Assistant Procurement Specialist

Scotland Excel is the national centre of procurement expertise for the local government sector in Scotland. Due to continued growth in demand and an internal promotion, we are seeking two Assistant Procurement Specialists to join our Contract Delivery team.

You will support the delivery of national collaborative frameworks, helping local authorities achieve best value while ensuring compliance with relevant procurement legislation and policies.

Key Responsibilities

• Support the delivery and management of Scotland Excel frameworks in line with approved procurement processes
• Assist with supplier engagement activities, including surveys, site visits, and negotiations
• Monitor supplier and contract performance, identifying risks and supporting mitigation actions
• Prepare reports and analysis to support contract management and performance monitoring
• Support the preparation, issue and evaluation of tender documentation
• Maintain accurate contract data and update relevant publications
• Liaise with Customer Account Managers to ensure effective contract delivery and resolve issues
• Contribute to sustainable procurement practices and continuous improvement initiatives

Qualifications

• HNC, SVQ Level 3 in a business-related subject, or equivalent experience
• Willingness to work towards Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) membership (or equivalent)

Skills & Competencies

• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills
• Ability to engage effectively with colleagues, customers and suppliers
• Flexible, proactive approach with the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Strong focus on customer service and continuous improvement

Experience

• Experience in procurement, local authority, or a related environment
• Experience of stakeholder, customer and supplier engagement
• Ability to analyse data and contribute to performance monitoring
• Awareness of e-procurement systems and tools
• Financial or budgetary awareness (desirable)

You will play a key role in supporting collaborative procurement across Scotland, contributing to efficient, effective and sustainable public sector services.

The following values are at the heart of everything we do at Scotland Excel and the successful candidate will be expected the demonstrate these daily:

• Professional
• Respectful
• Courageous
• Integrity

About Scotland Excel

Scotland Excel is an award-winning Centre of Procurement Expertise providing a wide range of procurement, commissioning, consultancy, and learning and development services for our members.

Since 2008, we have helped to establish procurement as an effective driver for local and national economic growth and wellbeing. Our £2bn portfolio of collaborative contracts supports the delivery of savings, social value, community benefits, fair work practices and environmental policy, and covers a wide range of public services including construction, roads, transport, environment, corporate and education.

Scotland Excel also develops and manages arrangements which support the commissioning of care services for children and adults. Our national care contracts are developed in partnership with care professionals, including care providers, to support person-centred outcomes embedded within national policy.

We also provide procurement and consultancy services to help our members get the most from their procurement resources, ranging from ad-hoc tendering support through to transformation programmes and strategic procurement partnerships.

The Scotland Excel Academy offers applied learning programmes leading to accredited qualifications in procurement, leadership and management, coaching and mentoring, project management and business analysis, as well as short courses and workshops.

Scotland Excel is a non-profit organisation working with members from across the public sector including local authorities, health and social care partnerships, housing associations, and other public and third sector organisations.

As well as a competitive salary, you will have:

• Access to a defined benefits pension with Strathclyde Pension Fund. Current combined contribution of employee and employer varies depending on earnings but can be between 24-32%
• A generous holiday allowance of 33 days including public holidays. This increases on a sliding scale up to an additional ten days subject to length of service
• Flexible working opportunities including hybrid working and a nine-day fortnight
• Access to staff discounts through Vivup employee benefit platform
• Time off during office closure over Christmas and New Year (included in holiday allowance)
• Our commitment to employee engagement including regular corporate and team events as recently recognised by us retaining Gold Investors In People Award
• A wealth of training opportunities including from our own award-winning Academy

How to apply

Scotland Excel celebrates diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. We encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

Candidates with disabilities are guaranteed an interview providing they meet the essential requirements for the position. If you have a disability, please make us aware when submitting your application.

All applicants will be asked to provide proof of their right to work in the UK, and any offer of employment will be conditional upon verifying documentary evidence before employment commences.

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