Policy & Governance Officer (Procurement & Contract Mgmnt)

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Policy & Governance Officer

(Procurement and Contract Management)

£38,890 - £41,881 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 [insert Head of Category] the postholder will be responsible for the development and implementation of Procurement and Contract Management strategies, policies, processes and procedures that are aligned to leading best practice and subject to continuous review and improvement.

The postholder will be responsible for ensuring that these strategies and policies are aligned with the Council’s wider policy and governance and that they are supported by operational guidance to inform and coordinate a clear, consistent approach for Officers within the Procurement and Contract Management function as well as wider stakeholders.

In addition, the postholder will be required to develop a tiered training programme through which procurement and contract management skills and capabilities are embedded across both Councils.

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 strategy, policy, process and procedures to the joint Procurement and Contract Management function leadership team.

Strategy and Decision Making

To work with the Procurement and Contract Management function leadership team to drive the development of a fit for purpose set of procurement and contract management strategies, policies, processes and procedures.

Relationships and Stakeholder Management

To build effective working relationships with Officers from the Procurement and Contract Management function and, its Customers, in order to understand and respond to their needs in relation to strategy, policy, process and procedure.

To work with other enabling and support functions of the Council (e.g. Strategic Capability, Finance, Legal) to develop, test and refine procurement and contract management strategies, policies, processes and procedures.

To ensure that procurement and contract management strategies, policies, processes and procedures are communicated in the most appropriate format, making it easily accessible to both internal and external customers

Technical / Professional

To be responsible for applying specialist procurement and contract management knowledge and expertise to take ownership for the development and implementation of procurement and contract management strategies, policies, processes and procedures.

To ensure that applicable policy and governance documents are fit for purpose and support a consistency of approach across the councils’ and partner organisations to maximise value from their expenditure with third parties.

To be responsible for ensuring that both Councils procurement and contract management strategies, policies, processes and procedures are compliant with procurement regulations, statutory requirements and policy

To ensure that all procurement and contract management policies and guidance are up to date and available electronically to both Councils.

To design, develop and deliver a training programme, using direct training or eLearning format, to ensure all stakeholders involved in procurement and contract management are trained on leading best practice on commercial matters, including procurement and contract management.

To resolve complex technical policy, process and procedures issues through the provision of sound professional judgement and strong procurement and contract management knowledge providing support to the function’s leadership team.

To develop and implement a procurement and contract management behaviours and competency framework to ensure all stakeholders have the appropriate skills and standards to maximise the effectiveness of procurement and contract management.

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.