Senior Procurement and Commissioning Specialist

We Manage Jobs(WMJobs); Lichfield; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A local authority in the Heart of England is seeking an experienced Senior Procurement and Commissioning Specialist. The role focuses on driving savings, innovation, and social improvements while managing procurement activities for a vibrant district. Candidates should have at least 5 years of experience in procurement, including 3 in the Public Sector, and possess a Level 4 CIPS qualification. Benefits include hybrid working and generous annual leave.

Benefits

Friendly and supportive environment

Hybrid working flexibility

Local government pension

Generous annual leave

Private health care

Free onsite Parking

Discounted Gym membership

Complimentary refreshments in modern offices

Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience in procurement, at least 3 in Public Sector.
• Proven procurement advice across various spend categories.
• Experience managing high value/complex procurement activities.

Responsibilities

• Achieve satisfaction from internal customers and stakeholders.
• Provide expert commercial advice for procurement.
• Support innovative procurement activities for savings and improvements.
• Manage the tender documentation and procurement processes.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Project management

Collaboration

Trust building

Financial systems usage

Education

CIPS – Level 4 or equivalent

Job description

We are Lichfield District Council. A local authority in the Heart of England that provides local services to over 100,000 residents. Our District is a beautiful place to live and work, with its historic city centre which has the impressive Lichfield Cathedral and is the birthplace of Samuel Johnson.

Our organisation is ambitious, innovative, and highly driven to be the best in all that we do. We want to further this growth potential in all key areas of the business by hiring great people. In return, we can build stronger foundations, provide quality services, and help support our company objectives longer term.

We’re looking for an experienced Senior Procurement and Commissioning Specialist to support all procurement activities, including those above the Procurement Act 2023 thresholds, to drive savings, innovation, and social and economic improvements. You will bring commercial acumen, horizon scanning, and market knowledge to focus on delivering outcomes for internal customers and Lichfield District residents.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Achieve high levels of satisfaction and confidence from internal customers, suppliers and stakeholders regarding the procurement and commissioning services.
• Provide expert commercial advice and guidance to officers, ensuring procurement and commissioning add value to the organisation through the delivery of savings and strategic objectives.
• Support innovative procurement and commissioning activities that result in cost savings, social, and economic improvements, working closely with internal colleagues.
• Deliver successful market engagement processes, identifying and incorporating innovation in service specifications and commercial models, prior to commencing the procurement process.
• Ensure all procurement and commissioning processes stand up to scrutiny and are fair, open, transparent with high levels of information security.
• Maintain awareness and effective utilisation of contracts and agreements open to use by the Council.
• Manage and maintain both the contracts register and the eTendering system.
• Manage strategic and operational procurement risk.
• Provide support and guidance to colleagues in relation to contract management and where applicable manage contracts within the Procurement and Commissioning Team’s ownership.
• Engage with suppliers through meet the buyer events, “how to tender” training and other such activities.
• Manage and maintain the organisation wide Future Procurement Plan.
• Draft and manage tender documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria, and contract terms

Full Job description available upon request.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE

• Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) – Level 4, or equivalent
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in procurement with at least 3 in Public Sector
• Proven experience of providing procurement advice across a wide range of spend categories including IT and Facilities across all parts of the procurement cycles
• Experience of managing high value/complex/high risk competitive procurement activities

SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Ability to manage stakeholders through procurement activities
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities under pressure demonstrating a collaborative and adaptable approach.
• Build trust and maintain credibility as one of the council’s procurement and commissioning experts
• Engagement with internal and external stakeholders including Councillors and Suppliers
• Use of finance systems and assisting with the delivery of procurement savings targets

WHY JOIN US?

This is a fantastic opportunity to help shape the future of Lichfield District – a place with a rich heritage, a growing economy, and ambitious plans for the years ahead. You’ll be part of a forward-thinking council that values innovation, community impact, and professional growth.

BENEFITS OF WORKING FOR US

• Friendly and supportive environment underpinned by our values.
• Hybrid working including flexibility around working patterns.
• Local government pension. With the scheme you get Life cover – 3 times your salary as a lump sum if you die in service.
• Generous annual leave.
• Private health care – after your 6 months’ probation.
• Free onsite Parking
• Discounted Gym membership
• Fantastic modern offices with complementary refreshments.
• Plus, more.

WHAT NEXT?

To be considered for this exciting new opportunity, please send your CV and Supporting statement [e-mail].

If you need support with completing your application, for any part of the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] so that we can discuss reasonable adjustments.

PLEASE NOTE:

We value the interest shown in our vacancies and aim to consider every application carefully. However, in the event of exceptionally high levels of response, we reserve the right to close this vacancy early to manage application volumes effectively.

Due to the high number of applications that we can typically receive, we are unable to notify applicants who haven’t been shortlisted. If you have not heard from us within 4 weeks of the closing date, please assume that your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion.

PRE EMPLOYMENT CHECKS

All offers of employment are conditional offer subject to satisfactory clearances which include:

• Two satisfactory references covering the last 3 years of employment.
• Evidence of your right to work in the United Kingdom; and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check if applicable

We look forward to hearing from you