Head of Local Authority Procurement

Smart Applications Management

Remote

£60,000 a year - Full-time

Job details

Pay

£60,000 a year

Job type

Full-time

Location

Remote

Benefits

Pulled from the full job description

Annual leave
Company pension
Work from home
Flexible schedule

Full job description

About SAM & its Procurement Framework:

Smart Applications Management (SAM) www.talktosam.co.uk is a Membership organisation created to help local authorities, bus operators and other public sector bodies realise the benefits of better public and wider sustainable transport. The legal status of SAM is that of a private company limited by guarantee without share capital. We operate as a not-for-profit membership organisation, and have mutual status designation from HMRC – in recognition that we are owned and controlled entirely by our Members, rather than external shareholders. SAM therefore operates solely for the benefit of our Members, reinvesting any surplus made to improve services. Over 90% of SAM’s income is from our Local Authority / Public Sector Members.

In procurement terms, SAM is recognised as a ‘body governed by public law’ pursuant to the Public Contract Regulations 2015 (PCR2015), and as a ‘public authority’ pursuant to the Procurement Act 2023 (PA2023). One key part of SAM is our National Mobilities Procurement Hub (NMPH) https://www.nationalmobilitiesprocurementhub.co.uk/ locally referred to as the SAM Framework. The SAM Framework is a specialist Public Sector Framework providing a range of Lots, which our Local Authority Members can access for Direct Award Call Off’s or as the basis for a Further-Competition. Since its launch, over 300 Orders have been drawn from the SAM Framework, and we pride ourselves on developing and nurturing good relations with our framework Suppliers.

Our current Framework Lots were procured via Find-A-Tender under both PCR2015 and more recently PA2023 regulations. Since Brexit and the end of OJEU based public sector procurement, SAM has used a variation on the Government’s own Commercial Agency (formerly CCS) Terms and Conditions as the basis for our own Call Off terms. SAM works closely with our Local Authority Member procurement teams and well as with the GCA/CCS and we were on their national Advisory Group for the recent RM6347 – Transport Technology Framework.

Role Overview:

We are looking for a dynamic, enthusiastic individual to take on the role of innovating, leading and growing the SAM Framework for the benefit of our Local Authority and other Members and to increase procurement-derived revenue. As Head of Local Authority Procurement, you will lead SAM’s procurement strategy, framework development and management, ensuring value for money, compliance, innovation, and high-quality outcomes for our Members.

You will bring strong experience in public sector procurement, including PCR 2015 and PA2023, and be confident in managing the full process from early engagement, through to contract award and ongoing supplier performance. A big part of the role is building strong relationships with Members and Suppliers, helping position SAM as a trusted and easy-to-use procurement partner.

You will also play an important role in growing revenue from our procurement services while ensuring we continue to deliver high-quality, value-for-money outcomes. This is a hands-on, collaborative role that works closely with colleagues and external partners to achieve shared goals.

Key Responsibilities:

Procurement Management

Strategic Procurement Leadership:

You will be responsible for developing and implementing our procurement strategy, leading the evolution of the SAM Framework, and identifying opportunities in growth, efficiency, partnerships, and innovation.

Procurement Framework & Call Off Management:

To oversee the full lifecycle of SAM procurement frameworks - from ideas with colleagues / developing specifications with advisors / Tender developments / PIN & Contract Notices / Supplier engagement sessions / and Framework + Call Off + Further-Competition development / to Tender Awards and Contract Notifications.

Contract Management:

To manage Supplier relationships and performance, and to lead negotiations and contract reviews.

Member & Stakeholder Engagement:

To advise Members on procurement strategies. To build relationships across our public sector and supplier communities. To raise awareness of the SAM Framework as a leading Framework for Local Authorities and to make it the ‘go-to’ framework in its sector. You will be responsible for developing partnership agreements with other frameworks/bodies/stakeholders and helping the UK public sector get the best deal it can from its supply chain partners.

Compliance:

To ensure our Framework is fully compliant with all applicable PCR2015, PA2023 and any other relevant rules and regulations, and to ensure we are an ethical procurement body.

Governance and Reporting:

To provide reporting to SAM senior leadership, KPI data for our monthly reporting, and support our annual audit process. You will also relaunch our Framework Steering Group to create a more engaging forum for suppliers and stakeholders, encouraging feedback, strengthening collaboration, and supporting ongoing improvement of our frameworks.

Commercial Support:

Work closely with the Commercial and Technical Teams to support project delivery, develop business cases, and grow revenue from our procurement services.

Leadership & Team Development:

To lead, support and develop our Procurement Team in a way that reflects SAM’s values, creating a positive, collaborative environment where people can do their best work.

Measures of Success:

Successful growth and delivery of the SAM Framework, evidenced by increased usage, new opportunities launched, and continuous improvement of offerings.
Demonstrable value for money for Members, alongside measurable growth in procurement-generated surplus revenue.
Strong supplier performance, with contracts meeting agreed KPIs, high levels of compliance, and effective relationship management.
High levels of Member satisfaction, reflected in positive feedback, repeat usage, and increased engagement.

Qualifications and Skills:

Education

A degree in Procurement, Business, Marketing, or a related field is desirable.
CIPS membership or significant equivalent experience.
Diploma or equivalent in Contract Management is desirable.

Experience

Extensive local government / public sector procurement experience at senior professional level.
Understanding and application of public sector procurement legislation and procedures.
Awareness of / Engagement with UK Local Authority Procurement Officer trade organisations.
Experience in contract management.
Strong knowledge of UK procurement regs & local authority procurement governance.

Skills

Friendly, with good leadership and analytical skills.
A problem solver and solution driven attitude.
Commercial acumen with good negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
Proactive, enthusiastic and self-motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills.
Strong analytical, communication, and organisational skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data analysis tools.

Location and Travel Requirements:

Staff welfare and a positive work-life balance are important to SAM. Where possible, we offer a flexible working environment with opportunities for homeworking and flexible hours to fit around your personal circumstances. However, occasional travel to SAM offices, meetings, events and customer sites will be required.

The Offer:

Initial Salary: circa £60k per annum (based on experience).
37 hours per week with opportunities for remote working.
Benefits: 25 days of annual leave + bank holidays and generous pension contributions.

SAM will be holding an informal drop-in session on 30 June, during which interested candidates can book a 10-minute call (available between 9:30 am and 6:00 pm) to learn more about the role and ask any questions.

To arrange a time slot, please email andrew.seedhouse@talktosam.co.uk.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: £60,000.00 per year

Benefits: