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Responsible for leading, shaping, and delivering compliant and innovative procurement across the organisation. This role ensures alignment with government policy, maximises commercial value, and supports the delivery of strategic outcomes through high-quality supplier engagement and contract management. The postholder will play a key role in embedding the Procurement Act 2023, championing best practice, and mentoring internal stakeholders in their responsibilities.
Job Responsibility:
Lead the development and implementation of the procurement strategy in line with Defra group commercial policy
Act as the organisation's procurement expert, advising senior management and programme leads on complex or high-risk procurements
Ensure full compliance with the Procurement Act 2023, UK Public Contracts Regulations (PCRs), and Cabinet Office guidance
Oversee governance of procurement activity, including pipeline reporting, assurance of procurement routes, and contract registers
Lead pre-procurement planning, ensuring robust business cases, route-to-market decisions, and early market engagement
Implement and manage the organisational Scheme of Delegation for commercial approvals
Maintain auditable records and ensure procurements are defensible and transparent
Support sustainable procurement, social value, modern slavery, and net zero targets in line with Defra and UK Government policy
Identify opportunities for process improvement, automation, and innovation (e.g., through use of AI or digital tools).
Requirements:
Demonstrable experience in public sector procurement, including end-to-end tendering and contract management
Strong understanding of public procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, and its practical implications
Proven ability to influence senior stakeholders, provide strategic advice, and deliver training or policy guidance
Excellent communication and drafting skills, especially in developing procurement documentation, guidance notes, and debrief letters
Strong analytical and risk assessment capability with a focus on value for money, probity, and audit compliance
Experience in the production of and review of contracts.
What we offer:
28% civil service pension
25 days annual leave rising to 30 with service plus 12 days public privilege leave
Flexible working options (flexitime)
Excellent hybrid option - only 1-2 days per month required on site (Peterborough, Aberdeen or Cardiff depending on which is closest)
Competitive salary between £41,525 and £45,525 depending on CIPS status (up to 4k allowance for MCIPS).