Role Purpose:
To support the delivery of high-quality procurement activity across a local Council, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and applicable financial regulations. The post-holder will lead and support a range of procurement projects from market engagement through to contract award, securing value for money, embedding social value, and supporting the Council's strategic priorities.
The role sits within the central Procurement team and works closely with service directorates, budget holders, contract managers, and legal colleagues. The post-holder will operate as a subject-matter expert on public procurement and provide advice and guidance to officers across the organisation.
Key Responsibilities:
Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods, services, and works at a range of values, including above-threshold procurements under the Procurement Act 2023.
- Draft tender documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria, terms and conditions, and contract notices for publication on the Find a Tender Service (FTS) and Contracts Finder.
- Manage compliant e-tendering processes through the Council's electronic procurement portal (e.g. ProContract, In-Tend, Delta eSourcing, or Atamis).
- Run market engagement activity including preliminary market consultation, soft market testing, and supplier days.
- Evaluate tender submissions in conjunction with service colleagues, ensuring fair, transparent, and auditable decision-making.
- Advise on the appropriate use of frameworks (CCS, ESPO, YPO, NEPO, CPC, Procurement for Housing) and Dynamic Markets where a full tender is not the best route.
Contract Management Support
- Support the mobilisation of new contracts, including supplier onboarding and KPI agreement.
- Maintain the Council's contracts register and ensure data is accurate and up to date.
- Provide guidance to contract managers on variations, extensions, and exit planning.
- Support supplier performance reviews and assist in addressing performance issues.
Compliance, Governance & Reporting
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, the Council's Contract Procedure Rules, and relevant legislation (including the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012 and the Equality Act 2010).
- Prepare reports and recommendations for senior officers, Cabinet, and committee approval, including contract award reports and waiver requests.
- Maintain comprehensive procurement records to ensure full auditability and respond to internal audit and FOI requests.
- Support the Council's response to procurement challenges, including standstill correspondence and debriefs to unsuccessful bidders.
Social Value, Sustainability & EDI
- Embed social value into procurement activity in line with the Council's Social Value Policy and the TOMs (Themes, Outcomes, Measures) framework or local equivalent.
- Promote opportunities for local SMEs, voluntary and community sector organisations, and supported businesses.
- Support delivery of the Council's net-zero and sustainability commitments through procurement decisions.
- Champion equality, diversity, and inclusion in supplier selection and contract delivery.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders across directorates, providing clear and pragmatic procurement advice.
- Manage relationships with suppliers and prospective bidders professionally and impartially.
- Represent the Council at relevant regional procurement networks and forums where required.