At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead procurement strategies and manage contracts for major regeneration projects.
- Company: Local Authority in London with a focus on community development.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive pay, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: 6-month interim role with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of housing and regeneration while enhancing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: Professional qualification in procurement and experience in public sector procurement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Based in London, hybrid working
Length: 6 months
Venn Group is working with a Local Authority in London who are looking to appoint an interim Senior Category Manager - Procurement. This role is to provide expert procurement and commercial leadership and risk management to influence practice in the Regeneration, Economy & Housing Development division of the Council.
Key Responsibilities:
- Contribute to commercial strategies, governance systems and procurement best practice through both strategic and operational activities
- Promote the benefits of procurement, demonstrating to managers and heads of service how effective procurement can improve service provision and add value to the Council tenants and leaseholders
- Provide enhanced construction procurement support to the Housing Regeneration and Delivery service
- Oversee contracts negotiations and the contract management for major regeneration works and services procured by Housing Development, as well as smaller day-to-day purchases, both of Professional Services and Works contracts
- Lead on the development of procurement project plans for each contract, having regard to the needs of the service (and in particular budget constraints and critical start dates for development contracts), the requirements of the procurement process with regard to Standing Orders and Public Procurement Legislation, resident and TMO engagements and workload
- Lead risk management initiatives throughout the procurement portfolio, thereby mitigating the potential for legal challenges and claims
- To ensure that appropriate work plans, appraisal, supervision and staff development systems are in place to achieve organisational strategies and objectives
Key Requirements:
- A relevant professional qualification (e.g. MCIPS) and/or appropriate professional experience at a senior level
- Experience and exhibiting a high level of competence in Public Sector Procurement and Commercials - with knowledge of Public Procurement Act 2023 (and Public Contract Regulations 2015), also other sector procurements, in the private sector
- Experience of establishing complex contracts and service agreements, ideally within a local authority Regeneration, Housing, Public Realm, Energy and Corporate Property Division context
- Knowledge of the built environment's contracting: JCT, NEC and PPC2000, as well as forms of contract especially D&B / Design and Build
- Demonstrable experience of achieving cost savings through procurement activities and the delivery of sustainable benefits
Senior Category Manager - Procurement in London employer: VennGroup
VennGroup is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment within a prestigious university in the West Midlands. With a focus on employee growth, the role of In-House Commercial Solicitor provides opportunities to engage in strategic projects while enjoying competitive benefits such as a salary of £80,000 and flexible working arrangements. Join a collaborative culture that values innovation and supports your professional development in the higher education sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Category Manager - Procurement in London
✨Get Involved in Local Procurement Meetups
Join local procurement and purchasing groups on platforms like Meetup or Eventbrite. These gatherings are great for networking with industry professionals, sharing insights, and potentially hearing about temporary roles that might not be widely advertised!
✨Seasonal Hiring Cycles are Your Friend!
Keep an eye on seasonal trends in procurement, as many companies ramp up hiring during certain times of the year – especially around end-of-financial-year periods when budgets are being utilised. Be proactive and reach out to companies directly during these windows.
✨Leverage Online Platforms for Temporary Roles
Don’t forget to browse specific job boards dedicated to temporary positions, such as Reed or Indeed. You can filter your search for procurement roles and set up alerts for when new jobs pop up, so you can apply immediately!
✨Showcase Your Skills on Professional Networks
Create short case studies or posts on LinkedIn showcasing your procurement experience or interesting projects you've tackled. This not only builds your visibility but can also attract recruiters looking for temporary talent like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Category Manager - Procurement in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Relevant Experience:When applying for a temporary role in procurement-purchasing, it's crucial to highlight any relevant experience you have. Mention specific tasks like negotiating contracts, managing supplier relationships, or optimising inventory. This will show VennGroup that you can hit the ground running!
Keep it Concise and Impactful:For a temporary role, we recommend keeping your CV and cover letter concise. Focus on key achievements that showcase your procurement skills and any immediate impact you’ve made in past roles. Use bullet points for clarity—this way, VennGroup can quickly grasp your capabilities!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you’ve got any certifications that are relevant to procurement, like CIPS (Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply), don’t forget to mention them! This adds extra weight to your application and shows VennGroup that you're serious about your professional development.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:Since this is a temporary position, make sure to emphasise your availability and flexibility in your cover letter. Let VennGroup know when you can start and that you’re ready to adapt to their needs, making your application even more appealing!
How to prepare for a job interview at VennGroup
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Brush up on key procurement concepts and terms, like 'total cost of ownership' and 'supplier relationships'. We want to impress them with our knowledge! Being able to talk fluently about relevant techniques and tools specific to the procurement field will definitely lend credibility.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
In a purchasing role, you might get thrown some real-world scenarios to assess how you’d handle supplier negotiations or cost-saving strategies. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills! Practising how you'd tackle these situations in advance will help us shine during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Flexibility and Adaptability
Since it’s a temporary role, emphasise how you can quickly adapt to new processes and environments. Share examples of past experiences where you’ve tackled new challenges with ease, showing they can rely on us to hit the ground running and contribute immediately!
✨Show Off Your Tech Savvy
Being well-versed in procurement software like SAP or Coupa can set us apart from other candidates. If you've got experience with these tools, be sure to mention it! Having a handle on data analysis and reporting will also demonstrate our capability to leverage technology effectively in procurement.
