Head of Collaborative Procurement Edinburgh, Scotland
Job description
Applications are invited for a C3-level senior commercial professional to lead the 4 Collaborative Procurement teams (around 40 FTE in total) which sit within the National Collaborative Procurement Division of the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD). The teams (ICT; Utilities; Corporate & Professional Services; and Construction) procure and manage a range of high value/ complex/ high risk frameworks and contracts on behalf of the whole of the Scottish public sector, plus a smaller number of Central Government sector collaborative agreements. Spend under management in 22/23 was approx. £1.2bn p.a across more than 60 agreements, with savings of around £120m.
The team’s role is to drive the realisation of identifiable monetary savings for the Scottish public sector, and contribute to the wider Scottish Government economic agenda including improving opportunities for SMEs and delivering on Sustainability, in particular in relation to Climate Change and Fair Work First criteria. This will be achieved through the deployment of innovative sourcing techniques and ongoing procurement and supplier management methods.
The role-holder will be responsible for the development of all aspects of a high quality Procurement and Commercial team as well as contributing to the strategic management of the National Collaborative Procurement Division . The successful candidate will also fulfil the role of Deputy Division Head and will be part of the Division's Senior Management Team.
Procurement Pay Supplement
Responsibilities:
- You will be responsible for all aspects of commercial and procurement governance for Scottish Government-led collaborative procurement, demonstrating high quality commercial skills and compliance with the full public procurement rules. This will include leading a team of procurement professionals in the development, planning and implementation of procurement and commercial strategies for complex high value, high risk, diverse portfolios of procurements.
- You will provide clear direction and leadership to those within the team, and also external stakeholders to encourage the delivery of SPPD business objectives.
- You will engage and influence senior stakeholders to maximise uptake of collaborative frameworks and contracts.
- You will work across the organisation, sharing experience and input to the identification and deployment of best practice.
- You will advise on legal, policy and other requirements pertaining to collaborative procurement.
- You will drive delivery through leading and accelerating benefits for the Scottish public sector. You will realise identifiable savings and other benefits to the wider government economic and sustainability agenda.
- You will proactively manage and develop the supply base.
- You will work flexibly both within the Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan.
- You will promote flexible working across the team and contribute to best practice initiatives.
- You will push boundaries with innovative approaches.
- You will oversee the introduction, embedding and ongoing operation of the new Management Charge for certain collaborative agreements.
Competencies
Financial Management
Professional/Technical Skills – Procurement
You must be capable of leading the development of robust commodity sourcing strategies and best practice improvement plans. You will be required to lead experienced procurement professionals and senior stakeholders, therefore strong knowledge and experience in all aspects of the full end-to-end procurement process and best practices will be required. You will be able to demonstrate experience in strategic procurement techniques specifically relating to market assessment, strategy development, sourcing and tendering, supplier management and negotiation. You will have the range of skills required to deliver advanced procurement including securing improved outcomes in value for money and capability. You will have clear working knowledge of procurement legislation and you will be capable of producing influential advice and briefing to ministers and stakeholders including senior personnel in public bodies.
Essential Criteria & Qualifications:
Qualifications
This is a specialist role which requires evidence of a commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of MCIPS/FCIPS, WCC Expert Certification or relevant equivalent*; a pass at the UK Government Commercial Organisation assessment centre at an appropriate level; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post.
‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attaining an accreditation once in post.
Essential Criteria
3. You will be required to lead, motivate and develop a team of procurement professionals comprising around 40 FTE. Excellent leadership and people management skills are essential.
4. You will be required to engage with and influence senior management and stakeholders to maximise collaboration and to build strong networks and partnerships.
Location
Additional Information
Minimum Time in Post
It is expected that the successful candidate(s) would remain in post for two years, unless successful in achieving promotion to a higher band/grade.
This is one of a number of vacancies within the Innovation Unit and in the event that further posts are required a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months.
Skills For Success Competency Framework
For further information on this vacancy please contact [email protected]
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