Connect2Luton are excited to recruit a Procurement Manager on behalf of Luton Borough Council.

Main purpose of position:

The role will involve managing end-to-end procurement projects and implementing strategies to reduce cost whilst delivering quality services. The Procurement Manager will provide best practice procurement advice and challenge within each project assigned, driving incremental value from effective intervention and application of appropriate procurement and evaluation strategies. The post holder will be expected to advise on projects across all categories of expenditure, general fund, capital and HRA funded schemes; including complex, high risk projects. The post-holder will have day to day shared supervision of a two procurement officers and three procurement assistants with management of one specific individual.

As a Procurement Manager you will be responsible to:

1.Provide leadership on specific high value and complex strategic procurement projects, managing the supply market, supplier research and tendering activity to support all service areas within the authority.

Use professional knowledge and experience to advise senior managers on the procurement options and risks/issues.Apply procurement best practise and knowledge of the Public Contract Regulations and contract standing orders of the Council to ensure compliance.

2.Manage all procurement projects through to completion to deliver the following outcomes:

·Compliance with overarching council objectives and standing orders;

·Taking responsibility for the application of procurement regulations and best procurement practise and cabinet office policy;

·Have input into the direction of the work programme under supervision from the Business Partner and Service Manager;

·Understand key commercial drivers and commercial success criteria for procurements undertaken within the authority and act as procurement challenge within the procurement governance process.

·Develop comprehensive plans in order to deliver service requirements within prescribed times as set out in regulations and best practise.

·Employ different financial modelling to understand total cost of ownership/whole life costing of contracts;

·To research, understand and deploy innovative approaches to procurement, within the limits of regulations.

3.Supervise day to day activity of the Procurement Officers (2) and Procurement Assistants (3) in conjunction with the other Procurement Managers.

·Allocate procurement projects and ancillary activity based on risk, complexity and capability;

·Provide professional support and advice to enable direct reports to meet service and organisational objectives.

·Provide training, development and mentoring to further improve skills.

4.Work in partnership with and deputise for, the Business Partner in:

·Managing resources in order to maintain service delivery, making appropriate decisions in order for projects to progress;

·Development of strategies for the delivery of efficient and effective procurement processes;

·Development and implementation of a Buy Local policy to maximise opportunities for local suppliers;

·Establishment of a robust data based approach to identification of opportunities for savings and service improvement.

5.Responsible for developing productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders in order to deliver business outcomes on time and to requirement.

6.Responsible for engaging with suppliers, current and potential, in order to ensure they fully understand the Council's requirements and procurement process.

Skills and Experience:

• Previous experience in leading compliant procurement projects for public and/or private sector organisations
• Excellent communication (both verbal and written), negotiation and influencing skills in a commercial environment and within a wide range of people and organisations
• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail, being able to manage multiple work streams, at different stages of development simultaneously
• Able to apply problem solving analytical skills to prepare and present reports and undertake formal presentations on complex matters in a clear and comprehensible manner
• Up to date knowledge of current UK procurement legislation and EU procurement directives
• Up to date knowledge on procurement best practices, processes, techniques and tools to achieve value for money
• Working towards CIPS membership status, or otherwise demonstrate equivalent knowledge through experience
• Extensive experience of undertaking PCR15 compliant procurement activity

About Us

Luton Borough Council have partnered with Kent County Council to create Connect2Luton, a recruitment managed service for all contingent temporary agency, contract, and interim roles at the Council.

Our heritage and being local government owned which means we have a wealth of knowledge and expertise within the public sector, with many of our employees having previously worked for the Council or have supplied previously into the Council, for several years.

We are an equal opportunities employment agency and business that positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.

Connect2Luton, part of Luton Borough Council & Kent Commercial Services LLP, is an equal opportunities Employment Agency & Business and positively encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.