Head of Collaborative Procurement-ID 2023-5919

Applications are invited for a C3-level senior commercial professional to lead the 4 Collaborative Procurement teams (around 40 FTE in total) which sit within the National Collaborative Procurement Division of the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate (SPPD).  The teams (ICT; Utilities; Corporate & Professional Services; and Construction) procure and manage a range of high value/ complex/ high risk frameworks and contracts on behalf of the whole of the Scottish public sector, plus a smaller number of Central Government sector collaborative agreements.   Spend under management in  22/23 was approx. £1.2bn p.a across more than 60 agreements, with savings of around £120m.

The team’s role is to drive the realisation of identifiable monetary savings for the Scottish public sector, and contribute to the wider Scottish Government economic agenda including improving opportunities for SMEs and delivering on Sustainability, 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 role-holder will be responsible for the development of all aspects of a high quality Procurement and Commercial team as well as contributing to the  strategic management of the National Collaborative Procurement Division . The successful candidate will also fulfil the role of Deputy Division Head and will be part of the Division’s Senior Management Team.   

– You will be responsible for all aspects of commercial and procurement governance for Scottish Government-led collaborative procurement, demonstrating high quality commercial skills and compliance with the full public procurement rules. This will include leading a team of procurement professionals in the development, planning and implementation of procurement and commercial strategies for complex high value, high risk, diverse portfolios of procurements.

–  You will provide clear direction and leadership to those within the team, and also external stakeholders to encourage the delivery of SPPD business objectives.
–  You will engage and influence senior stakeholders to maximise uptake of collaborative frameworks and contracts.
–  You will work across the organisation, sharing experience and input to the identification and deployment of best practice.
–  You will advise on legal, policy and other requirements pertaining to collaborative procurement.
–  You will drive delivery through leading and accelerating benefits for the Scottish public sector. You will realise identifiable savings and other benefits to the wider government economic and sustainability agenda.

–  You will proactively manage and develop the supply base.
–  You will work flexibly both within the Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan.
–  You will promote flexible working across the team and contribute to best practice initiatives.

–  You will push boundaries with innovative approaches.

–  You will oversee the introduction, embedding and ongoing operation of the new Management Charge for certain collaborative agreements.

1.  Strong knowledge and experience in all aspects of the full end-to-end procurement process with clear working knowledge of public procurement legislation. 

2. Experience in strategic procurement techniques, supplier management, commercial risk management and negotiation will be essential.
3. You will be required to lead, motivate and develop a team of procurement professionals comprising around 40 FTE. Excellent leadership and people management skills are essential.
4.  You will be required to engage with and influence senior management and stakeholders to maximise collaboration and to build strong networks and partnerships.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%

Job contact :

• Name : Calum Elliot
• Email : calum.elliot@gov.scot

Recruitment team

• Email : ScottishGovernmentrecruitment@gov.scot