Public Sector Procurement Lead – Open Tenders & Strategy in Birmingham

Join the West Midlands Combined Authority as a Procurement Manager and play a key role in supporting the delivery, operation and ongoing development of Midland Metro, one of the region’s major public transport assets. This is an exciting opportunity to join a double national award-winning Procurement team, recognised for innovation, excellence and delivering high-impact outcomes that support the Mayor’s ambitions for transport, connectivity, jobs, homes and inclusive growth.

Working at the heart of a complex and high-profile transport environment, you will lead and manage procurement activity across Midland Metro, supporting projects linked to light rail infrastructure, operations, maintenance, renewals, extensions, systems and associated services. You will work closely with senior stakeholders and technical teams to develop sourcing strategies, deliver compliant end-to-end procurement exercises and secure best value outcomes for the region.

We are looking for an experienced public sector procurement professional who can hit the ground running, act as a trusted commercial adviser, lead complex open tenders from start to finish under PCR2015 / UCR2016 / PA2023, and drive innovation, value and strong governance across Midland Metro and the wider organisation.

Please note that this is a 12-month fixed-term contract.

• Lead end-to-end procurement activity across complex and high-value projects.
• Apply social value requirements effectively within individual procurements and challenge stakeholders where proposals fall short to maximise social, economic and environmental outcomes, in line with the WCMA Social Value Policy.
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned to business priorities.
• Deliver compliant tender processes under relevant public procurement legislation.
• Manage open tenders, competitive procedures and market engagement exercises.
• Provide procurement advice to senior leaders and project teams.
• Identify opportunities for collaboration, aggregation and improved value for money.
• Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, suppliers and partners.
• Support supplier mobilisation and contract implementation.
• Maintain robust governance, audit trails and compliance standards.
• Promote continuous improvement, innovation and best practice across procurement activity.
• Represent WMCA professionally with external partners, suppliers and regional stakeholders.

• Must have experience running full Open Tenders, independently under PCR2015/UCR2016/PA2023.
• Demonstrates the ability to develop procurement strategies (using appropriate tools and techniques), lead on engaging and evaluate tender responses, undertake bid conditioning and bid clarification, debriefs suppliers, award contracts, manage supplier relationships, supplier performance and undertake supplier and contract management activities.
• Strategic sourcing knowledge and experience.
• Experience of computerised financial systems.
• Experience of influencing senior management to accept and endorse proposals, procedures, systems and methods of working.
• Ability to build credibility with key stakeholders and obtain their ‘buy in’.
• Able to effectively present information, proposals and ideas whilst engaging the audience and clearly communicating the benefits of change.
• Track record of ability to deliver against targets.
• Proficiency using Microsoft Office, Outlook and similar systems.

The location for this role is 16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straightforward. Follow these steps to get started:

• Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
• Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
• Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
• Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. It’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

We cannot stop anyone from using AI to help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application. Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team (careers@wmca.org.uk).

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme where you can build an additional pot of money alongside your pension with contributions exempt from Income Tax and National Insurance contributions (NICs).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more) + Statutory days.
• EV car benefit scheme.
• Healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership, will writing, and mortgage advice.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest-free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology.
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.
• You can now also obtain a Costco membership through the WMCA.
• Boundless unlocks unlimited entry to top-rated UK attractions and loads of extra benefits and discounts.
• Eye Care Scheme, offering a free eye test and a financial contribution towards your glasses.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Fostering an environment where people feel valued, included, supported, and proud to contribute to our region is important to us at the WMCA. Our behaviours are more than statements; they guide how we work, make decisions, and treat one another - they set the standards we hold ourselves to and the experience we want others to have.

• Collaborative - We work as one organisation, building trust, connection and shared purpose across teams, partners and customers to create the biggest impact for our region.
• Driven - Focused on impact - leading with clarity, care and courage to deliver meaningful results for the West Midlands.
• Inclusive - Every voice matters - we create belonging, fairness and psychological safety so everyone can thrive.
• Innovative - We think future and act smarter - embracing curiosity, creativity and continuous improvement to shape the future.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We are also proud to be a Ban the Box employer, which means we do not ask about criminal convictions at the initial application stage, and will only ask after an offer is made as part of our onboarding checks, which helps us remove barriers for people with past convictions and supporting fair opportunities for all.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying.

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. Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).