that might just land you an interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview 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 fit for the role but also genuinely interested in the work.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your answers to common procurement interview questions. Think about your past experiences and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
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 for the Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience in end-to-end procurement and any relevant knowledge of public sector regulations. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use numbers or examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed procurements or improved processes. This helps us see the value you can bring to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your points are easy to understand. We appreciate straightforward communication, especially when it comes to procurement advice and documentation!
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive your details correctly. Plus, you’ll find all the information you need about the role and our agency there. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vehicle Certification Agency
✨Know Your Procurement Regulations
Make sure you brush up on the Public Contracts Regulations 2015 and the Procurement Act 2023. Being able to discuss these regulations confidently will show that you're not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them effectively in your role.
✨Prepare Your Tender Documentation Examples
Have examples of tender packs you've developed ready to discuss. This will demonstrate your hands-on experience and give you a chance to showcase your organisational skills and attention to detail, which are crucial for this role.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of specific instances where you've successfully managed stakeholders or influenced decisions. Be prepared to share these stories during the interview to highlight your communication skills and ability to challenge specifications effectively.
✨Familiarise Yourself with E-Procurement Systems
If you have experience with e-procurement systems, be ready to talk about it! If not, do a bit of research on common systems used in the public sector. Showing that you're tech-savvy will definitely work in your favour.