Procurement Specialist

Description:

Procurement Specialist
£60,000pa FTE (£45,000 prorated)
Full Time, 9-months Fixed Term
Bedford, Hybrid

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a more data‑driven approach to procurement, helping to improve value for money, manage risk effectively, and embed best practice across the organisation. You'll work closely with stakeholders across the business, providing expert procurement support while championing social and environmental value.

We are looking for a proactive and analytical Procurement Specialist to support the delivery of a compliant, value‑driven procurement function. Reporting to the Head of Procurement, you will play a key role in enhancing the use of data to support decision‑making, strengthening governance and compliance and delivering procurement activities.

Key Responsibilities

Analyse procurement spends, contract data, supplier performance, and compliance information to drive insights
Develop and maintain reporting dashboards and assurance packs for senior leadership and governance forums
Assist in contract and supplier management, including performance monitoring and risk identification
Maintain a central contracts register, ensuring accurate data, and useful dashboard reporting
Support the delivery of end‑to‑end procurement exercises, including tendering, evaluation, award, and contract mobilisation
Ensure procurement activities comply with relevant regulations, internal policies, and best practice
Provide practical procurement advice and guidance to stakeholders across the organisation
Contribute to achieving value for money through robust analysis and commercial evaluation
Support the integration of social value and sustainability within procurement activities
Identify, assess, and support mitigation of procurement‑related risks
Manage contract renewal processes and support drafting of contract documentation
Ensure appropriate due diligence checks are completed for new suppliers

Person Specification

Key Skills & Attributes

Strong analytical and numerical skills, with the ability to interpret data and provide insights
Ability to apply procurement knowledge in a practical and compliant way
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly
Strong organisational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities to deadlines
Proactive, flexible mindset with a focus on continuous improvement
High attention to detail and commitment to governance, assurance, and compliance

Knowledge & Experience

Minimum 5 years' experience working in a procurement or commercial role within a Housing Association or other public sector environment
Experience working with spend analysis data, contract and non-contract spend, and producing management information reporting to support decision‑making
Enhance reporting and compliance monitoring by developing a full KPI suite
Good understanding of procurement regulations and governance - knowledge of Procurement Act 2023
Experience supporting or leading procurement exercises from planning through to award
Understanding of value for money, social value, and risk within procurement
Qualifications