Essential Qualified CIPS professional with substantial knowledge of local authority procurement or equivalent In depth experience and an excellent track record in category management, procurement and project management in large organisation. In depth experience of managing budgets, implementing change and managing relationships throughout a complex, diverse organisation in a commercial role..*Urgent Requirement- We will be holding interviewing 9th & 10th Feb.* We are looking for a candidate who have in depth knowledge of public sector procurement and the economics of procurement and markets, as well as having excellent commercial understanding. The must have good analytical skills/putting forward ideas by thinking outside the box/Public sector experience in procurement. Good Understanding of specialist area HR & Professional Service.

To lead on a category or categories of spend and provide a professional, customer-focused service for the procurement of goods and services for the Council within a Category Management Framework delivering:
(i) Category management strategy
(ii) Category management savings, supplier engagement and demand management plans
(iii) Portfolio planning, bundling and key stakeholders
(iv) Supplier Relationship and Contract management
(v) Spend Analysis and Category Review

A key outcome will be to contribute to the achievement of the strategic sourcing savings targets by 2014/15, develop and implement innovative approaches to supply arrangements that minimise costs and commercial risks, delivering cashable savings, whilst at the same time enhancing the services the council provides to the citizens. Develop and deliver category strategies which include the delivery of year on year savings targets in conjunction with Heads of Service to meet the Councils budgetary requirements. Identify and lead specific procurement projects, tenders and contracts utilising the Councils Category Management and strategic sourcing methodologies and processes. Develop sourcing strategies for key areas of spend in collaboration with senior managers across the Council, which have significant financial, service and strategic impact, optimising the most appropriate procurement route to influence the supply market and securing optimum price and performance. Explore, identify and implement innovative approaches to the delivery of complex projects to enhance levels of service and minimise cost, ensuring compliance with Council strategy and seek to safeguard the Councils contractual and commercial risk. Establish positive relationships with Corporate Directors, Heads of Service, Service Managers and where appropriate, Members to raise an understanding of the alternative service provision methods potentially available and to identify new procurement opportunities for consideration by the Council. Support Service Areas in the development of Commissioning Strategies (or equivalent) Manage and build appropriate relationships with key approved suppliers and identifying, selecting and developing new suppliers to meet future Council needs. Manage contracts in conjunction with key service stakeholders but particularly critical contracts under assigned category area. This will include managing risks, continuous improvement and supplier relationship management via detailed analysis and the establishment of excellent working relationships. Managing and motivating staff, providing clear direction to the category team as they take responsibility for all areas of category development and delivery within their area of category spend.