Overview

We are currently looking for a Procurement Lead to join our Commercial Function within the Digital & Technology group. This is a full-time opportunity, on a permanent basis. The role is based in 7-8 Wellington Place, Leeds, LS1 4AP. The role can be worked in the UK and not overseas. We are open to requests for flexible working; please discuss this with the recruiting manager before accepting an appointment.

Government departments and agencies are working towards a minimum 60% attendance in office sites. We are implementing a flexible, hybrid way of working, with a minimum of 8 days per month on-site to enable collaboration with partners and stakeholders needed to deliver MHRA business. Attendance on-site is driven by business needs and can flex up to 12 days a month; the remainder may be remote or in the office. Some roles will require more frequent on-site presence.

Responsibilities

• The Procurement Lead, reporting to the Head of Commercial, delivers across ambitious commercial challenges by engaging with the business to achieve goals through management of MHRA's commercial relationships and the commercial pipeline, driving value for money and value creation while managing commercial risk.
• Lead end-to-end procurement lifecycle activities including managing and administering tenders in line with the Agency procurement policy and support good contract management across the Agency while providing high-quality advice.
• Engage with stakeholders at all levels and work in partnership with Agency divisions to develop and execute sourcing strategies in line with the Agency procurement policy and category strategy.
• Actively manage the category procurement pipeline by ensuring awareness of incoming projects and contracts expiring in the short/medium/long term and engaging with contract owners to develop and implement strategies.
• Deliver robust and compliant contracts that demonstrate value for money, maximise ROI, manage risk, and deliver improved performance; seek alternative commercial and service delivery models as appropriate.
• Provide support and advice for the stakeholder community, promote procurement excellence and good contract management, and actively challenge inappropriate processes or bad practice to aid compliance.
• Maintain accurate record-keeping and administration of commercial activities, including e-sourcing/contract management platforms, the technology pipeline, and meeting statutory transparency obligations.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Demonstrable procurement experience, preferably in IT and/or the public sector.
• Experience communicating in plain English to explain complex guidance, ideas, or processes that may include technical jargon.
• Strong numerical, grammar, and analytical skills to understand and interpret complicated information.
• Ability to work as part of a team and be solutions oriented.
• Ability to manage and prioritise your own workload.
• Successful candidates must pass a disclosure and barring security check, and baseline personnel security standard checks for government roles.

Security and Compliance

Some roles require vaccinations or health surveillance. Pre-employment screening includes checks on the Internal Fraud Database (IFD). Details on IFD checks and eligibility guidelines are provided in the job posting.

Nationality and Eligibility

• UK nationals; nationals of the Republic of Ireland; nationals of Commonwealth countries with the right to work in the UK; nationals of the EU/EEA/Swiss/LIE with settled or pre-settled status under the EUSS (and related statuses); other eligible categories as defined by the Civil Service.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets standards of behaviour for civil servants. We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. The Civil Service offers a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet minimum criteria, a Redeployment Interview Scheme, and other diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Benefits

• Salary: £41,075 plus £11,899 Civil Service pension contribution.
• Annual leave: 25 days on entry, rising to 30 with service, plus 8 bank holidays; Privilege Leave: 1 day.
• Hours of work: 37 hours per week for full-time staff; pro-rata for part-time staff.
• Occupational Sick Pay: up to five months full pay/half pay, scaled with service.
• Mobility clause enabling cross-Civil Service mobility; Civil Service Pension Scheme.
• Flexible working options to support work-life balance; loans (season ticket or bike); Employee Assistance Services; access to Civil Service benevolent fund; CSMA; clubs; ongoing learning and development.