At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage public contracts and engage with stakeholders to deliver impactful procurement projects.
- Company: Join Social Security Scotland, a leader in innovative public sector procurement.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career development opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to equality.
- Why this job: Make a difference in public service while developing your procurement skills.
- Qualifications: No formal qualifications needed; willingness to pursue CIPS Level 3 is essential.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Locations: Dundee, United Kingdom; Glasgow, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 06/03/2026, 10:55 PM
Are you a strong communicator who enjoys engaging with a wide range of stakeholders across an organisation? If so, this could be the perfect role for you. Social Security Scotland are looking for a B1 Procurement Portfolio Officer. Procurement is much more than buying the goods, services or works the public sector need. Colleagues in the profession balance cost, quality and time considerations. It’s also about ensuring we use our collective spending power to innovate and to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework.
As a Procurement Portfolio Officer, you’ll be responsible for managing the procurement of public contracts across a wide variety of goods and services—many of which support some of the most vital areas of government. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic and supportive environment, as part of a professional procurement team delivering and managing contracts for Social Security Scotland. The role also offers excellent prospects for career development within a specialist and impactful profession.
Responsibilities
- Leading end‑to‑end low‑ and medium‑value/risk procurements and supporting senior procurement staff on high‑value/risk procurements, ensuring compliance with legislation and optimising value for money while addressing Scottish Government.
- Engaging effectively and building good working relationships with a range of customers and strategic suppliers to deliver credible procurement projects.
- Providing advice and guidance on procurement policy and procedures and best practice to staff and stakeholders.
- Responsible for communicating business issues clearly and concisely.
- Using appropriate procurement tools, techniques, best practice and systems in the procurement project activity, and supporting team members and leaders in managing the team MI and systems.
- Supporting Senior Procurement staff with contract management by preparing agendas, taking meeting minutes, and tracking action items.
- Working flexibly within the team, Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan.
Qualifications
There are no qualification requirements for this role, however the successful candidate will be expected to work towards a CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate once in post.
Success Profiles
The following Success Profile elements will be assessed:
- Experience: An understanding of the delivery of the end‑to‑end public sector procurement cycle
- Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions - Level 2: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
- Communicating and Influencing – Level 2: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
- Managing a Quality Service – Level 2: Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
- Delivering at Pace – Level 2: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
Equality Statement
Social Security Scotland are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Social Security Scotland are a Disability Confident Employer. We will consider and implement any reasonable adjustments you may require throughout the recruitment process and during the course of your employment, should you be successful in securing a post. If you require assistance with any part of our recruitment process, please contact us at recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot.
Right to Work in the UK
Social Security Scotland is an approved sponsor under the UK Visa and Immigration (UKVI) Skilled Worker route. It is recommended that you review the latest criteria to confirm whether this role meets current requirements before applying.
Further Information
The successful candidate will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of 3 years unless successful in gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) before they can be appointed. BPSS includes four main pre‑employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check.
Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Dundee employer: Work For Scotland
Social Security Scotland is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and supportive work environment in Dundee and Glasgow. With a strong commitment to employee growth, you will have the opportunity to develop your procurement skills while contributing to impactful projects that align with Scotland's National Performance Framework. The organisation values diversity and inclusion, ensuring a workplace where every voice is heard and respected, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Dundee
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections on LinkedIn or at industry events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that perfect role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its values. We want to show that you’re not just interested in any job, but specifically in how you can contribute to their mission and goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Strategic Public Procurement Lead, you’ll need to engage with various stakeholders. We suggest doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your pitch.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Public Procurement Lead in Dundee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Strategic Public Procurement Lead. We want to see how you can engage with stakeholders and manage procurement effectively!
Showcase Your Communication Skills:Since this role involves engaging with a variety of stakeholders, it’s crucial to demonstrate your strong communication abilities. Use clear and concise language in your application to reflect this skill.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Don’t forget to mention any previous experience you have with public sector procurement or managing contracts. We’re looking for evidence that you understand the end-to-end procurement cycle and can deliver results.
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, make sure to apply through our official website. This way, we can easily track your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Work For Scotland
✨Know Your Procurement Basics
Make sure you brush up on the end-to-end public sector procurement cycle. Understand the key principles of cost, quality, and time considerations. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to engage effectively with stakeholders.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Since this role involves a lot of communication, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully communicated with diverse stakeholders in the past. This will showcase your ability to influence and engage others.
✨Showcase Your Decision-Making Skills
Be ready to discuss how you make effective decisions. Think of specific instances where you used evidence and knowledge to support your choices. Highlighting your ability to consider alternatives and their implications will impress the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Teamwork
This role requires working flexibly within a team. Prepare to share examples of how you've collaborated with others to achieve common goals. Emphasising your adaptability and commitment to delivering quality service will resonate well with the interview panel.
