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Assistant Category Manager

Employing force: Hertfordshire

Grade: 

  • Essex - Scale 6

  • Kent - D 

  • Bedfordshire - Sc 6/SO1

  • Cambridgeshire - Scale 5 

  • Hertfordshire - A4

  • Norfolk/Suffolk - E

Salary:​ £25,380 - £30,951 per annum

Annual leave: 25 days, increasing to 29 days after 5 years

District / Department: 7 Force Procurement Department

Location: Dependent on appointment

Reporting to: 7F Category Manager

Duration: Permanent

Purpose of the Role

Undertake category related procurement activities including market development, tendering, implementation, and monitoring of procurement contracts across the 7 Forces. These will typically be up to £250k in value, across the Property, ICT and Corporate and Operational categories. Monitor the key market suppliers in terms of performance and stability, highlighting and tracking risks where appropriate within their portfolio. Support the Category work-streams with the management of customers, communications, documents, events, information and procedures in order to operate effectively, and efficiently.

 

Provide general procurement advice to relevant stakeholder teams across the 7 Forces to enable them to deliver their objectives against the individual Policing Plans which they are held accountable for. Maintain visibility to the relevant key stakeholders across the 7 Forces and gain their trust and support.

Main Responsibilities 

  • Undertake effective tendering activity for the whole procurement life cycle, in accordance with PCR 2015;  implementation, monitoring and development of existing contracts for the 7 Forces, including negotiating and setting contract specifications, in-conjunction with the Client lead, and when required with supervision from the Category manager.  Must ensure all procurement activity are cost effective and obtain value for money for the goods and services and must meet the Force’s specifications.

  • Act as a source of information about working procedures, information sources, documentation and staff in the procurement Function across the 7 Forces. Be able to identify where process improvements can be made. Be responsible for the management of electronic catalogues within the Category work-streams.

  • Carry out research on new projects within the Category work-stream and present recommendations to the lead business stakeholder, as required.

  • Help identify and explore commercial and contracting opportunities under the direction of the Category lead that will help forces improve operational performance, and reduce costs.

  • Manage and develop supplier relationships and on-going negotiations for the assigned category using procurement tools such as cost trend analysis, interpreting financial models and supplier performance reviews to monitor the quality and timeliness of goods and services provided, identifying and mitigating risks and supporting the client in addressing poor performance, ensuring an effective and efficient service is maintained to support the 7 Forces.

  • Identify, and where possible, help mitigate risks for the 7 Forces ensuring that all such contracts are operated in accordance with Financial Regulations, Contract Standing Orders, national/EU guidelines and best practice.

  • Provide advice, guidance, assistance and training to those internal stakeholders who are responsible for ensuring contract management oversight on the contracts that they are accountable for. This is in order to drive best value from contracts held, ensuring that all contracts are operated in accordance with relevant national/EU guidelines and best practice (including the 7F Procurement S22a), OPCC Regulations and obligations, and are cost effective which meet overarching force requirements.

  • Assist in the development of strong customer relationships with the designated Forces.  Maintain an awareness of their specific issues, planned changes and developments in those forces.

  • Advise Forces on the availability of contracts and encourage the take up of new contracts and frameworks available to the designated Forces.

  • Assist the Category work-stream leads in monitoring, analysing and following up on contract reviews for the designated Forces.

  • Lead (under line-management supervision) in the contract management and the periodic reviews of existing contracts. Work with the Commercial work-stream to identify and implement any best-practice methodologies that can be shared throughout the Function and wider 7 Force collaboration.

Note: This list is not exhaustive

Necessary Experience

Skills and abilities:

  • Good verbal and written communication skills.

  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to confidently liaise with staff/officers and understand their objectives.

  • Effective administrative and organisational skills.

  • Computer literate (including ERP)

  • Ability to manage complex documents and information submitted as part of the suppliers’ tender response

  • Be able to identify opportunities to help drive through change and develop and enhance an integrated function across the seven forces

  • Good organisational, time management and project management skills in order to ensure delivery of results to agreed deadlines

  • Ability to travel as required throughout the 7 Forces region.

Qualifications / Education / Training: 

  • The post holder will hold CIPS Level 4 in-line with the CIPS structure guidance or be able to clearly evidence equivalent levels of experience, technical knowledge and expertise by having worked as a Procurement professional for a public sector organisation. (Essential)

Work Experience and Knowledge:

  • At least 3 years’ experience working in a category management or wider procurement function. To be able to quickly grasp the individual nuances applicable to the Property, ICT and Corporate ad Operations work-streams. (Essential)

  • Broad knowledge and understanding of contract law and the application of EU Public Procurement Regulations and legislation. This is to include developing specifications, preparing and evaluating tenders, including those operating under framework arrangements and EU directives. (Essential)

  • Experience of working with a blue light organisation (Desirable)

Competency and Values Framework for Policing

Values

 

Impartiality:

I take into account individual needs and requirements in all of my actions. I understand that treating everyone fairly does not mean everyone is treated the same. I always give people an equal opportunity to express their views. I communicate with everyone, making sure the most relevant message is provided to all. I value everyone's views and opinions by actively listening to understand their perspective. I make fair and objective decisions using the best available evidence. I enable everyone to have equal access to services and information, where appropriate.

 

Integrity:

I always act in line with the values of the police service and the Code of Ethics for the benefit of the public. I demonstrate courage in doing the right thing, even in challenging situations. I enhance the reputation of my organisation and the wider police service through my actions and behaviours. I challenge colleagues whose behaviour, attitude and language falls below the public's and the service's expectations. I am open and responsive to challenge about my actions and words. I declare any conflicts of interest at the earliest opportunity. I am respectful of the authority and influence my position gives me. I use resources effectively and efficiently and not for personal benefit.

 

Public Service:

I act in the interest of the public, first and foremost. I am motivated by serving the public, ensuring that I provide the best service possible at all times. I seek to understand the needs of others to act in their best interests. I adapt to address the needs and concerns of different communities. I tailor my communication to be appropriate and respectful to my audience. I take into consideration how others want to be treated when interacting with them. I treat people respectfully regardless of the circumstances. I share credit with everyone involved in delivering services.

 

Transparency:

I ensure that my decision-making rationale is clear and considered so that it is easily understood by others. I am clear and comprehensive when communicating with others. I am open and honest about my areas for development and I strive to improve. I give an accurate representation of my actions and records. I recognise the value of feedback and act on it. I give constructive and accurate feedback. I represent the opinions of others accurately and consistently. I am consistent and truthful in my communications. I maintain confidentiality appropriately.

Behaviours

 

Analyse Critically:

Level 1 - I recognise the need to think critically about issues. I value the use of analysis and testing in policing. I take in information quickly and accurately. I am able to separate information and decide whether it is irrelevant or relevant and its importance. I solve problems proactively by understanding the reasons behind them, using learning from evidence and my experiences to take action. I refer to procedures and precedents as necessary before making decisions. I weigh up the pros and cons of possible actions, thinking about potential risks and using this thinking to inform our decisions. I recognise gaps and inconsistencies in information and think about the potential implications. I make decisions in alignment with our mission, values and the Code of Ethics.

 

Collaborative:

Level 1 - I work cooperatively with others to get things done, willingly giving help and support to colleagues. I am approachable, and explain things well so that I generate a common understanding. I take the time to get to know others and their perspective in order to build rapport. I treat people with respect as individuals and address their specific needs and concerns. I am open and transparent in my relationships with others. I ensure I am clear and appropriate in my communications.

 

Deliver, Support and Inspire:

Level 1 - I take on challenging tasks to help to improve the service continuously and support my colleagues. I understand how my work contributes to the wider police service. I understand it is part of my collective responsibility to deliver efficient services. I take personal responsibility for making sure that I am working effectively to deliver the best service, both individually and with others. I am conscientious in my approach, working hard to provide the best service and to overcome any obstacles that could prevent or hinder delivery. I support the efficient use of resources to create the most value and to deliver the right impact. I keep up to date with changes in internal and external environments. I am a role model for the behaviours I expect to see in others and I act in the best interests of the public and the police service.

 

Emotionally Aware:

Level 1 - I treat others with respect, tolerance and compassion. I acknowledge and respect a range of different perspectives, values and beliefs within the remit of the law. I remain calm and think about how to best manage the situation when faced with provocation. I understand my own emotions and I know which situations might affect my ability to deal with stress and pressure. I ask for help and support when I need it. I understand the value that diversity offers. I communicate in clear and simple language so that I can be easily understood by others. I seek to understand the thoughts and concerns of others even when they are unable to express themselves clearly.

 

Innovative and Open-minded:

Level 1 - I demonstrate an openness to changing ideas, perceptions and ways of working. I share suggestions with colleagues, speaking up to help improve existing working methods and practices. I constantly reflect on my own way of working and periodically review processes and procedures for continuous improvements. I adapt to change and am flexible as the need arises while encouraging others to do the same. I learn from my experiences and do not let myself be unduly influenced by preconceptions.

 

Take Ownership:

Level 1 – I actively identify and respond to problems. I approach tasks with enthusiasm, focusing on public service excellence. I regularly seek feedback to understand the quality of my work and the impact of my behaviour. I recognise where I can help others and willingly take on additional tasks to support them, where appropriate. I give feedback to others that I make sure is understandable and constructive. I take responsibility for my own actions, I fulfil my promises and do what I say I will. I will admit if I have made a mistake and take action to rectify this. I demonstrate pride in representing the police service. I understand my own strengths and areas for development and take responsibility for my own learning to address gaps.

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