Procurement Business Partner

One of our clients is looking for an experienced Procurement Business Partner to join its Procurement and Commercial Team.

This is a senior procurement position offering the opportunity to play a key role in shaping and delivering strategic procurement and commercial activity across the organisation, working closely with senior stakeholders to deliver value, improve outcomes and support the Council's priorities.

About the role

You will provide strategic procurement and contract management expertise across your allocated service areas. You'll work closely with Directors, commissioners and service teams to develop and deliver sourcing strategies, category plans and commercial approaches that deliver best value, savings and improved outcomes.

You'll take a strategic approach to procurement, using market intelligence and commercial insight to identify opportunities, challenge existing approaches and develop innovative solutions.

The role will also involve leading and overseeing significant procurement and commercial projects, including negotiations with suppliers, contract management, supplier relationship management and performance improvement.

You'll be expected to build strong relationships with internal stakeholders and the supplier market, providing trusted advice and constructive challenge while ensuring procurement activity is compliant with legislation, Council policies and best practice.

The role manages their corporate category, which also includes waste, facilities, fleet, West Midlands Pension Fund and it also includes line management of 3 members of staff.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the development and delivery of strategic sourcing and contract management strategies.
• Develop category plans and ensure procurement activity is aligned with the Council's strategic priorities.
• Lead significant tender and procurement exercises from strategy through to implementation.
• Undertake market analysis and use commercial intelligence to identify opportunities for savings and improved value.
• Provide strategic procurement and commercial advice to senior stakeholders and service areas.
• Lead negotiations with suppliers and bidders on major and strategic projects.
• Oversee the commercial management and performance of strategic contracts.
• Develop effective supplier relationship management approaches and address performance issues where required.
• Ensure procurement activity complies with relevant legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, Council policies and best practice.
• Identify and manage commercial and procurement risks, working closely with Legal, Finance, Audit and other stakeholders.
• Prepare reports, recommendations and briefings for senior management.
• Support service areas with procurement and contract management guidance, training and advice.
• Manage and develop members of the procurement team, supporting performance, development and continuous improvement.
• Deputise for the Head of Procurement and Commercial when required.

About you

We're looking for an experienced procurement professional who can operate confidently at a senior level and act as a trusted commercial partner to stakeholders across the organisation.

You'll need significant experience of:

• Strategic procurement and sourcing.
• Leading complex tender processes.
• Procurement and contract management.
• Developing procurement and category strategies.
• Supplier relationship and performance management.
• Commercial negotiations.
• Using procurement data and market intelligence to inform strategy.
• Managing and developing teams.
• Working collaboratively across different functions and disciplines.

You will also have a strong understanding of public sector procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, together with excellent influencing, negotiation, analytical and communication skills.

Experience within a local authority or similar public sector organisation would be particularly valuable, although relevant procurement experience from the commercial or provider sector will also be considered.

Qualifications

You'll ideally hold MCIPS status or be working towards Level 6, or have an appropriate category-specific degree and relevant professional membership.

PRINCE2 Foundation or Practitioner would also be desirable.

Contact Liam Jones on or