Job Description:

Lead Procurement Manager

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead end-to-end procurement and sourcing activities, alongside the commercial management and administration of a range of contracts within the public sector.

The successful candidate will manage the full procurement lifecycle, from pre-procurement planning, commercial strategy development and market engagement through to tender evaluation, contract award and final business case development. They will also oversee contract administration, supplier performance assurance and payment mechanisms, ensuring commercial activities deliver effective and compliant outcomes.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially experienced procurement professional with strong stakeholder management skills, a thorough understanding of public sector procurement legislation and the ability to manage complex sourcing activities. Experience delivering procurements under the Procurement Act 2023 would be advantageous, although direct experience is not essential.

Location: Hybrid / London, with occasional travel for meetings and the remainder of the time working remotely

Contract Duration: 12 months (Inside IR35)

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end sourcing activities, including pre-procurement planning, Delivery Model Assessments, Outline Business Case (OBC) development, requirements definition, commercial strategy development and market engagement.
• Develop Invitation to Tender (ITT) documentation, including specifications, technical and financial evaluation criteria, and contract drafting.
• Lead tender evaluations, moderation exercises, contract award activities and the development of final business cases.
• Utilise the Jaggaer e-sourcing system to manage and support procurement activities.
• Manage the administration of a range of contracts, including contract variations, change control and other contractual mechanisms.
• Ensure contractual payment and performance mechanisms operate effectively, validating contractor performance and reviewing payment applications.
• Lead collaborative commercial opportunities, working with other government departments to identify and deliver effective procurement outcomes.
• Lead the resolution of commercial conflicts and issues involving suppliers and stakeholders, seeking support from senior commercial management where appropriate.
• Support the development of category management procedures, tools and ways of working.
• Manage customer communications and the escalation of commercial issues, ensuring concerns are addressed effectively.
• Ensure procurement and contract management activities comply with relevant governance, legislative and policy requirements.

Essential Requirements

• Significant procurement experience, including the delivery of end-to-end sourcing activities using a range of procurement procedures.
• Relevant commercial experience, with a strong understanding of procurement strategy, tendering and contract management.
• Experience developing procurement documentation, including specifications, evaluation criteria and contract documentation.
• Proficiency in using the Jaggaer e-sourcing system.
• Experience managing contracts, including variations, change control, supplier performance and payment assurance.
• Awareness and understanding of public sector procurement legislation and governance requirements.
• Strong business acumen, with the ability to make evidence-based commercial decisions.
• Excellent stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective relationships with suppliers, customers and internal stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with strong influencing and negotiation capabilities.
• Ability to manage commercial issues, resolve conflicts and escalate matters appropriately.

Desirable Experience

• Experience delivering procurements under the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23).
• Familiarity with the Central Digital Platform, new procurement notice types and associated procedures.
• Experience supporting the development of category management processes, tools and commercial ways of working.
• Experience identifying and leading collaborative procurement opportunities across government departments.

Note: Given the recent implementation of the Procurement Act 2023, direct experience is not essential. Candidates’ knowledge and understanding of the legislation and its associated procedures will be explored further at interview.