Senior Procurement & Contracts Manager (12-month Fixed Term/Secondment contract) – London Fire Brigade

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The London Fire Brigade (LFB) is in the early stages of a multi-year transformation journey. This aims of this transformation are to provide the capabilities, capacity, and resiliency to enable LFB to provide the best possible service to London and Londoners.

As part of this, the Commercial and Procurement team is likewise transforming to introduce a robust end-to-end category management capability. We are seeking enthusiastic, passionate, and experienced Procurement Professionals to join our team for this exciting journey!

The Senior Procurement and Contracts Manager will support the Professional Services Category team in developing and managing the sourcing strategy and contracting process on behalf of our Professional Services stakeholders. This includes the timely production of compliant public contracts sourcing plans and contract awards; ongoing supplier performance and risk management; development of market analysis and multi-year category plans in pursuit of the team’s transformation plan; use and promotion of procurement data analytics and MI; proactive and reliable stakeholder engagement; and ensuring that actions and issues are dealt with promptly and meet the function’s performance targets.

Applicants should have a good working knowledge of public contracts regulations (and be aware of the upcoming regulatory change to the new Procurement Act 2023) and will have to demonstrate an understanding of sourcing and contract award methodologies within a Professional Services category focusing on training & development. They will also have experience of working flexibly in a team and responding effectively to changing priorities to meet deadlines or targets.

We are looking for someone with hands-on experience in this field, with strong interpersonal skills and who can communicate both verbally and in writing to a high standard. They will have experience of common procurement tools and databases (including Microsoft 365 applications and SharePoint sites).

This role is part of a team and is expected to manage time effectively and be able to deputise to the Contract and Procurement Manager as required.

Further information about the main duties and responsibilities of the role are detailed in the job description. If you are unable to see the job description please visit our jobs pages at https://jobs.london-fire.gov.uk/alljobs/ to access the full advert.

We value the diversity of our employees and aim to recruit a workforce which reflects our diverse communities across London. The London Fire Commissioner is an Equal Opportunities Employer and we positively welcome applications from all suitably qualified individuals, irrespective of people’s age, disability, gender, race or ethnicity, religion or belief, sexual orientation, or other personal circumstances. We have guidance in place to ensure that all applicants are treated fairly and consistently at every stage of the recruitment process, including the consideration of reasonable adjustments for people who have a disability.

Assessment Overview

Stage 1

Online application, CV and cover letter (sift).

To apply, please complete the online application, provide a cover letter clearly outlining the relevant experience, skills and knowledge you have to successfully perform this role (max 400 words) and upload a copy of your up-to-date CV. Please note that we will review and score the cover letter based against the competencies highlighted in the selection criteria section of the job description. The CV is for information purposes only and will not be marked. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to stage 2.

Please ensure you give yourself enough time to complete and submit your application. Late or un-submitted applications cannot be accepted.

Please note any correspondence received from us will be via e-mail and sent to the address you provide on your application form.

Stage 2

Assessment for this role is due to take place W/C 22 July 2024. Please be advised that if you are unable to make the scheduled assessment date, we may not be able to make alternative arrangements.

Please note: Should you be shortlisted you will be invited to an interview at the London Fire Brigade HQ, 169 Union Street, London, SE1 0LL or exceptionally via Microsoft Teams (a video conferencing service). You will be asked to provide relevant contact details for that to take place if shortlisted.

Additional Information

Benefits of working for LFB
• 26 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
• Option Absence Scheme (which can result in an additional 12 days annual leave for staff at this grade)
• Hybrid working (2 days a week in the office – subject to meeting project demands)
• Flexible working including job share
• Welfare Scheme
• Use of Brigade Medical Adviser/physios
• Season ticket loans
• Equality Support Groups
• Contributory Pension Scheme
• Cycle to work scheme
• Opportunity to access affordable accommodation

In line with the Basic Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) employment checks will be completed by successful candidates, which will include a Standard criminal records check. Successful candidate will be required to declare any convictions for offences and any offer of employment is subject to the LFC receiving a criminal records disclosure which it considers satisfactory.