The South West Police Procurement Service (SWPPS) has an exciting new opportunity for a Senior Category Buyer to join their regional team of experts delivering procurement services to the five Police Forces in the South West. It is a fantastic time to join the team as it continues to grow and deliver value for money through the procurement lifecycle, having a positive impact on the policing service we provide to our communities. The team is almost thirty strong and are responsible for over 500 contracts with a spend of circa £480m.
Procurement in policing is varied and includes works, goods, and services that support operational policing. As a Senior Category Buyer you will lead on the SWPPS approach to managing and delivering successful regional procurement in identified key sub-categories, especially the complex / high value procurements. This will involve the full engagement of key stakeholders (including operational and technical experts in each of the forces), and building effective and productive relationships with specific suppliers, in addition to leading a small, experienced procurement team.
Applicants should be able to demonstrate commercial acumen and ideally a graduate level CIPS qualification (MCIPS), a business-related degree, or significant procurement and commercial experience with a proven track record of success.
This is a hybrid working role with flexibility to work from home and/or one of the five Police Headquarters in the South West region (Exeter, Portishead, Gloucester, Devizes, Winfrith). There is an expectation to attend occasional onsite meetings within the region.
It is a full-time position however part-time hours are also considered.
This is a great opportunity not only to join one of Policing’s largest procurement teams and gain from all the benefits that brings, but ultimately contribute to operational policing and make a positive difference to the communities we serve.
