West Northamptonshire Council
/n Location: Northampton (Hybrid – predominantly remote, with attendance in the office approximately once per week)
/n Contract Length: 3 months
/n Working Hours: 37 hours per week
/n Rate: £358.73 PAYE per day
/n IR35 Status: Inside IR35
/n Start Date: ASAP
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Job Purpose
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West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to join the Corporate Finance and Procurement Team within Strategic Finance.
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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.
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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.
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Key Responsibilities
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- Lead and manage end-to-end procurement projects, including high-value procurements typically over £100k.
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- Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with council objectives and service requirements.
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- Provide expert procurement advice to senior stakeholders, including directors and heads of service.
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- Manage tender processes including:/n
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- Developing procurement documentation
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- Creating evaluation criteria
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- Managing supplier engagement
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- Supporting bid evaluations
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- Delivering contract awards
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- Lead on compliant procurement activity in line with:/n
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- Procurement Act 2023 (PA23)
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- Public Contracts Regulations 2015
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- Council Contract Procedure Rules
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- Social Value requirements
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- Support service areas with commercial advice, procurement planning, and contract management.
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- Identify opportunities for cost savings, efficiencies, and improved service outcomes.
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- Undertake market analysis and supplier research to understand risks, capacity, and opportunities.
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- Negotiate with suppliers to achieve strong commercial outcomes while maintaining positive relationships.
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- Manage procurement risks and ensure continuity of supply.
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- Develop strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and external suppliers.
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- Support the Procurement Business Partner team with additional procurement activity across People Services and Resources.
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Candidate Requirements
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The successful candidate will have:
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Essential Experience
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- Significant experience working within public sector procurement.
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- Local authority procurement experience.
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- Proven experience managing complex procurement projects from start to finish.