Procurement Manager – AR

Carrington Blake Recruitment; Northampton; Hybrid; GBP 57,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Interim Procurement Manager (MCIPS) to join the Corporate Finance and Procurement Team within Strategic Finance. Hybrid role in Northampton with remote work and one day onsite weekly.

The post leads end-to-end procurement, tendering and framework establishment, plus advisory support to the People and Resources team. Public sector procurement expertise and PA23 knowledge are essential.

Qualifications

• Full MCIPS qualification is essential.
• Public sector/public authority procurement experience required.
• Practical experience applying PA23 (Procurement Act 2023).
• End-to-end procurement experience including tendering and framework agreements.
• Knowledge of public procurement legislation and compliance.
• Experience developing strategies, evaluating tenders and awarding contracts.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement for a framework agreement from strategy to tender evaluation and award.
• Prepare tender documents, specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with PA23, legislation and council regs.
• Provide strategic procurement advice to senior managers and stakeholders.
• Develop procurement strategies delivering value for money and cost savings.
• Manage supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and procurement risks.
• Support contract management with appropriate commercial controls.
• Collaborate with the People and Resources procurement team to provide guidance.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Independent working

Procurement strategy

Education

MCIPS qualification

Job description

Procurement Manager

Location: West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton (Hybrid – 1 day per week onsite)
Contract: 3 months
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £358.73 PAYE
IR35: Inside
Start Date: ASAP

Job Description

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced, MCIPS-qualified Interim Procurement Manager to join its Corporate Finance and Procurement Team within Strategic Finance.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a specific end-to-end procurement exercise involving the tendering and establishment of a framework agreement. They will also provide additional procurement support to the People and Resources Procurement Business Partner team.

This is a strategic role requiring strong public sector procurement experience, particularly within local authorities, alongside a thorough understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an end-to-end procurement process for a framework agreement, from developing the procurement strategy through to tender evaluation and contract award.
• Prepare and manage tender documentation, specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, relevant legislation and council procurement regulations.
• Provide strategic procurement advice and guidance to senior managers, service leads and stakeholders.
• Develop procurement strategies that deliver value for money, cost savings and improved service outcomes.
• Manage supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and procurement risks.
• Support contract management activities and ensure appropriate commercial controls are in place.
• Work collaboratively with the People and Resources procurement team, providing additional procurement advice and support where required.

Essential Requirements

• Full MCIPS qualification is essential.
• Proven experience working within local authority or public sector procurement.
• Practical experience applying the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end procurement exercises.
• Previous experience tendering and establishing framework agreements.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and compliance.
• Experience developing procurement strategies, managing tender evaluations and delivering contract awards.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver complex procurement projects to tight deadlines.

Working Arrangements

The role offers predominantly remote working, with a requirement to attend the Northampton office once per week for meetings and collaboration with the team.

Please note: Candidates must have local authority procurement experience, practical PA23 experience and hold full MCIPS membership.