Job description
Reading Borough Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to play a vital role in supporting the Strategic Transport service. This position ensures procurement processes run smoothly, efficiently, and in full compliance with regulations, helping to deliver high-quality services that benefit the community.
You’ll work closely with colleagues and suppliers to manage contracts effectively, drive value for money, and support key transport projects that keep Reading moving.
We support hybrid working, allowing flexibility while ensuring employees can excel in their roles, with an expectation of 1-2 days per week in the office.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion, seeking talent from the widest pool of candidates. As a Disability Confident Employer, we actively support the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.

ABOUT YOU

We’re looking for a procurement specialist with expertise in contract management, market engagement, and procurement strategy.

• Experience in leading high-value procurement programmes, ideally in the public sector.
• Strong understanding of contractual frameworks, governance structures, and procurement compliance.
• Knowledge of category management, supplier negotiations, and commercial risk mitigation.
• Ability to challenge, harmonise thinking, and drive efficiency in procurement processes.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial planning within procurement operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.

ABOUT THE ROLE

This role is key to ensuring procurement processes within the Strategic Transport service run efficiently, transparently, and in line with regulations. The postholder will oversee contracts, support procurement projects, and work closely with colleagues and suppliers to deliver high-quality and cost-effective transport services.
By embedding best practice procurement arrangements and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, this role helps secure value for money while supporting essential transport initiatives across Reading.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement processes, including competitive tenders and quotations, ensuring efficient delivery of high-value and complex projects (e.g., services over £500,000 and works over £2m), while also supporting smaller-scale procurements.
• Oversee contract management, ensuring compliance with procurement policies, efficiency in operations, and cost-effectiveness.
• Identify and implement cost-saving opportunities and innovative procurement strategies to maximise value for money.
• Develop and embed category management approaches, optimising procurement outcomes and supplier engagement.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external suppliers to ensure successful delivery of procurement projects, meeting deadlines and achieving operational targets.
• Lead market engagement activities, including tendering, supplier negotiations, and procurement governance, ensuring transparency and regulatory compliance.
• Ensure adherence to public procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legal frameworks.
• Incorporate social value principles into procurement strategies, supporting local economic growth and community development.