Job Description

Procurement is much more than buying the goods, services or works the public sector need. Colleagues in the profession balance cost, quality and time considerations. It’s also about ensuring we use our collective spending power to innovate and to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework.

Expressions of interest are invited on a level transfer basis for a B2 Procurement Portfolio Specialist within the Corporate and Professional Services Collaborative Procurement Team of the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate. The Corporate and Professional Services (C&PS) Team procures and manages a range of Frameworks and Contracts on behalf of the whole of the Scottish public sector.

As a Procurement Portfolio Specialist you will regularly engage with a wide variety of stakeholders and suppliers providing procurement and commercial activities ensuring compliance with the public procurement regulations and delivering value for money outcomes supporting the government’s sustainability agenda.

The level of Delegated Purchasing Authority for this role is commonly in the region of £2 million. The team’s role is to drive the realisation of identifiable monetary savings for the Scottish public sector, and contribute to the wider government economic agenda including improving business for SMEs and delivering the Sustainability agenda, in particular in relation to Climate Change and Fair Work First criteria. This will be achieved through the deployment of innovative sourcing techniques and ongoing procurement and supplier management methods.

The post holder will report to the B3 Senior Portfolio Specialist, C&PS who is based in Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.

Responsibilities

• Lead the development, planning, and implementation of procurement strategies for low-to-medium value, low-to-medium risk procurements, optimising value for money across the Scottish Government.
• Support the development, planning, and implementation of procurement strategies for high-value, high-risk procurements.
• Undertake the complete end-to-end procurement process, from initial conception through the full procurement cycle to contract award.
• Work effectively with a wide range of key stakeholders, including customers, colleagues, and external markets, to deliver credible procurement strategies and contracts.
• Actively manage suppliers and engage with customers, advising them on contractual agreements and options using product and market knowledge.
• Work flexibly within the team, Division, and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan.

Qualifications

Evidence of a commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of CIPS Level 4 Diploma, WCC Practitioner Certification or relevant equivalent*; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post.

* ‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attaining an accreditation once in post.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact claudio.swinton@gov.scot

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.