At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic procurement initiatives and manage a dynamic team of Procurement Managers.
- Company: Join the West Midlands Combined Authority, driving impactful projects for the community.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous leave, pension schemes, healthcare plans, and discounts on shopping and gym memberships.
- Other info: Work in a collaborative environment with opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of transport and housing while promoting social value and sustainability.
- Qualifications: Extensive public sector procurement experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is seeking a Senior Procurement Manager to shape strategic procurement activity across the region. In this senior leadership position you will manage a team of 4–5 Procurement Managers and deliver high‑value, high‑profile procurements that support Mayor‑directed ambitions for transport, housing, regeneration and inclusive economic growth.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with Procurement Business Partners and senior stakeholders to identify opportunities to maximise value for money, shape category strategies and support the delivery of strategic procurement initiatives.
- Lead, manage and develop a team of 4–5 Procurement Managers, providing clear direction, coaching and performance management.
- Oversee delivery of complex procurement projects, ensuring objectives, benefits and success criteria are met in line with organisational priorities.
- Establish and maintain effective demand management and pipeline planning across WMCA.
- Embed Social Value and Real Living Wage principles into procurement strategies, tender documentation and contract delivery.
- Champion procurement across the organisation, promoting best practice, continuous improvement and strong commercial governance.
- Provide expert advice on UK public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
- Set, monitor and review team objectives and development plans, supporting continuous professional development.
- Act as the senior procurement lead for designated business areas, leading end‑to‑end tender activity within a regulated public sector environment.
Essential Qualifications
- Extensive public sector procurement experience, with deep knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
- Proven experience managing and developing a team of Procurement Managers.
- Strong business partnering and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to influence senior leaders.
- Commercial awareness and understanding of how procurement can deliver wider social value, sustainability, community benefits and value for money.
Location
16 Summer Lane, Birmingham, B19 3SD – role requires a minimum of two days per week spent in the office.
Benefits
- Local Government Pension Scheme
- Shared Cost Additional Voluntary Contribution scheme (tax and NIC exempt)
- 28 days paid annual leave (with optional purchase) plus statutory days
- EV car benefit scheme
- Healthcare plans
- Discounted gym membership, financial planning and mortgage advice services
- 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 for technology through SmartTech
- Discounted shopping with major retailers and Costco membership access through WMCA Boundless
- Unlock – unlimited entry to top‑rated UK attractions and extra benefits and discounts
- Eye Care Scheme – free eye test and financial contribution towards glasses
Equal Opportunities
Senior Procurement Manager employer: WMJobs
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where strategic procurement plays a vital role in shaping the region's future. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits including a Local Government Pension Scheme, and a culture that champions social value and community impact, WMCA provides meaningful opportunities for professionals looking to make a difference in public service. Located in Birmingham, employees enjoy a vibrant city atmosphere alongside flexible working arrangements and a focus on work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Procurement Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the procurement field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a role that’s perfect for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the organisation and its procurement strategies. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around social value and sustainability – it’ll show you’re genuinely interested!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your enthusiasm for the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds.
✨Tip Number 4
Check out our website for the latest job openings! We regularly update our listings, and applying directly through us can give you a better chance of landing that Senior Procurement Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Procurement Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Procurement Manager role. Highlight your experience with public sector procurement and your knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023. We want to see how your skills align with our mission at WMCA!
Showcase Leadership Skills:Since this role involves managing a team, don’t forget to emphasise your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've developed teams and driven performance. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and lead others!
Demonstrate Commercial Awareness:We’re looking for someone who understands how procurement can create social value and sustainability. Include specific instances where you’ve successfully integrated these principles into your procurement strategies. This will show us you’re the right fit for our goals!
Apply Through Our Website:To make sure your application gets the attention it deserves, apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and keep track of your application. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at WMJobs
✨Know Your Procurement Legislation
Make sure you brush up on the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015. Being able to discuss these in detail will show that you’re not just familiar with the rules, but that you can apply them strategically in your role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and developed teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your coaching led to improved performance or successful project outcomes, as this is crucial for a Senior Procurement Manager.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Expertise
Think of scenarios where you've influenced senior leaders or collaborated with various stakeholders. Be ready to discuss how you identified opportunities for value maximisation and how you shaped category strategies to meet organisational goals.
✨Emphasise Social Value and Sustainability
Be prepared to talk about how you've embedded social value principles into procurement strategies before. Discuss any initiatives you've led that contributed to sustainability and community benefits, as this aligns perfectly with WMCA's ambitions.