Procurement Project Officer

Procurement Project Officer

A Local Authority in the Kingston area is actively seeking a Procurement Project Officer to contribute to our Corporate Commissioning Service.

Permanent Position | Location: Morden, SM4 | Salary: £42k per annum | Hybrid working (2/3 days in the office)

Role Context:

• Procurement at Merton continues to evolve, and to achieve challenging targets, LBM requires skilled, commercially motivated professionals to help achieve significant savings.
• The role will be pivotal in driving forward and challenging the Council's approach to Category Management and its Make or Buy agenda.
• The role will also be integral in assisting the Council deliver its strategic priorities and its Medium-Term Financial Strategy (MTFS), in line with the changes being brought about by the new Public Procurement Act.
• An ability to explore and deliver value for money at all stages of the Procurement cycle is integral to the success of this role.

Role Overview:

• Provide professional procurement resource to support and advise internal and external partners such that all LBM procurement decisions deliver.
• Assist in the implementation of the Commercial Services Business Plan, the Council's Category Management approach, and its Make vs. Buy agenda by providing a professional procurement service to all clients across the Council.
• Work alongside clients to assist in the delivery of the Council's MTFS.
• Work alongside clients, primarily on medium to high value-risk procurements, and guide clients through procurement governance, legislation, use of the e-tendering portal, etc. (with the support of a Category Advisor where appropriate).

Candidate Profile:

• Candidates must either have, be working towards, or be willing to work towards a CIPS Advanced Diploma in Procurement and Supply (level 5), within a mutually agreed timescale, and adhere to the Institute's Code of Conduct.
• Strong knowledge and practical experience of the public procurement rules.
• Proven experience of applying UK public procurement regulations and the techniques used in managing UK procurement/tender processes and of participating in multi-disciplinary project teams.

Desired Experience:

• Knowledge and understanding of the public procurement rules.
• An understanding of the process and practicalities of purchasing through PCR procedures.
• Ability to champion the benefits of good procurement practices within the Council.

For further details or to apply, kindly submit your interest, and a detailed Job Description will be shared with suitable candidates.