Wandle Housing Association is developing (with other London housing providers) a procurement Shared Service, and this is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of this transformation.
The role will be as the Procurement Officer for the newly established Shared Service.
The Procurement Officer(s) will be expected to support the Procurement team, and lead in the management and support of all procurement activities across the Shared Service.
The purpose of the role is to deliver procurement outcomes to meet the needs of members within the Shared Service, being able to adapt to deliver a consistent service to all members in line with both the current Public Contract Regulations 2015, but also the forthcoming Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024.
Procurement Officers will need to:
Provide procurement advice and support to the Shared Service members in a timely manner (in line with internal Procurement Procedure Rules, the current Public Contract Regulations 2015, as well as the new Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024).
Enhance the effective use of resources and improve the quality and value for money within contracts procured.
Participate in the production of regular detailed and quality management information relating to performance management and to take action as appropriate.
Support in actions to prepare for the impact of the Procurement Act 2023 and Procurement Regulations 2024 (as well as then providing ongoing support).
Ensure compliance and accountability to national procurement legislation, internal Procurement Procedure Rules as well as other internal policies and strategies.
A day in the life:
To represent the Shared Service in a professional way at all times
To deliver training and awareness to other team members, as well as the wider staff within the Shared Service members
To undertake procurement activities, including (but not limited to)
undertaking individual procurement projects including the letting of contracts, preparation of guidance documents and analysis of procurement options as required
being legally compliant at all times
conducting and offering procurement solutions that meet or exceed the stated objectives
where appropriate, encouraging and developing collaborative procurement opportunities and solutions
capturing savings, social value benefits and other efficiencies
To undertake procurement related research to keep up to date with current legislation, innovative initiatives and best practice
To contribute to the development and maintenance of procurement policies, best practice guidance and template documentation, ensuring that best practice techniques and changes in legislation and policy are incorporated
Input and maintain data on relevant systems, including any Contract Register and Contract Management software
Manage and develop any eTendering system(s)
Adopt and embed best practice
Represent Procurement on internal project groups, as well as networking with regional and national partners
Advise on opportunities to reduce contract spend
Contribute to new ways of working and build relationships with key stakeholders across the Shared Service
The above list of responsibilities is not exhaustive. The responsibilities and duties will vary from time to time without changing the character of the post. The post holder will be expected to adopt a flexible approach to deliver the programmes of each Shared Service member.
What you will need to have:
MCIPS qualification (either full or working towards)
Experience in public sector procurement (current Public Contract Regulations 2015)
One year of proven experience in procurement
Track record of delivering outcomes in relation to procurement activities
Evidence of delivering procurement activities using a variety of routes to market
Effectively manage and prioritise multiple work demands and priorities
Track record of providing expert, trusted advice to a variety of stakeholders
Ability to communicate and positively engage with a wide range of stakeholders
Experience using eTendering systems (such as Delta and ProContract)
Confident ICT user – significant experience in using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint and e-mail
Strong interpersonal skills, outward facing and with the ability to work on own initiative with considerable self-motivation
Innovative thinker with the ability to analyse and challenge the existing practices, and propose alternative courses of action
Project management and organisational skills
Ability to develop and deliver collaborative working
Professional business approach
Pragmatic problem solver and conflict management resolution skills
Able to operate flexibly in the allocation of duties and areas of responsibility
Able to take full responsibility for specific categories of work
What next?
If you want to be part of a winning team that takes pride in delivering a positive experience to our customers and believe you have the skills and experience to be successful in this role, we would love to hear from you.
Please apply with your CV and a supporting statement (statement to be no more than two sides of A4), ensuring you address the ‘What you will need to have’ section set out in role profile by 22 November 2024.
Interviews and assessments will be held week commencing 9 December 2024.