Procurement Manager – AR

Location: West Northamptonshire Council, Northampton (Hybrid – 1 day per week onsite)
Contract: 3 months
Hours: 37 hours per week
Rate: £358.73 PAYE
IR35: Inside
Start Date: ASAP

Job Description

West Northamptonshire Council is seeking an experienced, MCIPS-qualified Interim Procurement Manager to join its Corporate Finance and Procurement Team within Strategic Finance.

The successful candidate will take ownership of a specific end-to-end procurement exercise involving the tendering and establishment of a framework agreement. They will also provide additional procurement support to the People and Resources Procurement Business Partner team.

This is a strategic role requiring strong public sector procurement experience, particularly within local authorities, alongside a thorough understanding of the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage an end-to-end procurement process for a framework agreement, from developing the procurement strategy through to tender evaluation and contract award.
• Prepare and manage tender documentation, specifications and evaluation criteria.
• Ensure all procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, relevant legislation and council procurement regulations.
• Provide strategic procurement advice and guidance to senior managers, service leads and stakeholders.
• Develop procurement strategies that deliver value for money, cost savings and improved service outcomes.
• Manage supplier relationships, commercial negotiations and procurement risks.
• Support contract management activities and ensure appropriate commercial controls are in place.
• Work collaboratively with the People and Resources procurement team, providing additional procurement advice and support where required.

Essential Requirements

• Full MCIPS qualification is essential.
• Proven experience working within local authority or public sector procurement.
• Practical experience applying the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
• Demonstrable experience managing end-to-end procurement exercises.
• Previous experience tendering and establishing framework agreements.
• Strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation and compliance.
• Experience developing procurement strategies, managing tender evaluations and delivering contract awards.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and deliver complex procurement projects to tight deadlines.

Working Arrangements

The role offers predominantly remote working, with a requirement to attend the Northampton office once per week for meetings and collaboration with the team.

Please note: Candidates must have local authority procurement experience, practical PA23 experience and hold full MCIPS membership.