Are you a strategic, change leader who is a solution-focused thinker with a passion for procurement? Do you have the expertise to lead a proactive, consultative procurement team and drive value for money? If so, we have an exciting opportunity for you to join our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub as the Head of Strategic Procurement.
Our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub ensures collaboration with our clients to develop and execute a procurement strategy to achieve their defined success criteria. We bring together experiences and lessons learned to ensure the most effective approach. Our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub supports all stages of the commercial lifecycle, complementing client teams to maximise value.
Salary: Up to £85,000 per annum.
About us
Buckinghamshire Council is a relatively new organisation that combines the strengths and expertise of the previous five councils in the county to create positive change for local people, communities, and businesses. We are firmly focused on the future and have made a clear commitment to serve residents better and to provide stronger representation for Buckinghamshire, both locally and nationally.
About the role
As the Head of Strategic Procurement, you will be responsible for developing and leading the council’s strategic procurement service. Managing a team of up to fifteen staff, including three direct reports, and provide specialist professional advice within a local authority environment. Your role will involve ensuring the effective use of the council’s third-party expenditure, achieving savings, and delivering value for money.
Some of the key responsibilities include:
1. Develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, procedures, and best practices.
2. Negotiate contracts and agreements with suppliers and vendors to achieve cost savings and improve quality.
3. Manage supplier relationships, monitor vendor performance, and resolve issues as needed.
4. Lead and support the procurement team, providing guidance and training to ensure efficient and compliant processes.
5. Monitor market trends to identify opportunities for cost savings and process improvements.
6. Provide advice and support to executive directors, service directors, and senior management teams within the council.
About you
You will be a dynamic and driven individual joining the service at a critical and exciting period of change. The successful candidate will be a strong solutions-based thinker, commercially minded and a strategic change-leader that can inform in a meaningful way. Providing specialist professional advice within a local authority environment.
1. Significant experience in managing a service or professional expertise area in a large public sector organisation, preferably local government.
2. Expert knowledge of procurement best practices and public procurement regulations.
3. Proven leadership ability with experience in developing a multi-disciplinary team.
4. Excellent interpersonal, communication, and presentation skills.
5. Strong analytical abilities and a deep understanding of the commercial and contractual elements of commissioning goods, works, and services.
6. Provide high-quality procurement advice and support Buckinghamshire infrastructure clients on their flagship projects.
7. Lead and/or support in sector leading projects and programmes as the strategic procurement subject matter expert.
8. As we look to expand our service offering and drive continuous improvement, you will have an opportunity to contribute and shape our future.
9. Collaborate with Buckinghamshire colleagues to deliver quality outcomes for our clients, providing high value multi-discipline solutions.
10. Challenge yourself in a market leading business, with opportunities to personally develop working alongside your colleagues.
Please refer to the job summary for further information.
Other information
This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:
1. All unspent cautions and/or unspent convictions
We reserve the right to close the vacancy once we have received sufficient applications, so please be advised to submit your application as early as possible.
Buckinghamshire Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.
Our values and culture
We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.
By joining us, you can expect:
1. a fair and inclusive culture
2. the chance to really make a difference to those around you
3. health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
4. a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
5. ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
6. opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events
We know that our biggest strength comes from the people that work for us, and that’s why we’re working hard to ensure we continue to be an accessible and inclusive organisation.
From dedicated staff networks overseen by our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Steering Group, to proudly standing as a Disability Confident employer, it’s important to us that all our colleagues feel engaged, listened to, and valued. Our offer of flexible working empowers a productive and happy workforce and allows employees to combine work with other responsibilities and commitments.
We believe our workforce should reflect the diverse communities we service in Buckinghamshire, and are looking for like-minded individuals to join us in promoting equality, fairness, and inclusion for everyone.
We recognise and reward you
Hard work and success deserves recognition. That’s why we pride ourselves on the benefits we give our people. We actively encourage a good work-life balance and promote flexible and agile working arrangements. We provide discounts on various Cafés, restaurants, shops and auto enrolment onto our generous Pension Scheme. In addition to the opportunity to gain membership to Costco, we have discounted gym memberships, travel discounts with Arriva and much more.
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