Description Do you want to help maximise the impact of Scottish public procurement spend to enable delivery of sustainable outcomes and support Ministerial priorities and ambitions? This is an exciting opportunity to work in our Procurement Policy team within the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate. You will be working in a supportive environment to set procurement policy and strategy for Scotland, accelerating our progress to meet the ever-increasing level of ambition on delivering impact through procurement. Priorities include: developing and maintaining a framework of procurement policy and legislation to deliver social and economic impact, enable climate action and promote innovation; researching and benchmarking opportunities for improvement and setting out and acting upon recommendations to drive change; and supporting public bodies in mainstreaming sustainable procurement decisions, maximising the benefits of procurement spend for Scotland. You will be responsible for leading a programme of work in a role that is varied, fast-paced and high profile and has contact with Ministers and senior internal and external stakeholders. You may have line management responsibilities. Responsibilities Collaboratively lead programmes of work to develop, maintain and support the effectiveness and impact of procurement legislation, policy and practice. Lead and manage the research, analysis, testing and benchmarking policy options, approaches, practices and impact to inform proposals for continuous improvement. Foster and promote productive and collaborative working relationships with internal and external partners and stakeholders across the public, private and third sectors as appropriate. Act as truster advisor and critical friend, providing practical procurement advice and guidance to Ministers and stakeholders. Produce high quality written and verbal briefing to Ministers and/or senior officials, often at short notice and to tight timelines. Lead by example to encourage and support an inclusive, collaborative and high performing team culture, with a commitment to continuous improvement and professional development. Responsibilities Qualifications This is a specialist role which requires evidence of continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation or working towards accreditation of CIPS, WCC Advanced Practitioner Certification or relevant equivalent; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post. ‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attain an accreditation once in post. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills: Procurement Strategy and Policy – Level 4, Expert Leading and Influencing – Level 4, Expert You can find out more about the skills required, here. Experience: Strong analytical skills are required, preferably with experience of researching, monitoring and evaluating policies in a complex landscape, ideally in a procurement or a commercial environment. Good planning, prioritisation, organisational and risk management skills, as well as a proven ability and resilience in responding quickly and flexibly to new demands, changing circumstances and expectations. Good interpersonal and communication skills, including demonstrating experience of working confidently with people at all levels of seniority, influencing complex stakeholder environments and delivering high quality written and oral briefings. Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions - Level 4 Seeing the Big Picture - Level 4 Developing Self and Others - Level 4 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here. Qualifications How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 10th March, however this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Pay Supplement The post attracts a procurement pay supplement, currently £4,250 subject to minimum eligibility criteria which includes a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a procurement or commercial role, 1 year at this level and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Pay supplements are discretionary payments designed to address recruitment and retention issues caused by market pressures and are subject to regular review and affordability. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, we offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further Information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Apply before: 24th February (23:59)