At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead governance for major procurement programmes and ensure outstanding value for Birmingham's residents.
- Company: Birmingham City Council, a modern and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Flexible working, competitive pension scheme, generous leave, and wellbeing initiatives.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to innovation and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of procurement governance in one of Europe's largest local authorities.
- Qualifications: Experience in PMO leadership and strong stakeholder management skills required.
The predicted salary is between 53688 - 65618 £ per year.
- Birmingham City Council,
- Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead
- Permanent
- Consultation grade - subject to formal evaluation under the Equal Pay Programme
- Working 36.5 hours per week
Sponsorship is not available for this post. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK that does not require employer sponsorship for the duration of the appointment.
Lead the governance that delivers Birmingham's most significant procurement programmes
Are you an experienced PMO or programme governance professional with a passion for driving excellence across major projects?
Birmingham City Council is looking for a Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead to establish and lead our newly created Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office (MPPPO).
This is a unique opportunity to shape the governance, assurance and reporting framework that supports some of the Council's largest and most strategically important procurement programmes.
You'll provide leadership across programme governance, commercial oversight and performance reporting, ensuring procurement activity is coordinated, transparent and delivers outstanding value for Birmingham's residents.
About The Role
- Establishing and leading the Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office, embedding consistent governance, reporting and assurance across major procurement programmes.
- Developing and implementing robust project management processes, reporting frameworks, templates and systems that support effective programme delivery.
- Acting as the link between procurement professionals and project teams, ensuring commercial considerations are fully integrated into programme planning and governance.
- Leading portfolio reporting, risk management, resource planning and benefits realisation, providing strategic insight to senior leaders and governance boards.
- Overseeing programme governance meetings, assurance reviews and commercial reporting, ensuring key decisions are supported by accurate, high-quality information.
- Providing commercial assurance across major projects, identifying risks, challenging delivery where appropriate and promoting continuous improvement.
- Leading and developing the Programme Office team, creating a high-performing culture focused on collaboration, innovation and excellence.
About You
- Significant experience leading a Programme Management Office (PMO), Programme Office or similar project governance function within a complex organisation.
- Experience establishing governance frameworks, reporting processes and assurance arrangements across large portfolios of projects or programmes.
- Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills, building trusted relationships across project, commercial and executive leadership teams.
- Strong analytical capability, interpreting complex programme information, identifying risks and providing meaningful insight to support decision-making.
- Experience designing and implementing business processes that improve governance, coordination and organisational performance.
- A recognised project or programme management qualification (such as P3O, PRINCE2, MSP or APM), or equivalent professional experience.
Why Join Us?
- The opportunity to design and lead the governance function supporting major procurement programmes across one of Europe's largest local authorities.
- A senior leadership role within a modern, ambitious Commercial and Procurement Service committed to innovation, excellence and continuous improvement.
- Opportunities to further develop your expertise in programme governance, commercial assurance and strategic leadership.
- Flexible and hybrid working opportunities where service needs allow.
- A competitive Local Government Pension Scheme and generous annual leave entitlement.
- Access to a wide range of employee wellbeing initiatives and staff benefits.
We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and aim to have a workforce that represents the communities we serve.
Our data tells us that for this level of role, ethnic minorities are underrepresented and therefore we will use positive action to support us to achieve diverse shortlists.
This may mean that recruitment times are a little longer, but we think this is worth it to achieve our aim.
Birmingham City Council is an accredited Disability Confident Leader employer, and we are committed to employing, retaining and developing all of our people.
We want to ensure your recruitment journey with us is a positive and equitable one, so please let us know if there are any reasonable adjustments, additional support, accessibility needs, or if there is any way in which we can support you through your application.
For any informal enquires please contact: Resourcing@birmingham. gov. uk
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be undertaken.
Proof of Right to work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.
Job Description and Person Specification - RM-00137130-Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead-Job Description. pdf
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Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead in Birmingham employer: WMJobs
Worcestershire County Council is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and friendly work environment for Social Workers in the picturesque Malvern Hills area. With a strong emphasis on professional development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to employee well-being, you will thrive in a culture that values collaboration and innovation. Join a dedicated team where your contributions are recognised and where you can make a meaningful impact in the lives of those you support.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead in Birmingham
✨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 WMJobs.
✨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!
We think you need these skills to ace Major Procurement Programme and Projects Office Lead in Birmingham
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 WMJobs:Your cover letter should read like you’re chatting directly to WMJobs. 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 WMJobs.
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨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 WMJobs!
✨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 WMJobs. 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 WMJobs's culture.
