Procurement Manager (Temporary – Maternity Cover) for up to 12months.

An established public-sector organisation is seeking an experienced Procurement Manager to provide maternity cover within a senior, high-impact role. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled procurement professional to lead strategic commercial activity and deliver value for money within a complex and highly regulated environment.

The Role

The Procurement Manager will be responsible for directing and managing all commercial aspects of third-party spend on behalf of the organisation. The post holder will provide expert procurement, commercial and contractual advice across the organisation, supporting senior stakeholders, budget holders and project teams to ensure compliance with legislation, governance frameworks and best practice.

The role has a strong strategic and operational focus and is designed to deliver continuous improvements, efficiencies and savings through effective procurement planning, category strategies and end-to-end procurement activity.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide professional guidance, advice and training on commissioning, procurement and contract management to senior and budget managers, ensuring adherence to policies, procedures and legislation.
• Identify and manage critical suppliers, working with stakeholders to ensure effective supplier relationships and addressing service failures where required.
• Maintain and publish a contracts register in line with transparency requirements, advising on contract expiries and supporting re-tendering and replacement arrangements.
• Identify opportunities for efficiencies through collaboration with other public-sector bodies and ensure commercial rigour is applied to sourcing strategies.
• Ensure procurement strategies, standing orders and contract regulations remain up to date and are complied with across the organisation.
• Lead the review and management of existing contracts, using spend analysis to identify opportunities, risks and potential non-compliance.
• Manage and develop the Procurement Team, ensuring work is prioritised effectively, deadlines are met and compliant e-Tendering and e-requisitioning systems are in place and used effectively.
• Represent the organisation at meetings with suppliers, stakeholders, project boards and partner organisations.

About You

• Significant experience in public-sector procurement and commercial management.
• Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, governance and best practice.
• Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders and provide clear, pragmatic advice.
• Experience managing and developing a procurement or commercial team.
• A collaborative, solutions-focused approach with strong communication skills.

Additional Information

• Contract type: Temporary (Maternity Cover)
• Budget responsibility: Circa £300k (excluding salaries)
• Impact: Organisation-wide responsibility for third-party spend
• Location: Bedfordshire (with flexibility, subject to requirements)

This role offers the opportunity to make a meaningful impact within a public-sector organisation delivering essential services, working in a collaborative environment with a strong focus on value, governance and continuous improvement.

If this sounds like you, please apply online now or call Kristine at Reed Milton Keynes office for further information.