The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) exists to maximise the impact of public procurement for SMEs, third sector and supported businesses in Scotland. SDP’s role is to build the understanding and competence of Scottish SMEs and supported businesses so that they can bid for and win more public sector contracts and, by extension, private sector contracts both in Scotland and beyond.
The programme works closely with all 32 Scottish local authorities, Scottish Government and over 18 public bodies to increase visibility of contract opportunities, deliver supplier engagement, tender training and to support local Community Wealth Building initiatives.
Location: Council Offices, Almada Street, Hamilton, ML3 0AA
Hours: 35 per week
Salary: £44, - £45,
The Supplier Development Programme (SDP) is a Local Authority Partnership Programme established to offer small and medium sized enterprises (SME) the opportunity to grow and diversify through procurement. SDP aims to assist SMEs performance in winning contracts in the public sector by providing information, support and training events to help unravel the tendering process.
We are looking for a self-motivated and enthusiastic individual to fulfil the Customer Development Officer role to deliver stakeholder engagement for our current members and to support the design, delivery, promotion, servicing, and monitoring of new SDP memberships, including events and activities across Scotland.
You will have an in-depth knowledge of business development, customer service, with excellent project management and co-ordination skills. A key aspect of the role is to engage existing members to support them to utilise our services, promote our training programme to their local supply base through co-ordinating / planning projects and training events. In addition, you will seek to identify new public sector organisations and primary contractors in the private sector who may also wish to work with the Supplier Development Programme. The role will also involve attending exhibitions and events and supporting the SDP team in the delivery of SDP’s large-scale annual Meet the Buyer events.
The candidate will have well developed and comprehensive IT skills, with the ability to create and produce proposals, reports on activities delivered and ideally experience of using a website content management service.
You will be a good communicator, able to support the Programme Manager by networking effectively to further develop strong working relationships with Local Authority partners, Scottish Government, Business Support Agencies and procurement bodies. You must clearly demonstrate the ability to manage multiple stakeholders of varying seniority. Knowledge of Public sector procurement, particularly in Scotland would be advantageous along with supply chain engagement.
Your skills will include
1. Excellent communication skills to arrange and conduct meetings with existing stakeholders, partners and prospective organisations and provide on-going membership services in conjunction with the full SDP Team.
2. Research and analysis to identify new opportunities, prepare membership proposals, and to support robust customer outcomes.
3. Maintain knowledge of all service offerings and workings of SDP and an understanding of Public sector procurement, particularly in Scotland
4. Understanding of the public sector procurement/ tender process particularly practical experience of bidding desirable.
5. Experience in Customer liaison and stakeholder/supply chain engagement. Ability to identifying viable business opportunities, close partnership deals and experience of exhibition and events beneficial.
Qualifications in Business studies, economics, finance or a related field Degree/Diploma or equivalent would be desirable.
View the Please Apply online - All correspondence will be via your email address.
Foreign Police Check
Candidates should be able to detail any gaps in employment and provide a foreign police check where applicable for any periods living or working abroad.
Equal Opportunities and Armed Forces Community Covenant
South Lanarkshire Council is an Equal Opportunities employer and encourages applications from all members of the community. As a user of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the minimum competency/behaviour requirements for the position.
South Lanarkshire Council is committed to providing support to members of the armed forces, veterans and their families which is set out in the Armed Forces Community Covenant. Veterans are guaranteed an interview who meet the minimum requirements for the position.
Please note we do not accept CVs, any submitted will be disregarded. If you require to submit additional information to support your application, please upload this under supporting documents.