Are you looking to join an outstanding team of procurement professionals? A friendly and dedicated team who are committed to driving positive change. If you have experience of public sector procurement and are looking for a fresh challenge, in a welcoming team environment, we have the perfect opportunity for you!

About the Role

This is a management role within the Commercial & Procurement Team which supports the wider Commercial Team – People Services. Focussing on the procurement and development of ‘People’ based services the team covers a wide area of responsibility which includes service design, the provision of procurement advice, offering challenge to and advice on the way existing services are commissioned and end to end procurement project management.

The Commercial and Procurement Manager role is at the forefront of much of the Council's most important commercial work. Being directly responsible for the successful design and procurement of essential social care services, the post holder will act as a leader in commercial excellence for Lincolnshire County Council. Being at the heart of a fast moving, skilled and dynamic team this role offers the opportunity to work at the cutting edge of public sector commercial work as well as to help deliver vital social care services.

Reporting to the Senior Strategic Commercial and Procurement Manager, you will lead a team of Commercial & Procurement Officers and be responsible for the delivery of an ambitious work plan. In doing so you will ensure value for money for the Council and positive outcomes for the people of Lincolnshire.

The role will be fulfilling from both a professional and personal perspective. It is about making a positive contribution to the community, whilst also developing your professional knowledge and skills.

About you

To be effective in this role you will ideally be:

• Educated to degree level (ideally with a commercial or legal focus), hold an MCIPS qualification, or hold equivalent professional qualifications;
• An expert in public sector procurement
• Experienced in social care
• A strong leader that thrives on challenge
• Commercially minded with a good understanding of obtaining good value from contracted services
• Able to develop and maintain strong working relationships, including with Senior Leaders, and having strong negotiation skills; and
• Forward thinking and keen to embed new ways of thinking/working

In return we will offer you a unique opportunity to join a highly regarded team in a role that provides variety, challenge and an opportunity for you to impart your knowledge and expertise to drive positive change for residents throughout Lincolnshire.

About our offer

Appointment to the role will be offered at a salary of between £47,573 and £54,649 (depending on skills and experience).

Our comprehensive range of additional benefits includes:-

• Membership of the Local Government Pension Scheme, widely recognised as one of the leading contributory pension schemes on the market.

• An annual leave entitlement of 28 days (increased after 5 years’ continuous local government service), together with Bank Holidays and the option to purchase additional leave

• Varied local and national discount schemes, plus cycle to work and green car leasing initiatives

• ‘Smarter Working’ - flexible working patterns encompassing home and office-based working, and flexi-time

• Comprehensive wellbeing offer for all staff, including dedicated occupational health support

• Professional support, learning and development, with internal and external training opportunities and the payment of one professional subscription per annum where appropriate

Further details can be found in our rewards and benefits brochure

We think Lincolnshire is a fantastic place to live and work, offering everything from historic cities through scenic countryside and market towns, to miles of wide coastal beaches, For more about the many benefits of living and working in Lincolnshire, please check out Health and Social Care Careers in Lincolnshire | Be in Lincolnshire

About the Team

The Commercial Team - People Services is responsible for the procurement and contract management of over 600 Adult Care and Community Wellbeing contracts, with an extensive work programme planned for the next five years. The programme includes Adult Social Care Services, Public Health and support to Children's Services. The combined annual spend of this activity is over £300 million p.a. and the programme includes a very diverse range of Procurement, Contract Management and Market Development projects. The team is responsible for ensuring contracts are commissioned, procured, and managed in a way that ensures value for money and legal compliance; at the same time as ensuring a safe, effective and positive service is delivered to the residents of Lincolnshire.

The team offers a friendly and welcoming environment, with excellent managerial and peer support, and frequent opportunities for training and development. New starters are offered a comprehensive induction programme and mentoring opportunities are available. The team has successfully embraced the Smarter Working Policy and operates on a mixture of home- and office-based working, embracing a healthy work/life balance. The team’s nominal work location is the modern premises of Lancaster House, situated on the main County Council campus in the heart of the historic Lincoln city centre, just a stone’s throw from the renowned leisure attractions of Brayford Waterfront.

Next Steps

If you have any questions about the role or would like more information please contact Carl Miller, Senior Strategic Commercial & Procurement Manager, via email carl.miller@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 07879 412886 or Fergus Gilmour, Commercial & Procurement Manager, via e-mail Fergus.Gilmour2@lincolnshire.gov.uk or phone 07920 708341.

Closing Date: 14th May 2023

Interviews: Provisionally scheduled for week commencing 5th June 2023

We look forward to receiving your application!

A Smarter Working Employer

We have embraced new ways of working and hybrid working between home and work will be a feature of this role. You will be given a nominated contractual work base and you will be required to commute to this work base when necessary. Working arrangements including regularity of home and office working will be discussed as part of the appointment process.

Our technology platform and equipment is very good enabling you to connect and collaborate remotely. We require that you have in place good connectivity, and we will discuss during the recruitment process if support with this is needed.

Please be advised that this position may be subject to a criminal record check.

All candidates are advised to read the attached job information pack prior to making an application.

On occasion we receive significantly more applications than expected for some vacancies and under such circumstances we reserve the right to bring forward the closing date of the advertisement. We therefore strongly advise you to apply for the role promptly to avoid disappointment should the closing date be brought forward.

We operate a talent pool scheme whereby candidates who are not successful on this occasion may be considered for a period of up to 3 months for equal positions.

Lincolnshire County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

Fluency Duty

In accordance with Part 7 of the Immigration Act 2016 (Fluency Duty), the ability to converse at ease with customers and provide advice in accurate spoken English is essential for the post.