Procurement Manager
West Northamptonshire CouncilLocation: Northampton (Hybrid – predominantly remote, with attendance in the office approximately once per week)Contract Length: 3 monthsWorking Hours: 37 hours per weekRate: £****** PAYE per dayIR35 Status: Inside IR35Start Date: ASAP
Job Purpose
West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to join the Corporate Finance and Procurement Team within Strategic Finance.
The role will provide strategic procurement advice and support across council services, ensuring procurement activity delivers value for money, supports corporate priorities, and remains compliant with current procurement legislation.
The successful candidate will lead complex procurement exercises, including end-to-end tender processes and framework agreements, while acting as a trusted procurement business partner to service managers, senior officers, and directors.
Key Responsibilities
Lead and manage end-to-end procurement projects, including high-value procurements typically over £100k.
Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with council objectives and service requirements.
Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders, including directors and heads of service.
Manage tender processes including:
Developing procurement documentation
Creating evaluation criteria
Managing supplier engagement
Supporting bid evaluations
Delivering contract awards
Lead on compliant procurement activity in line with:
Procurement Act **** (PA23)
Public Contracts Regulations ****
Council Contract Procedure Rules




Social Value requirements
Support service areas with commercial advice, procurement planning, and contract management.
Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and improved service outcomes.
Undertake market analysis and supplier research to understand risks, capacity, and opportunities.
Negotiate with suppliers to achieve strong commercial outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.
Manage procurement risks and ensure continuity of supply.
Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
Support the Procurement Business Partner team with additional procurement activity across People Services and Resources.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will have:
Essential Experience
Significant experience working within public sector procurement.
Local authority procurement experience.
Proven experience managing complex procurement projects from start to finish.
Experience delivering procurement exercises involving multiple stakeholders.
Experience managing framework agreements and high-value contracts.
Experience advising senior stakeholders on procurement strategy and commercial decisions.




Essential Knowledge & Skills
Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, including Procurement Act **** (PA23) and Public Contracts Regulations ****.
Understanding of public sector procurement processes and e-procurement systems.
Strong commercial awareness and ability to identify savings opportunities.
Excellent negotiation and influencing skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and competing priorities.
Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to engage at all levels.
Ability to develop procurement strategies and deliver value-for-money solutions.
Qualifications
Degree qualification and/or working towards or holding full professional membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (MCIPS).
MCIPS qualification is essential for this role.
Key Skills
Strategic Procurement
Public Sector Procurement
Procurement Act **** (PA23)
End-to-End Tender Management
Framework Agreements
Contract Management
Supplier Negotiation
Category Management
Commercial Strategy
Stakeholder Engagement
Local Authority Procurement
Procurement Compliance
Ideal Background
This role would suit an experienced:
Procurement Manager
Strategic Procurement Manager
Senior Procurement Manager
Procurement Business Partner
Category Manager
Senior Procurement Officer
with robust local government procurement experience and the ability to independently manage complex procurement activity.
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