Senior Procurement Specialist

Role Overview

Procurement is about much more than buying goods, services or works. You will help the public sector balance cost, quality and time, and use its spending power to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland's National Performance Framework. You will ensure compliance with public procurement regulations, identify savings and benefits, and support the wider agenda, including improving business for SMEs, equality awareness and sustainability.

• Leading the development, planning and implementation of procurement strategies for high-value, high-risk procurements, optimising value for money.
• Managing all stages of the end-to-end public sector procurement process, from initial conception and strategy development through to contract award.
• Ensuring compliance with public procurement legislation and Scottish Government procurement policies.
• Addressing the Sustainable Procurement Duty at every stage and contributing to the sustainability agenda.
• Working with customers, colleagues and external markets to deliver credible procurement strategies and contracts.
• Managing suppliers and advising customers on contractual agreements and options, using product and market knowledge.
• Managing several activities and projects at once.
• Working flexibly across the team, division and directorate.

Essential Skills & Knowledge

• Commitment to continuous professional development, including advanced professional accreditation: CIPS Level 5 Advanced Diploma, WCC Advanced Practitioner Certification or equivalent, or a commitment to attain it once in post.
• Proven track record in delivering the full end-to-end public procurement cycle, including sourcing strategy development, tendering, and contract and supplier management.
• Established interpersonal, influencing and stakeholder management skills, with experience of building relationships at all levels and collaborating with internal and external colleagues.
• Ability to explain procurement and commercial issues clearly and succinctly to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong analytical skills, with the ability to draw out key messages and make recommendations or support decisions.