Category Officer (Procurement and Contract Management)

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Category Officer

(Procurement and Contract Management)

£34,728 - £37,890 per annum

Job Profile

Job purpose

The role of procurement and contract management is to support both Councils, and the wider public sector system in Oxfordshire, to deliver effective and consistent services and ensure that products and services purchased from suppliers represent value for money.

We work with our Residents, Staff, Members, Partners and Suppliers to ensure the delivery of required outcomes, in a consistent way, using the right skills and the most appropriate delivery vehicles.

We drive continuous improvement so we can be even more ambitious for our organisations and communities in the future.

We support our Organisation, People and Partners to look forward, using analysis and evidence to inform plans, manage risks appropriately, apply insight and manage markets to ensure the delivery of effective services for our local people.

We learn and adapt to deliver positive outcomes in efficient and consistent ways, constructively challenging how services are provided and working together to build on our strengths.

Reporting to an assigned Category Manager the postholder will undertake the delivery of key procurement and contract management activities within your designated spend category.

The postholder will work closely with Commissioners, Service Leads and other members of the Category Team to ensure that the products and services purchased within the spend category represent value for money.

The post holder will work with Category Officers and Procurement and Contract Management Officers to deliver agreed procurement and contract management activities in relation to the spend category

The role will require joint working with other Council Directorates, Officers, Suppliers, Communities and other Partners, therefore being able to build working relationships and communicate effectively is important.

The postholder will be an Officer at both councils and will be expected to work across both locations.

Job responsibilities

Function Leadership

To act as a professional adviser on procurement and contract management matters to Service Leads and other Officers for your designated spend category, supporting effective decision making in relation to the procurement of goods and services from suppliers.

Strategy and Decision Making

To work with Commissioners and Service Leads across both Councils to drive the development of a sub-category strategy for your designated spend category ensuring that this is consistent with the broader category strategy owned by the relevant Category Manager.

Relationships and Stakeholder Management

To build effective working relationships, relating to a spend category, across both Councils, their suppliers and other partners which deliver effective and consistent services, and which represent value for money.

To work with Commissioners and Officers across both Councils to deliver of procurement and contract management activities for their designated spend category

Technical / Professional

To support the Category Manager in ensuring that both Councils are compliant with the requirements of Standing Orders relating to Contracts and the European Procurement Directives (or replacement) and all legislative requirements associated with the procurement of goods and services within a public sector organisation for their spend category.

To contribute to the development of advice, written reports and briefings relating to procurement and contract management activity, for your designated spend category, as directed by the relevant Category Manager.

To adopt and champion the joint Procurement and Contract Management function’s new ways of working (including the governance framework, policies, processes and procedures) as set out as part of the Procurement and Contract Management function design approved by Chief Executives Direct Reports (CEDR) in June 2020

To support the relevant Category Manger to identify opportunities for continuous service improvement within their spend category.

To adopt and champion best practice methodologies and toolkits that supports consistent and quality delivery of Procurement and Contract Management activity which in turn will support the Council to achieve its strategic business aims.

To contribute knowledge and new ideas that supports the Council to think about and deliver services differently within your designated spend category.

Ad Hoc

To undertake any other duties commensurate with the grading of the post.

Selection Criteria

This section provides a list of essential and desirable criteria that detail the skills, knowledge, behaviours, qualifications and experience that a candidate should have in order to perform the job. The selection criteria provides a list of essential (no more than 8-10) and desirable criteria (no more than 4). The criteria are aligned to our corporate values.

Each of the criteria listed below will be measured through; the application form (A), a test/exercise (T), an interview (I), a presentation (P) or documentation (D).

You must provide a supporting statement as part of your application which includes examples and evidence of when you have demonstrated the criteria listed below. You will be expected to address each point separately and in the order listed. If you do not complete a full supporting statement in the requested format your application may be rejected.

Essential Criteria and Assessment Method

Full Membership of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS) or an appropriate equivalent body, or a willingness to commit to achieving MCIPS within three years of appointment. (A,D)

Procurement and contract management work experience spanning at least 5 years in the public sector with evidence of successful delivery across the procurement and contract management cycle. (A,I)

Excellent knowledge of Procurement and Contract Management Strategies, Policies, Processes and Procedures. (A,I)

Excellent knowledge of public procurement legislation and policy. (A,I)

Evidence of continued professional development and qualifications which are relevant to the role.
Ability to communicate effectively and build relationships with stakeholders including Suppliers, Partners and Communities. (A,I)

Analytical and problem-solving skills with demonstrable ability to analyse, synthesise and present issues to individuals, small and large groups. (A,I)

Key Behaviours (I)
- Takes ownership and accountability for their personal performance.
- Builds strong relationships and networks, takes a collaborative approach with colleagues and stakeholders.
- Role models a positive, can-do attitude with a continuous improvement mindset.
- Is curious and actively seeks out emerging practices and development opportunities.
- Supports a strong team culture, empowering team members and supports team member’s learning and development.
- Communicates and collaborates pro-actively.
- Displays informed decision making
- Promotes a blameless culture.
- Resilient, determined and confident
- Provides their direct reports defined structures and objectives and applies robust performance management

Desireable Criteria and Assessment Method

Experience of programme management and relevant programme management qualification (e.g. MSP). (A,D)

Call Becca Farnon on 020 3031 9628.