Procurement Governance, Policy and Support Manager

About this job

If you want to lead the governance that makes public procurement lawful, transparent and trusted, this role offers the opportunity to shape how LBBD assures, improves and explains its commercial decisions. As Procurement Governance, Policy and Support Manager, you will provide strategic leadership for the Council’s procurement governance, policy, assurance, transparency, compliance, systems and social value functions. You will act as the Council’s lead officer for procurement governance and compliance, ensuring procurement activity is undertaken in line with the Procurement Act 2023, Contract Rules, Financial Regulations, corporate governance requirements and wider legislative obligations. You will lead the development of policies, templates, playbooks, standard operating procedures, assurance frameworks, dashboards and training that help officers buy well and make defensible decisions. You will oversee statutory transparency obligations, procurement notices, Central Digital Platform publication, audit activity, supplier due diligence, exclusions, conflicts of interest, contract modifications, KPI reporting and contract management governance. This is a senior role with organisation-wide influence: you will provide assurance to governance boards, senior leaders, audit colleagues and elected members that procurement activity is robust, transparent, value for money and focused on social value and public benefit. By leading a professional governance and support team, you will help LBBD strengthen public accountability, reduce risk, improve commercial capability and secure maximum public benefit from procurement and contract management activity.

Special requirements for this post

You should be educated to degree level, or be able to demonstrate equivalent professional experience, in procurement, commercial management, governance, law, finance, audit or a related discipline. A relevant professional qualification, such as MCIPS, commercial governance, project management, audit, legal or public sector procurement training, or evidence of substantial continuing professional development, would be welcomed. You will need detailed knowledge of public procurement legislation and governance, including the Procurement Act 2023, statutory transparency obligations, notices, Central Digital Platform publication, exclusions, conflicts of interest, contract modifications, audit trails and assurance controls. Experience of developing and maintaining policies, procedures, templates, management information, dashboards, social value frameworks, compliance monitoring and assurance arrangements is important. You should be confident managing risk, reporting to senior boards, supporting audit activity, handling sensitive procurement information and leading staff within a governance, procurement or commercial support function. In return, you will join a purposeful service where strong governance, clear policy, effective assurance and practical support help LBBD buy well, act transparently and secure maximum public benefit for residents and communities.

About you

You will be a senior governance, procurement or commercial professional who is motivated by helping public services make decisions that are lawful, transparent, proportionate and in the best interests of residents. You will bring strong knowledge of public sector procurement legislation, including the Procurement Act 2023, transparency obligations, statutory notices, the Central Digital Platform, exclusions, conflicts of interest, contract modifications and governance controls. You will have experience of leading governance, policy, compliance, assurance or audit arrangements in a complex public sector or regulated environment, and be able to turn legislation, risk information, audit findings and procurement data into clear advice, practical controls and better ways of working. You will communicate confidently with senior officers, elected members, Legal, Finance, Internal Audit, services and suppliers, and you will be able to influence through clarity, evidence and sound judgement. Just as importantly, you will be an inclusive leader who can manage, motivate and develop a governance and support team, build capability across the organisation and create a culture of continuous improvement. Above all, you will be a trusted adviser and steward of public value, focused on strengthening assurance, transparency, social value and public confidence in how LBBD buys and manages contracts.

About us

Barking & Dagenham is changing. It Starts Here. Think you know Barking and Dagenham? Think again. While this small corner of east London might have a reputation for needing development, scratch beneath the surface and you’ll find active communities and a place that consistently punches above its weight. The borough is changing – and changing for the better. And It Starts Here. Yes, the borough has its challenges. But it’s on the cusp of something exciting. With one of the youngest populations in the country, ambitions are high and rightly so. 98% of our schools are rated Good or Outstanding and every year more of our talented teenagers get into Russell Group Universities and hotly sought after apprenticeship schemes. We have award winning parks, centuries old manor houses full of relics and artifacts you can go and see, and the ruins of one of Anglo-Saxon England's most powerful and wealthiest religious sites. We’re even bringing beavers and white storks to the borough to help rewild the local landscape and boost biodiversity. Over the past few years, we’ve been working hard to improve how we deliver services and support our community. From tackling inequality to making sure our services are the best they can be, we’re focused on what matters most to local people. We’re creating the conditions for people to thrive - so everyone can enjoy a good quality of life, feel proud to call this place home, and be part of something bigger. #ItStartsHere - with our streets, our schools, our neighbourhoods. And with your application to join our determined team who are passionate about doing what’s best for the future of Barking and Dagenham. As an Investors in People Gold Award employer, we’re serious about supporting our staff. From flexible working, professional training and career development to wellbeing initiatives, we want our people to feel valued and supported in everything they do.

Additional Information

We’re committed to providing an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments or support at any stage, please contact the Hiring Manager to discuss your needs.