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Job description

Develop, implement and keep under review the Procurement Strategy and associated policies and procedures to ensure Council gets the goods, services, works and utilities it needs to do business, when and where it needs them, at best value for money and taking account of whole of life costs, best practice and current and emerging legislation. Provide specialist procurement advice and support to Council (where applicable Council Partners and associated bodies) in relation to procurement legislation and emerging ‘best practice’ guidance to enhance levels of service and minimise costs whilst seeking to safeguard Councils’ contractual and commercial risk. Lead and manage Councils requirements in relation to the supply of revenue goods and utilities to include delivery, ensuring that the internal client (relevant head of service) gets the goods and utilities they need, when and where they need them, in compliance with legislation and providing best value for money. Responsible for providing full-cycle supply management - i.e. planning, procurement, contract management, review and re-procurement. Post holder will be responsible for maintaining Council’s contracts register. Lead and manage Councils requirements for supply of revenue services and capital goods, services and works; in relation to the procurement element of delivery including preparation of procurement documentation, use of appropriate contract forms and legal advice, developing appropriate payment mechanisms with financial/commercial advice as may be necessary, managing input into the specification from the relevant service head/s, management of the advertising, tendering, evaluation and award processes, compliance with legislation, risk management, administration and maintenance of records. Enhance the advancement of socio-economic and sustainability objectives through procurement and liaise with Economic Development staff in their engagement with the local business community to develop capacity and support the development and competitiveness of local suppliers in the Northern Ireland economy. .

Responsibilities

• Providing professional support across all areas of procurement, ensuring compliance with legislation, delivery of organisational policies, achieving and assisting with service improvements, and working closely with Council Senior Managers.
• To research, evaluate and where directed, promote alternative models of service delivery including shared service arrangements/strategic partnering/collaboration framework agreements and develop any contractual arrangements that may arise.
• Responsible for providing support to the Strategic Director / Project Manager as directed regarding Councils requirements for major / special projects.
• Deputise for the Chief Finance Officer as required in areas of postholder's responsibility.
• Collate, validate and analyse a range of procurement data for Council and provide robust baseline information to inform management decisions.
• Examine opportunities to gain efficiencies and improve effectiveness including collaborative partnerships, joint working and other innovative approaches to achieve best value in the use of public money.

Skills and Qualifications

Essential Skills

• A degree level qualification (or equivalent) within a relevant discipline (such as supply chain logistics, procurement, law, business studies or a numerate discipline.
• At least two years' relevant experience within a procurement or contract management function of:
• (a) Effective and efficient administration and delivery of procurement projects involving supply of goods, services, works or utilities.
• (b) Procurement processes subject to the European Union/United Kingdom Public Procurement Directive requirements.
• (c) The operational phase of contracts from contract signature through interim services, (if applicable), to full operational phase and contract conclusion.
• (d) Identifying and addressing risks involved in the procurement process and contract management.
• (e) Effective data and record management in line with data protection legislation and confidentiality.
• (f) Budget, resource and financial management to include monitoring budgets with awareness of financial administration and probity requirements.
• Alternatively, consideration will be given to candidates who do not possess the required education qualifications but who can demonstrate four years' relevant experience outlined at (a)-(f) above.
• Experience in the use of Microsoft Office applications to include: Word, Excel and Outlook.
• A full current driving licence (Category B, valid in the UK) and access to a vehicle that will enable the postholder to meet the requirements of the post OR have access to a form of transport that enables you to carry out the duties of the post.
• The nature of the post requires flexible working eg work outside normal office hours, including evening meetings and weekends as required.

Desirable Skills

• Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (CIPS) at any of the membership grades.

Further Information

The closing date and time for receipt of completed application forms is Monday 29 April 2024 at 4 pm.