Procurement Manager

Procurement Manager

Full-Time 46800 - 62400 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Venn Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead procurement strategy and manage high-value tenders for the University.
  • Company: Join a prestigious University committed to excellence and innovation.
  • Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension, sick pay, and discounts on local services.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact while working in a supportive and dynamic environment.
  • Qualifications: Experience in public sector procurement and strong negotiation skills required.
  • Other info: This is a hybrid role, offering flexibility with 21.5 hours per week.

The predicted salary is between 46800 - 62400 £ per year.

Job Description

Procurement Manager

Part time: 3 days a week

Contract: 3 months minimum

Start date: ASAP

Hertfordshire, Hybrid (1 day on site)

£300-£350 per day (depending on experience)

We are seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to lead a well-established procurement team through a period of transition. The successful postholder will lead end‑to‑end procurement activity, embed UK procurement legislation and provide authoritative assurance that procurement, contract management and governance standards are effectively met.

Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Lead compliant procurement activity across the organisation, ensuring alignment with legislation and internal policies
  • Act as the organisation’s procurement subject‑matter expert, embedding new procurement regulations into practice
  • Deliver end‑to‑end procurements, including tender preparation, evaluation and contract award
  • Maintain and manage a multi‑year procurement plan, ensuring alignment with strategic priorities and budgets
  • Oversee contract management standards and maintain an accurate Contracts Register
  • Provide clear procurement advice and assurance to senior leaders and operational teams
  • Monitor compliance, identify risks and support audits with evidence and recommendations
  • Build strong internal and external stakeholder relationships to drive best practice and continuous improvement

Essential

  • Significant experience in social housing or local authority procurement
  • Strong working knowledge of UK procurement legislation and best practice
  • Proven experience leading complex procurements and advising senior stakeholders
  • Ability to balance compliance, commerciality and organisational priorities
  • Excellent stakeholder management, influencing and communication skills

Desirable

  • MCIPS (or working towards) or equivalent professional qualification
  • Experience embedding new procurement legislation or policy changes

Should you be interested in this vacancy, please don’t hesitate to apply immediately.

Procurement Manager employer: Venn Group

As a leading employer in the education sector, the University offers a dynamic work environment in Northampton, where you can thrive as a Procurement Manager. With a strong focus on employee well-being, the University provides a generous benefits package, including ample annual leave, a robust pension scheme, and opportunities for professional development. Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
Venn Group

Contact Detail:

Venn Group Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Procurement Manager

✨Tip Number 1

Familiarise yourself with public sector procurement regulations, as this is crucial for the role. Attend workshops or webinars to deepen your understanding and stay updated on any changes in legislation.

✨Tip Number 2

Network with professionals in the procurement field, especially those who have experience in the public sector. Join relevant LinkedIn groups or attend industry events to build connections that could help you learn more about the role and the organisation.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've delivered savings through procurement initiatives in previous roles. Having quantifiable achievements ready will demonstrate your capability and value to the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Research the University’s goals and current procurement strategies. Tailoring your conversation during interviews to align with their objectives will show that you're genuinely interested and invested in contributing to their success.

We think you need these skills to ace Procurement Manager

Public Sector Procurement Knowledge
Strategic Procurement Development
Compliance Management
Negotiation Skills
Relationship-Building Skills
Cost-Saving Initiatives
Tender Management
Risk Mitigation
Team Leadership
Continuous Improvement
Stakeholder Engagement
Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Project Management

Some tips for your application 🫡

Understand the Role: Read the job description carefully to understand the key responsibilities and required skills for the Procurement Manager position. Tailor your application to highlight how your experience aligns with these requirements.

Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your in-depth knowledge of public sector procurement regulations and any previous experience managing large-value tenders. Use specific examples to demonstrate your success in delivering savings through procurement initiatives.

Showcase Soft Skills: The role requires strong communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills. Make sure to include instances where you successfully led a team or represented your organisation in external groups, showcasing your ability to drive continuous improvement.

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a tailored cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your enthusiasm for the role and the University’s goals. Mention why you are interested in this position and how you can contribute to their procurement strategy.

How to prepare for a job interview at Venn Group

✨Understand Procurement Regulations

Make sure you brush up on public sector procurement regulations before the interview. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you have the necessary knowledge and can navigate compliance effectively.

✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills

As a Procurement Manager, you'll be leading a team. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on driving improvements and efficiency. This will highlight your leadership capabilities.

✨Showcase Negotiation Successes

Be ready to share specific instances where your negotiation skills led to significant savings or improved contracts. This will demonstrate your ability to deliver value through procurement initiatives.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills in high-risk procurement situations. Think about past experiences where you mitigated risks and prepared strategies to handle challenges.

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