Strategic Procurement Officer

Working on behalf of a Local Authority, Aatom Recruitment has an opportunity for Strategic Procurement Officer on a 3 month contract with a possibility of an extension.

This position will be a total of 36 hours per week, with hours from 09:00am – 17:00pm.

Job Purpose:

To represent the Council in regard to the close out of post contract, post practical completion and defect liability period defects, ensuring that these are recorded and completed in accordance with the design, standards and legislation.

Job Specific Accountabilities:

• Provide advice to Council officers on specifying and procuring quality goods and services in accordance with the Councils’ standing orders.
• Advise Council officers on the application of procurement legislation, in particular those relevant to services and supplies, as they relate and apply to service-area and Council procurement.
• Undertake market research and market-testing for commodities and services and to stay a breadth of new initiatives/products.
• Manage the Tender process and running of e-auctions for routine requirements in accordance with the procurement policies and procedures.
• Responsible for ensuring the e-tendering system is utilised correctly and that data is correct. To have the knowledge and expertise to train other users on the e-tendering system.
• Place orders with corporate contractors on behalf of all other Council service areas to ensure the same are able to maintain good service-levels
• Contract manage designated corporate commodity goods and service contracts (low complexity & risk) so as to ensure optimum delivery and performance against Terms and Conditions of contract.
• Analyse Council-wide use of these corporate contracts so to ensure overall the Councils are maximising the opportunities presented by their purchasing power (whilst also recognising local priorities).
• Maintain proportionate commercial relationships with ‘tier 3’ providers (typically higher value, routine contracts) and address issues of poor value for money accordingly. Create plans with service users for continuous improvement and KPIs so that improvements/failures can be monitored.
• Keep abreast on any changes to legislation that impacts directly or indirectly on local authority procurement and assist officers in ensuring that any such changes are incorporated within the procurement policy and guidance.
• To identify best procurement practices through national and local benchmarking and to assist with the implementation of the same in a co-ordinated and corporate manner.
• Provide advice to officers on the procurement cycle, the application of best practice techniques and the application of risk management in undertaking a competitive procurement.

Knowledge, Qualifications and Experience:

• Expected to have achieved CIPS Level 3 Advanced Certificate in Procurement and Supply Operations or equivalent
• Havering: As a minimum to have reached level C across 2 of the competencies included in the profile, with the remainder at a minimum of Level B
• Newham: Able to demonstrate and evidence: a developed competence; knowledge and experience; behaviours and personal qualities detailed in the personal specification to an intermediate/satisfactory level
• Knowledge of and or qualifications in best practice procurement standards and methods
• Experience of supplier management and procurement in line with local government legislation
• Experience managing delivery of EU compliant contracts.
• Experience of providing advice on the procurement cycle.
• An understanding of Local Government.
• Awareness of information governance issues and legislation.
• A consistent track record as an effective team player.
• Demonstrable experience and/ or understanding of the technical aspects of information and communications system technology operations and development in a corporate environment, including the exploitation of emergent technologies.
• Report writing and delivering presentations
• ICT skills including the use of the Microsoft Office software suite.
• Developed problem solving and evaluation skills.
• Ability to develop and sustain partnerships.
• Interpersonal skills.
• Project planning and management skills.
• Ability to lead and motivate staff.
• Ability to prioritise work and produce satisfactory results within set deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Oral, written and presentation skills, and the ability to influence and negotiate effectively.

To get more information about this role and how to apply please contact Jordan.