Are you a strategic thinker with a passion for procurement? Join our team as a Strategic Procurement Manager and play a pivotal role in managing the commissioning and procurement cycle for our third-party agreements. You'll ensure that our procurement processes deliver the Council’s objectives in a compliant and professional manner, achieving sustainable value for money.

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.

This is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact within our organisation. You'll be part of a dynamic team, working on high-profile projects that drive real change as part of our new Commissioning and Procurement Hub.

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

The post holder will support the Council in managing the commissioning and procurement cycle for third-party agreements, ensuring compliance with PCR2015/ PA23 legislation and achieving sustainable value for money.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Explore optimal procurement routes based on market developments and service requirements.
• Liaise with commissioners to develop business case and service specification documents.
• Manage the procurement process for above threshold procurements, including contract negotiations, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation.
• Drive social value opportunities and sustainable outcomes in partnership with commissioners.
• Provide clear, balanced, and accurate advice to service departments and commissioners.
• Lead and support high-value and high-risk contract management programs.
• Collaborate with other Local Authorities and public sector bodies to share plans and deliver additional value and innovation.

Any-Desk:

As an ‘any-desk’ worker, you’ll need to be connected to our network to access digital folders and resources, but this can either be from home or an office location when required. You will be required to work from the office a couple of times a week, depending on your role and team requirements.

About you

The successful candidate will work for the central team as part of a Business Partner area supporting a range of service area departments buying a variety of goods and services. You will be part of a Business Partner team supported by the Procurement Business Partner and Strategic Procurement Managers and be a strategic and commercially minded thinker with a passion for procurement. As we look to expand our service offering and drive continuous improvement, you will have an opportunity to contribute and shape our future.

The successful candidate will be confident procuring in the public sector with a passion for procurement with substantial experience in a senior role within the service area or related professional field with experience in the following areas:

• Provide high-quality procurement advice according to PA23 or PCR2015 and support Buckinghamshire infrastructure clients on their flagship projects.
• Lead above threshold PA23 compliant projects and programmes as the strategic procurement subject matter expert.
• Collaborate with Buckinghamshire colleagues to deliver quality outcomes for our clients, providing high value multi-discipline solutions.
• Challenge yourself in a market leading business, with opportunities to personally develop working alongside your colleagues.
• Expert knowledge of relevant e-procurement systems, policies, processes, regulations, and legislation.
• Proven ability to build relationships, engage effectively, and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent persuasion and negotiating skills.
• Strong project management skills and experience.

Please refer to the job summary attached for full details about the role.

Other information

This post is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974 and therefore applicants are required to declare:

• 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

We have a set of values, which our employees have chosen, that represent what we are – Proud, Ambitious, Collaborative and Trustworthy.

By joining Buckinghamshire Council, you can expect:

• a fair and inclusive culture
• the chance to really make a difference to those around you
• health and well-being initiatives including an Employee Assistance Programme, Mental Health First Aiders and mindfulness workshops
• a unified voice through our Employee Representative Group
• ongoing support, and the opportunity to develop and progress in your career with us
• opportunities to take part in fun activities such as fundraising and social events

At Buckinghamshire Council, 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.