Procurement and Contracts Manager

Reading Borough Council is looking for a Procurement and Contracts Manager to play a vital role in supporting the Economic Growth and Neighbourhood Services Directorate. This role acts as a dedicated business partner for budget managers and technical experts in sourcing and ensuring robust contract management for a range of subject matter including:

• Sustainable transport initiatives like improved bus lanes and cycle street pods
• Consultants to provide expert advise
• Parking services and software
  
  

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 the Role:
The Procurement and Contracts Manager ensures procurement processes run efficiently and in full compliance with regulations, helping to deliver high-quality services that benefit the community, with contract values ranging from £5k up to and exceeding £20 million.

You will want to have knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023, and ideally Public Contracts Regulations 2015 – top candidates will have completed the Procurement Act eLearning course. The role works with a range of contract types including service contracts, NEC4, cloud/SaaS contracts, as well as concessions arrangements which support the Council to generating additional income to reinvest in delivering services for its residents.

You'll work closely with colleagues and suppliers to manage contract delivery is effective, and drive value for money. Holding a Level 4 or higher CIPS qualification is preferable, although apprenticeship and training options will be available.

This role is key to ensuring procurement processes follow our internal governance requirements, plan proactively for procurement cycles and support implementation of Council policies such as Social Value and working towards Net Zero. The postholder will oversee their services’ contract portfolio, lead procurement activities, and help define contract management for their area ensuring time in appropriate invested in their commercial partnerships.

By embedding best practice procurement arrangements and ensuring compliance with governance frameworks, this role helps secure value for money while supporting essential corporate initiatives across the Reading borough.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage end-to-end procurement processes, including complex tenders and competitive quotation exercises across a range of spend categories, ensuring timely and transparent delivery of a wide-ranging portfolio projects.
• Ensure adherence to public procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023 and associated legal frameworks.
• Embed category management approaches to individual contract sourcing approaches, optimising procurement outcomes and maximising supplier engagement.
• Work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners to ensure successful delivery of procurement activities, meeting deadlines and achieving Council priorities.
• Incorporate social value, ethical procurement and sustainability principles into procurement strategies, supporting local economic growth and community development.
• Oversee contract management, ensuring delivery of outcomes, performance and cost monitoring, and change/risk management.

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

• Experience in leading complex procurement programmes, ideally in the public sector.
• Strong understanding of a range of contracts and commercial agreements.
• Ability to ensure adherence to governance structures and corporate compliance.
• Knowledge of category management, supplier negotiations, and commercial risk mitigation.
• Ability to provide professional challenge and secure outcomes.
• Familiarity with budget management and financial planning within procurement operations.
• Strong interpersonal skills, with experience in stakeholder engagement and cross-functional collaboration.

Working at Reading Borough Council:
You’ll be part of Team Reading, contributing to making Reading a successful and vibrant community. Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success.

Our values guide how we work:

• Work Together – Collaborate with colleagues and partners to achieve shared goals.
• Drive Efficiency – Show initiative, adapt to change, and seek improvements.
• Be Ambitious – Strive for excellence and challenge constructively.
• Make a Difference – Provide outstanding customer service and flexibility in service delivery.

Our Offer:
We provide a supportive environment for career growth, encouraging innovation and ambition. Benefits include:

• 25 days holiday plus public holidays (rising to 33 with service).
• Flexible working opportunities to support work-life balance.
• Modern working environment at the Civic Offices in the heart of Reading.
• Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) with life assurance (three times annual salary).
• On-site day nursery (Kennet Day Nursery)
• Season ticket loan to assist with travel costs.
• Lease car salary sacrifice scheme.

For more information or an informal discussion, contact Chris Maddocks – Strategic Transport Manager - chris.maddocks@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Tuesday 26th August 2025
Interview Process: Competency-based interview.
Interview Date: w/c 1st Sept 2025

Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.