Role PurposeTo lead procurement and contract management activities within the Professional Services category. This includes developing sourcing strategies, managing supplier relationships, ensuring contract compliance, and delivering value for money through effective procurement.Key ResponsibilitiesProcurement & Contract ManagementLead the full procurement lifecycle for Professional Services from strategy to contract award.Monitor and manage contracts to ensure delivery, compliance, and performance.Engage with stakeholders to assess needs and identify procurement solutions.Resolve operational issues and support contract performance reviews.Category & TenderingDevelop and deliver category strategies aligned with business goals.Conduct market analysis and supplier evaluations.Draft tender documentation, lead sourcing exercises, and oversee evaluations.Ensure compliant and effective procurement processes, including EU/UK notices.Financial OversightContribute to budget setting and tracking contract spend.Maintain accurate financial records and support cost/value assessments.Reporting & GovernanceProduce high-quality procurement and performance reports.Maintain an accurate procurement pipeline and track progress against key targets.Responsible Procurement & ComplianceEmbed social value, sustainability, and equalities into procurement activity.Ensure compliance with legislation, governance, and data protection requirements.People & PerformanceManage, develop, and support junior procurement staff.Foster a collaborative, high-performing team environment.Continuous ImprovementSupport process improvement and procurement transformation initiatives.Identify opportunities to enhance procurement practices and deliver better outcomes.Person SpecificationExperience5+ years in procurement and contract management, ideally within Professional ServicesKnowledge of public sector procurement rules and tendering practicesExperience managing end-to-end sourcing and supplier relationshipsBackground in third-party risk management is advantageousDegree in business, finance or similar preferredCIPS membership or working towards MCIPS desirableSkillsStrong communication and negotiation abilitiesExcellent organisational and project management skillsFinancial and data literacy; analytical approach to problem-solvingProficient in MS Office, especially Excel, SharePoint, and TeamsKnowledgeUnderstanding of procurement best practices and commercial documentationFamiliarity with responsible procurement, equalities, GDPR, and FOI complianceBenefits
