Senior Procurement Business Partner

Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS); England; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A public sector organisation in the UK seeks a Senior Procurement Business Partner to manage high-value procurement projects and provide strategic advice. The role demands CIPS Level 6 qualification and experience in a regulated environment. Responsibilities include leading complex procurement processes, advising senior leaders, and promoting best practices. The ideal candidate will excel in influencing decisions, managing risk, and enhancing commercial capability. Flexible working options are available.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience leading complex procurements in a regulated public sector environment.
• Proven track record in delivering strategic commercial outcomes.
• Experience in managing multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex procurement projects from business case to contract award.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to senior leaders.
• Champion best practices across the organisation.

Skills

Strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023

Excellent communication and stakeholder management

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Education

CIPS Level 6 qualification

Job description

About the Role

The Procurement Team provides a strategic and professional service that ensures the Council achieves value for money in sourcing third-party goods, works and services. The team also manages procurement risks, drives best practice, and ensures compliance with the Council’s Constitution and procurement regulations.

We are seeking a Senior Procurement Business Partner to lead the delivery of major, high-risk and strategically important procurements across the organisation. This is a senior, visible role, working closely with Service Directors and senior managers to shape procurement, influence strategic decision-making and provide trusted commercial advice.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will act as a key business partner, providing insight, challenge and support to ensure that procurement activity across the Council is compliant, efficient, and aligned to corporate priorities. You will play an integral role in embedding the new Procurement Act 2023, ensuring our practices are modern, transparent and outcome-focused.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the delivery of complex and high-value procurement projects from business case to contract award, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 and the Council’s internal governance.
• Provide strategic commercial advice and direction to senior leaders, elected Members, and Service Directors.
• Partner with directorates as a “critical friend” to review procurement pipelines, challenge procurement and commissioning strategies and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Support the development and implementation of the Council’s overarching procurement strategy, policies, and procedures.
• Oversee the full procurement lifecycle, from needs analysis and market engagement to tendering, evaluation and award.
• Champion best practice across the organisation by coaching and mentoring colleagues to build commercial capability.
• Lead market analysis and engagement to identify opportunities for innovation, value and supplier resilience.
• Promote social value, sustainability and environmental considerations through all procurement activity.
• Ensure governance, probity and transparency across all procurement processes, maintaining robust controls and audit trails.
• Manage and develop a team of procurement professionals, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

About You

• You will be CIPS Level 6 qualified, with substantial experience in leading complex procurements in a regulated public sector environment.
• Strong understanding of the Procurement Act 2023, PCR 2015, and the Provider Selection Regime (PSR).
• Proven track record in delivering strategic commercial outcomes and managing risk in large, multi-year contracts.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to influence and challenge at senior levels.
• Experience in developing and leading multi-disciplinary teams, inspiring high performance and professional growth.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to translate data and market intelligence into actionable insight.
• Evidence of resilience, initiative and the ability to deliver in a politically sensitive environment.

Our Offer

We have a number of rewards and benefits available to our staff, to view these please visit our Rewards and Benefits page

Our aspiration is to be a truly flexible employer. We welcome discussion on location, hours and working pattern as part of the application process.