Procurement Lead

Job Title: Procurement Lead

Salary: £64,564 per annum (London) / £61,764 per annum (outside London)
Fulltime/Permanent 

Location: London, Cardiff, Edinburgh or Belfast with frequent travel to London

Closing Date for Applications: Tuesday 26th March at 12 noon

Interviews: w/c 8 April 2024

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a highly skilled and experienced Procurement Lead to join our dynamic team at the Electoral Commission. In this key role, you will play a crucial part in shaping the future of our procurement and contract management strategies.

About Us:

The Electoral Commission is the independent body which oversees elections and regulates political finance in the UK. We work to promote public confidence in the democratic process and ensure its integrity. We are committed to delivering excellence in public sector procurement, and ensuring value for money.

The Role:

As the Procurement Lead, you will be a pivotal figure in our Procurement Service, collaborating closely with the Director of Finance, Head of Procurement, and other department heads. Your primary responsibility is overseeing the purchase of all goods and services within the Commission, ensuring compliance with statutory and legislative requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop and operationalize a commercial and contract management strategy aligned with the Commission's needs.
• Lead, manage, and provide expertise on mid-high value, complex procurements and contracts.
• Establish procurement governance frameworks and maintain commercial templates for optimal outcomes.
• Engage, negotiate, and influence a wide range of senior stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Provide expert strategic and procurement advice, ensuring compliance with organizational objectives.
• Manage difficult conversations, navigate sensitive and political situations, and act as an escalation point.

Essential Criteria:

• Significant experience in delivering large-scale Public Sector Procurement Projects.
• Expertise in public sector procurement and contract management.
• Proven experience drafting, navigating, and managing complex and high-risk contracts and commercial activities.
• Autonomy in workload management, capable of managing own and others' workloads with little supervision.
• Strong stakeholder engagement, negotiation, and influencing skills.
• Experience in establishing procurement governance frameworks.
• Subject matter expertise in leading commercial teams, contract development, and capital delivery.
• Proven leadership experience or a formal management qualification.
• Commitment to continuing professional development.

Benefits:

• Competitive salary
• Civil Service pension scheme.
• Additional benefits package.
• Opportunities for career progression and development.

If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for driving excellence in procurement and contract management, we invite you to apply by Tuesday 26th March at 12 noon. Interviews are scheduled for w/c 8 April 2024, offering the chance to become an integral part of our ambitious and forward-thinking team.

To apply, please submit your supporting statement within the online application process. CVs will not be available to those shortlisting.

All applicants are to apply directly. All agency applications will be disregarded from the application process.

The Electoral Commission is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified persons.

If you would like to discuss the role, the primary contact is Shahria Rahman srahman@electoralcommission.org.uk