Procurement Consultant

Key Responsibilities of the Procurement Consultant role

• Engaging with commissioners to map service pressures, priorities, and develop a robust Children’s Services category plan connected to Adults and Public Health.
• Translating commissioning requirements into clear, compliant, and commercially viable procurement strategies.
• Leading and supporting complex service procurements (including children's social care, SEND, specialist placements, and third-sector services).
• Acting as a trusted critical friend, providing constructive and diplomatic challenge to stakeholders regarding commercial risks and market capacity.
• Managing complex and high-value procurements from early market consideration through to award and mobilisation.
• Using market knowledge to test assumptions, identify risks, and shape realistic sourcing options.
• Helping stakeholders balance compliance, value for money, provider-market capacity, service quality, and outcomes for children and families.
• Bringing structure and expertise without judgement, helping the service build sustainable capability as work progresses.

To be considered for the Procurement Consultant role

• Significant category management and procurement experience within Children’s Services (local government background highly preferred).
• Strong understanding of public sector commissioning environments, provider markets, and statutory frameworks.
• Proven track record of leading complex, high-value service procurements and developing strategic category plans.
• Knowledge of relevant provider markets, potentially including children’s social care, social worker supply, SEND, early intervention, specialist placements, and third-sector services.
• Confident stakeholder management and influencing skills, with the ability to challenge senior stakeholders constructively.
• A pragmatic, outcome-focused style and the ability to operate autonomously in an evolving environment.
• Excellent communication and analytical abilities.

Key information about the Procurement Consultant role

• £365 per day (Umbrella available).
• Initial 3-month contract (rolling, with a likely duration of at least 12 months).
• Outside IR35 status, structured around defined projects and deliverables.
• Full-time, Monday to Friday.
• hours are 9-5:30pm.
• Fully remote working arrangement; no routine requirement to attend site.
• Substantive transformation and delivery assignment.
• Immediate start available.