Senior Procurement Business Partner

• Suffolk County Council – Endeavour House, Ipswich, Suffolk IP1 2BX - Hybrid
• £46,670 per annum (pro rata for part time)
• 37 hours per week - Flexible working options available
• Permanent
  
  

At Suffolk County Council, we're reimagining what local government can achieve. We're a forward-thinking organisation that values innovation, collaboration, and making a real difference in our communities. When you join us as a Senior Procurement Business Partner, you'll be part of a team that empowers its people to explore new ideas, create meaningful connections, and shape the future of Suffolk. Ready to reimagine your career and the impact you can make?

As a Senior Procurement Business Partner, you’ll have proven experience in delivering complex above-threshold/high-value procurements and a good knowledge of the public sector regulations relating to Procurement.

You will be responsible for providing professional procurement and commercial advice and services to specific areas of Suffolk County Council, up to and including Assistant Director level based on their business objectives and market strategies.

You’ll be supporting others in the council to help ensure high standards of public procurement, commercialism, and contract management are upheld. This could include direct line management, mentoring others in the team, or providing training to the wider organisation.

• procurement professional qualification (CIPS or equivalent) or relevant proven experience and knowledge
• to be educated to level 6 or have equivalent skills and knowledge
• technical procurement knowledge/experience and knowledge of contract law
• good IT, numeracy, and literacy skills
• effective communication and networking skills.

You can view a full list of requirements in the Job and Person Profile (docx). If you believe you can succeed in this role, apply. Even if you don't meet all requirements, still apply. We would appreciate the opportunity to consider your application.

The procurement team is a highly skilled, professional, and committed team providing procurement advice and support to all areas of the council and undertaking above threshold high-value procurements. We are a friendly and supportive team who are committed to flexible working and recognise that well-being is essential to the way we work.

We’re big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We want to represent the diverse communities we serve. We welcome applications from all individuals, especially those from groups that are currently underrepresented in the organisation, as shown in our Workforce Equality Report (suffolk.gov.uk).

Please contact Gillian Glanville for a casual conversation. You can reach them by calling 01473 264478 or emailing gillian.glanville@suffolk.gov.uk.

Step 1 - Read the Job and Person Profile (docx).

Step 2 - Click ‘Apply Now’ to start your online application.

Step 3 - Upload a supporting statement answering the following questions below (no more than 400 words per question). You should use the Supporting Statement template.

Question 1 – Please evidence that you are either educated to level 5, that you have a procurement/commissioning professional qualification (CIPS) or have equivalent relevant experience and knowledge.

Question 2 – Please outline your experience of delivering complex procurements.

Question 3 – Please evidence your ability to demonstrate personal resilience and accuracy under pressure or when faced with conflicting demands.

Question 4 – Please outline your experience of providing commercial expertise and leadership in projects and/or procurements.

Question 5 - Please evidence how you have used your influencing and negotiating skills to bring about change in a commercial situation.

Step 4 - Upload a CV (without name and personal details).

Please note: Without a supporting statement and CV, your interest will not be progressed. Any supporting documents must be in either PDF or MS Word format.

We value authentic applications that showcase your genuine skills and experiences. Applications suspected of being generated by AI may be rejected. We encourage you to present your own work and ideas throughout the application process.

If you require any reasonable adjustments to the application process before the next selection stage, please contact our Recruitment Team by emailing recruitment@suffolk.gov.uk or calling 03456 014412. If you are invited to the next stage of selection, you will have another opportunity to request adjustments for the next stages of the process.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts.

As a modern and effective council, we offer a wide variety of careers to suit people with a range of skills, abilities and ambitions. We offer working options that flex to reflect the way people work today and take the time to understand and support your individual needs. We’re driven to make a positive difference to the world around us and encourage everyone with drive and focus to join us and build an influential and impactful career. Reimagine the possibilities.

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• up to 29 days annual leave entitlement (pro rata), plus UK bank holidays and two paid volunteering days
• membership of a competitive Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• travel, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits
• performance-related annual pay progression, in addition to an annual cost-of-living pay increase
• training and encouragement to expand your knowledge
• a variety of career development opportunities across our organisation
• diverse and active staff networks
• flexible working options, with the right to request flexible working from your first day

Plus lots more!

If you want to know more about our benefits, values and equality commitments please visit our Suffolk County Council careers website (careers.Suffolk.gov.uk).