Category Lead - People Services

6 Month Contract With A local Authority
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Job Purpose

To lead and manage procurement activity across the People Services category, ensuring procurement strategies and programmes support the Council’s corporate objectives, service priorities, and Medium Term Financial Strategy.

The postholder will provide expert procurement leadership and strategic advice across a diverse portfolio including Social Care, Education, Public Health, Welfare Services, Supported Accommodation, and Homelessness services. The role is responsible for ensuring procurement activity delivers value for money, complies with relevant legislation and governance requirements, and supports continuous service improvement.

The role will also deputise for the Head of Procurement where required.

Key Responsibilities
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• Lead procurement activity across the People Services category including Adults and Children’s Social Care, Public Health, Education, Welfare Services, Supported Accommodation, and Homelessness services.


• Develop and implement category procurement strategies and plans that deliver value for money and support service objectives.


• Ensure procurement activity complies with the Procurement Act 2023, NHS Provider Selection Regime, Contract Standing Orders, and Council governance procedures.


• Provide high\-level specialist procurement advice and support to senior managers, project managers, and contract managers.


• Lead and manage procurement projects from initiation through to implementation and contract award.


• Oversee tendering, contract negotiations, supplier management, and contract monitoring activities.


• Develop innovative procurement and contracting solutions to meet complex service requirements.


• Monitor procurement performance, risks, compliance, and delivery against agreed objectives and performance indicators.


• Lead negotiations with suppliers to secure best value while maintaining service quality and business continuity.


• Support the development and implementation of procurement systems, programme management frameworks, and best practice processes.


• Manage and mentor procurement staff, project managers, consultants, and junior team members where appropriate.


• Lead investigations, procurement reviews, and sensitive contract management activities as required.


• Promote continuous improvement, training, and skills development across procurement and contract management functions.


• Ensure compliance with health and safety, GDPR, equal opportunities, and Council policies and procedures.


• Support emergency planning and business continuity arrangements within the service area.

• Significant experience in procurement, contract management, and commissioning within a complex public sector environment.


• Strong knowledge of procurement legislation, governance frameworks, and contract management best practice.


• Experience leading high\-value procurement projects and managing supplier relationships.


• Understanding of procurement within People Services including Social Care, Public Health, Housing, or Education.


• Strong leadership, stakeholder management, and negotiation skills.


• Experience managing teams, projects, and multiple competing priorities.


• Excellent communication, analytical, and problem\-solving skills.


• Ability to influence senior stakeholders and work collaboratively across departments.


• Knowledge of risk management, programme management, and performance monitoring frameworks.


• Commitment to equality, customer service, and continuous improvement.

Location: Royal Borough of Greenwich

Hours per Week: 35 Hours

Payment Schedule: Bi\-Weekly Pay

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