Your new organisation
Southend-on-Sea City Council is a Unitary local authority, providing vital services to meet the needs of the local community. We employ around 1,800 staff who are working alongside our partners and local communities to deliver the city vision and make lives better for the people of Southend. Southend itself is a vibrant place to live and work, offering coastal living alongside excellent and fast transport links into London.
Working for Southend-on-Sea City Council offers a challenging and rewarding career in local government within a collaborative and innovative environment. As a Unitary Authority we are responsible for all local government functions ranging from regulatory services, transport, public health, and parks through to planning, social services, community safety and education, so we offer a wide range of career opportunities. The diversity of our economy and communities and investment in several exciting regeneration projects makes our Council a great place to work, learn and make a difference.
Your new role
Southend-on-Sea City Council are delighted to be recruiting for a Head of Corporate Procurement to join their team on a full time permanent basis. In this role, you will be working in a friendly and innovative team on a hybrid-based work pattern. This role offers flexible work patterns and the chance to further your procurement career during an exciting time for the function and organisation. We are proud of our record in upskilling our staff and helping them develop and progress within the organisation.
As Head of Corporate Procurement, you will be responsible for the direction and leadership of the Council's Corporate Procurement Team which will involve working with Elected Members, Executive Directors, Directors and Heads of Service to develop and implement procurement strategies, policies, procedures and systems, as well as ensuring the council meets current Procurement Regulations. A notable focus of this role is to fully understand and demonstrate the Council's spend with third parties for services, supplies and works and to drive and embed contract management in the organisation. You will also be a key member of senior leadership networks. You will be responsible for the day-to-day management of the Corporate Procurement Team; identifying, developing, and implementing cost-effective and sustainable procurement solutions to ensure robust procurement and contract management practise is followed across the Council.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Develop a comprehensive procurement service that is fully aligned with the council's strategy to improve the services it delivers, control spend, reduce cost, improve outcomes and ensure best value.
- Build strong, productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders based on collaboration and partnership.
- Develop, implement and manage a procurement structure to meet commercial and contract management needs.
- Drive the Strategic Direction of the function and lead on the delivery of the Council's Procurement and Contract Management Strategy.
- Provide expert coaching/support to the Corporate Procurement Team.
- Deliver tangible and validated financial benefits to the Council in terms of procurement savings, cost avoidance, contractual negotiations, income generation and contract management activities.
What you'll need to succeed
You will be MCIPS qualified and be able to evidence your continuous professional development across Category Management, Supply Chain Management, Contract Management, Financial management and Risk assessment/analysis. You will have significant public sector procurement knowledge encompassing a robust understanding of PCR 2015 and the Procurement Act (Oct 24); and a broad understanding of various commodity areas such as Construction, Highways, Waste, Buildings, Facilities Management, Social Care. With significant experience and application of managing complex procurement activities, contract management and strategic sourcing methodologies, you will be able to demonstrate your experience in resolving disputes and influencing people. You will be able to think, plan and act strategically and develop creative and innovative solutions to complex issues. With experience of building collaborative partnerships and team working, you will have the ability to manage, influence and lead people who may or may not be direct reports.
What you'll get in return
This is a permanent job, paying up to £75,445 per annum plus a market supplement of £5,750.
This opportunity is available with a relocation package (where applicable) whereby you may be able to expense up to £8,000 of eligible relocation costs in accordance with our Relocation Assistance Policy. When joining this permanent position, you can enjoy a range of benefits including: flexible working, salary sacrifice scheme, and excellent training and development opportunities. A full list of benefits provided by Southend-on-Sea City Council can be found on the "Jobs at the Council" webpage under the "Why Work for Us?' tab. Minimum 25days annual leave (rising with continuous Local Authority service) plus an excellent local government pension scheme.
Working Style
This role benefits from hybrid working, with a minimum of 2 days in the office per week according to the needs of the role.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forw