Essex County Council (ECC) has one of the largest purchasing budgets in the country and is one of the most efficient councils, being in the Top 10 ranked (Impower).  As Procurement Director, you will take responsibility for the procurement practices, category strategies, professional advice and commercial assurance for ECC, helping us delivered our strategic objectives.  You will work closely with the leadership and politicians in looking for opportunities to shape the market and respond to national policy & challenging time to lead procurement.

The challenge

In this strategic, highly influential position, you’ll use your extensive professional knowledge to develop, drive and evolve the frameworks which enable us to procure excellent services for our customers, whilst identifying opportunities to drive value with other organisations through effective partnership working.  You will bring your commercial flair and ideas to help drive value and better outcomes for Essex residents, including ideas to drive social value from the supply chain – a critical part of our COVID recovery.

You’ll build and manage critical relationships with multiple senior stakeholders across the Council; the Chief Executive and Leader of the Council, other Members and Officers, partners and the community to support our long-term visions.  We will look to you to create and build networks across Essex public sector partners and the wider sector identifying best practice and innovation and bringing that back to Essex.  We’ll look to you to lead and develop strategies across all elements of procurement, whilst anticipating and predicting the long-term impact of national and international developments.

There is some £1.2 billion p/a in the market, and you will lead a team of high-calibre professionals in a centralised professional hub to support the management, shaping and sourcing. You will apply your deep understanding of current and future government policies and effective procurement performance information to ensure best outcomes for Essex. 

Your skills and experience

We’re looking for proven experience of developing and implementing business planning and performance management frameworks in a multi-disciplinary and partnership environment, not only in terms of team and task management but also providing strategic direction, leading on best practice and change management.

Experienced in creating and proactively leading change initiatives in a complex, rapidly changing environment, you should also be confident when it comes to both stakeholder and conflict management with sound commercial judgement.

Full CIPS qualification with evidence of continuing professional development and expert knowledge in a relevant professional area is essential. On a personal level, we’re looking for impressive leadership capabilities, drive and exceptional interpersonal skills.

In return, you can look forward to an excellent package and long-term career development opportunities.

Closing date: 11^th October 2020

Officer Interview date: 28^th October 2020

Member Interview date: week commencing 9^th November 2020

Essex County Council is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and vulnerable adults and expects all employees and volunteers to share this commitment.

We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity is key to our success.

If you have any queries regarding this role, or require anything further, please contact the Resourcing Team on 0333 013 5888 or resourcing.team@essex.gov.uk.