Principal Procurement Officer Contract

Principal Procurement Officer
Bracknell
Full-time temporary contract
£300-£400 a day

An exciting opportunity to be a key member of the Procurement Team to help deliver great value and outcomes for internal customers and residents.

This will be for a 12-week placement but may be subject to extension subject to performance and need.
Utilising your procurement knowledge, and strong interpersonal skills, in working collaboratively with colleagues across the Council to deliver key projects.

You’ll be empowered to lead on major procurement projects and provide advice to a range of stakeholders. From market analysis through to contract award and beyond.

Key Objectives of the role
* To support the Head of Corporate Procurement with implementing the Council’s Plan and Procurement objectives
* Lead teams to develop new contracts; provide advice to directors, managers and staff; and ensure compliance with internal procedures and relevant legislation
* Promote self-service procurement through training, coaching, written guidance and use of procurement related systems. Having an advanced understanding and experience in utilising e-tendering systems (specifically ProActis) to maximise its functionality and use
Responsibilities:
* Lead teams to develop and new contracts delivering clear service improvements and real cash savings, including assessment of current needs and expenditure, assessment of markets and early engagement with markets. Maintenance of external networks to identify collaborative procurements or innovative approaches.
* Advise senior managers on all procurement and contract management issues; build strong and positive relationships across the Council and champion a quality and performance related culture to ensure service delivery is effective and responds to identified needs and the Council can deliver its key objectives.
* Ensuring compliance with internal procedures and relevant legislation, particularly the Public Contracts Regulations, GDPR and Freedom of Information
* Promote self-service procurement through training, coaching, written guidance, and use of e-procurement and other procurement related systems. Maintain, manage and be the ‘systems champion’ for e-tendering and associated procurement systems.
* Maintain a full awareness of current issues and challenges facing local government and of best procurement practice through research and net working and where appropriate incorporate changes to enhance and improve practices and procedures.
* Identify opportunities for savings through procurement and provide expenditure analysis and reports using data from the finance system
* Such other duties as may from time to time be necessary, compatible with the nature of the post. It should be noted that the above list of main duties and responsibilities is not necessarily a complete statement of the final duties of the post. It is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only.

Scope of the role:
* The role does not involve direct management of staff but does require professional direction of approximately 400 Council staff undertaking procurement.
* Influence over improved delivery for £100m p.a. expenditure on bought-in supplies, services and works.
* Commitment to the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy at all times
* Commitment to working within the bounds of the Data Protection Act and GDPR legislation at all times
* Such other duties as may from time to time be necessary, compatible with the nature of the post. It should be noted that the above list of main duties and responsibilities is not necessarily a complete statement of the final duties of the post. It is intended to give an overall view of the position and should be taken as guidance only

Requirements:
* Full Membership of the Chartered
* Institute of Procurement and Supply or equivalent relevant qualification
* Evidence of continuing professional development
* Educated to A Level (or equivalent)
* GCSE (or equivalent) in Mathematics and English
* Excellent computer skills to include Microsoft Word and Excel
* Advanced knowledge and experience of e-tendering and procurement systems, in particular ProContract
* Knowledge and understanding of the procurement life cycle with significant experience of leading and managing procurement projects
* Demonstrable experience of producing complex tender documentation and using financial/analytical tools to evaluate tenders
* Previous public sector procurement experience, particularly services
* Established knowledge and experience of the Public Contracts Regulations
* Significant experience of positive stakeholder engagement across a broad spectrum
* Experience in applying an understanding of market conditions to shape procurement exercises to ensure best value is achieved
* Proven ability to challenge established methods and create innovative solutions to meet business needs
* Experience of applying strategic procurement principles
* Demonstrable track record of delivering significant cashable savings through procurement or contract management.
* Excellent negotiation, persuasion and problem-solving skills
* Strong literacy and numeracy skills
* Analytical skills with attention to detail
* Good planning and organisational skills
* Excellent interpersonal skills – confident and able to persuade but remain approachable to internal customers
* Enthusiastic team player with the ability to work on own initiative with minimal supervision
* Ability to advise on multiple projects at once and manage own time
* Ability to manage conflicting and competing priorities effectively
* Willing to respond to requests and open to new ideas.
* Committed to maintaining professional standards and quality of service delivery.
* No criminal record involving fraud or theft.

If you have the relevant experience and believe you are suitable for the role, please apply directly!