Procurement Manager / Head of Procurement

Debbie Burbage Recruitment has the distinct privilege of partnering exclusively with Northamptonshire Partnership Homes (NPH). NPH has been seeking a Procurement Manager/Head of Procurement since April 2023. We want to clarify that this position remains open, not due to any issues within the organisation, but rather because we are committed to finding the ideal candidate. NPH place great importance on skills, values and fit knowing that all of these elements are the key to success. In the meantime, an experienced interim consultant is maintaining operations on a part time basis.

Joining NPH offers a fantastic career opportunity. You'll report directly to the Director of Finance, a highly respected and supportive leader known for empowering their team. This role is an excellent fit for a hands-on individual who will manage one direct report. The ideal candidate should possess robust contract management skills, preferably with experience in the housing and construction sectors. A deep understanding of Value for Money (VFM) and its significance in social housing at a corporate service level is also essential.

NPH are an arm’s length management company (ALMO) of West Northamptonshire Council supporting them to deliver their housing strategy and ambitious development programme. NPH believe that everyone deserves a safe, high-quality home that meets their needs. As a result there is a significant procurement programme to support this work including for 2023/24, £28m for their Asset Investment programme and £20m for their Development schemes.

Reporting to the Director of Finance, key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Drive the implementation of an efficient, effective, and innovative Procurement and Contract Management service within NPH.

• Strategy Implementation: Ensure the successful rollout and adherence to NPH’s Procurement strategy, positioning it at the forefront of the industry.

• Value Maximisation: Uphold a structured approach to procurement and contract management, emphasising a clear focus on maximising Value for Money (VFM) across all operations.

• Cross-Functional Collaboration & Procurement Planning:
• Implement and embed the significant changes required in relation to the new Public Contracts Regulations due 2024
• Work collaboratively across functions to specify service needs, determine specifications, and create sourcing plans.
• Support budget determination, oversee tendering processes, and execute timely compliant procurement, while ensuring adherence to best practices, legislation, and maximising social value.

• Contract Management & Relationship Building:
• Undertake comprehensive supplier due diligence, selection, and evaluation, while promoting ethical, sustainable, and local procurement.
• Implement and manage Supplier Relationship Management Framework, monitor contract performance
• Review current systems and processes in relation to the NPH Contracts Register and assess, and where required implement change, to strengthen processes and controls.

• Team & Knowledge Management:
• Manage, mentor, motivate and train procurement team members, and maintain updated knowledge on procurement legislation.
• Collaborate with WNC procurement shared services, share best practices, and ensure continuous improvement through feedback and robust policies.

The ideal candidate will possess a CIPS qualification and a minimum of 3 years post-qualification experience, complemented by a degree-level education. Their expertise should encompass planning, procurement, and contract management, paired with a deep understanding of the housing, construction

sector, and industry best practices. The candidate should have a track record of successfully executing projects and plans, displaying sharp commercial insight. Furthermore, their ability to enhance services for external delivery and a history of adeptly managing relationships with both external and internal clients is essential.

Remuneration

• Salary £55,000 - circa £60,000 per annum (depending on experience)
• 27 holidays + bank holiday (increasing to 32 days after 5years)
• LGPS company pension scheme (currently 19.6% employer contribution)
• Agile working (2 days WFH)
• 37 hours per week
• Discount scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• EV via salary sacrifice

Debbie Burbage Recruitment and is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. Candidates with equivalent qualifications and more or less experience can apply. We are a member of the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) and are acting as an Employment Agency in relation to this vacancy.

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Any CV’s submitted directly to Northamptonshire Partnership Home Limited from individuals or recruitment companies relating to this position, will not be considered, and returned to the sender.