Procurement & Contract Management Officer

Lorien; Scotland; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in Edinburgh is seeking an experienced Procurement and Contract Management Officer for a 12-month fixed-term role. The position involves operational management, compliance with legislation, and leading procurement projects to achieve best value. The candidate will work closely with management and external partners, ensuring effective procurement processes and contract management.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in purchasing and procurement within the public sector.
• Knowledge of Public Sector and National Legislation.

Responsibilities

• Monitor and manage all commercial arrangements.
• Lead significant procurement projects and ensure legislative compliance.
• Provide procurement advice and maintain good relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Procurement

Contract Management

Public Sector Knowledge

Education

Qualification in a relevant discipline

Job description

PROCUREMENT & CONTRACT MANAGEMENT OFFICER - OUTSIDE IR35 - 12 MONTH FIXED TERM

One of Lorien's Edinburgh-based clients is looking for an experienced Procurement and Contract Manager to join their team on a fixed 12-month contract, working 2-3 days in the Edinburgh office each week.

Operational Management Accountabilities

• Qualification in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience
• Monitor, register, and manage all commercial arrangements
• Knowledge of the application of Public Sector and National Legislation, with experience in conducting complex procurement exercises
• Significant experience in purchasing and procurement within the public sector

Core Activities

• Provide support and advice on procurement matters, assessing corporate, business, and operational requirements to identify procurement issues early, focusing on managing risk, ensuring full legislative compliance, and achieving efficiencies and best value.
• Manage and influence annual procurement spend by developing, publishing, and implementing the Corporate Procurement Strategy, Annual Report, Policies, and Procedures, ensuring legislative compliance.
• Lead the implementation of the Sustainable Procurement Action Plan and report progress to the Scottish Government; prepare for the Procurement & Commercial Improvement Programme (PCIP) capability assessment.
• Chair and lead meetings with managers to ensure contractual arrangements are in place, including major capital contracts, and plan resources for future procurement competitions. Maintain and regularly review the Procurement Programme and Contracts Register to ensure the organization receives value for money in terms of cost, quality, and sustainability.
• Deliver savings and benefits to meet annual targets by improving procurement processes and working closely with customers to enhance the commercial management of contracts and suppliers.
• Report to SLT, the Board, and the Scottish Government on savings achieved, produce regular spend reports, statutory Annual Procurement Reports, monitor spend versus budget, and identify areas for improvement, with an emphasis on increasing contracted spend. Complete the procurement section of the statutory Climate Change Report.
• Provide procurement and contractual advice to management, budget holders, project managers, external partners, and suppliers. Build and maintain good working relationships, contribute to User Intelligence Groups, promote procurement best practices, and stay informed about legislative developments.
• Lead significant procurement projects, including regulated procurements, conduct benchmarking and market research, develop complex specifications, evaluate tenders, and manage supplier debriefings, ensuring effective competition and appropriate contractual terms before awarding contracts.
• Include relevant and proportionate exclusion, selection, and award criteria in procurement exercises, such as Fair Work First, environmental considerations, community benefits, and, where relevant, complete Sustainability Tests, EHRIA's, and Cyber Security assessments, considering Data Protection requirements.
• Liaise with public sector partners and represent the organization at procurement forums, including Cluster Group meetings, to ensure optimal outcomes.
• Establish and monitor a contract register, focusing on contract value, duration, and KPIs. Act as a 'gatekeeper' for all contract-related queries for contractors.

Carbon60, Lorien & SRG - The Impellam Group STEM Portfolio act as an employment business in relation to this vacancy.