Procurement and Contracts Manager

Are you an experienced procurement professional looking for a strategic leadership role? Reading Borough Council is seeking a Procurement and Contracts Manager to oversee procurement operations for one of our Directorates, ensuring compliance, efficiency, and value for money.

We support hybrid working, allowing flexibility while ensuring employees can excel in their roles. Within this role we’d expect you will need to be in the office 2-3 days per week on average.

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

You’ll be responsible for managing the procurement programme for the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods service area, overseeing key projects such as CAFM and Asset Management solutions, Cleaning, Pest Control, Building Repairs, and Fuels.

We’ll support you to lead procurement projects from conception to contract management, ensuring best practices and regulatory compliance. Working closely with stakeholders, you will drive cost savings, sustainability, and social value while managing supplier relationships and contract performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the procurement programme for the Directorate of Economic Growth and Neighbourhoods service area.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on procurement systems and processes to support team capacity building and ensure consistent operational practices.
• Lead market engagement and sourcing activities, including tendering and contract negotiations.
• Ensure compliance with procurement regulations, including the Procurement Act 2023.
• Drive value for money, cost savings, and supplier performance improvements.
• Oversee contract execution, risk management, and performance monitoring.
• Support benchmarking activities to ensure competitive procurement practices.

About You

We’re looking for someone with strong operational procurement experience, particularly in delivering complex, high-value projects efficiently.

• Expertise in procurement regulations and ensuring compliance across all operational activities.
• Strategic thinking with the ability to develop and implement a Procurement Plan that enhances efficiency and quality.
• Stakeholder management skills, ensuring effective collaboration across departments.
• Analytical and commercial acumen, driving cost savings and supplier performance improvements.
• Leadership skills, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.

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 32 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 Flora Challis - Contracts and Technical Support Manager - flora.challis@reading.gov.uk

Closing Date: Sunday 15^th June 2025
Interview Process: Competency-based interview (Teams)
Interview Date: 30^th June and 4^th July 2025

Please note that the closing date is a guide, and we may close applications early if we receive a high volume of interest.