Commercial and Procurement Lead

Dedicated to serving our communities with excellence, we're currently seeking a Commercial and Procurement Lead to join our progressive fire and rescue service.

As part of our Commercial and Procurement Team, this pivotal role entails:

• Procuring goods and services effectively and efficiently across various categories, including Property and Estates, ICT, Professional Services, and Vehicles, on behalf of Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Fire Authority (CPFA), as well as supporting regional, national, and inter-agency collaborations.
• Supporting an efficient and flexible procurement service to achieve optimal value for money, cost savings, and service quality, while adhering to Procurement Regulations, Authority Policies, and Best Practices.
• Engaging with departments and stakeholders to enhance procurement function engagement and compliance, supporting organisational and national objectives.
• Ensuring consistent service provision and establishing strong commercial relationships between budget holders for a seamless procurement process.
• Delivering compliant procurement activities, managing procurement life-cycles, and ensuring ethical contract management.
• Promoting procurement strategies addressing Authority and category requirements and identifying potential cost-saving opportunities.
• Identifying and reporting potential commercial and reputational risks within categories.
• Ensuring cost-effectiveness, corporate social responsibility, sustainability, and effective use of public funds in procurement activities.
• Analysing financial data, reviewing contract registers, and implementing changes to enable savings opportunities.
• Exploring collaboration opportunities with other public sector bodies and partner organizations.
• Conducting awareness sessions and providing guidance on procurement regulations and internal guidance across the Authority.

Diversity and inclusivity are paramount, and we seek professionals with:

• Professional qualifications and/or membership in or working towards MCIPS.
• Demonstrable experience in contract examination, advising, and negotiation.
• In-depth experience in managing complex procurement processes.
• Familiarity with e-tendering portals such as Contracts Finder, Finder Tender, Delta e-sourcing, etc.
• Knowledge of European, UK, and Public Procurement Regulations, along with commercial awareness in a Public Sector Environment and Emergency Services.
• Proficiency in Microsoft packages, including SharePoint, Word, Excel, and Teams, for data manipulation and interpretation.
• Strong communication skills to thrive in collaborative environments.

Benefits

• Employee Assistance Programme
• Access to Health Cash Plan
• A competitive pension scheme
• Access to Blue Light Discount at hundreds of stores and events
• Access to Health Shield Perks discounts
• Family friendly policies - including flexible working
• Great learning and development opportunities
• 28 days annual leave each year plus bank holidays, increasing with long service
• Flexible, agile, hybrid working