PROCUREMENT MANAGER - 6 MONTH FTC

Company Description LGPS Central (LGPSC) Ltd is the FCA-regulated asset manager for eight local authority pension funds across the Midlands. LGPSC is jointly owned on an equal shares basis by those Partner Fund, and it is responsible for managing almost £30bn of their assets. It is one of eight Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) asset pools in the UK. LGPSC has just celebrated its fifth birthday, and in those first five years, together with its Partner Funds, it has achieved a considerable amount. LGPS Central’s Partner Funds are: Cheshire Pension Fund Derbyshire Pension Fund Leicestershire Pension Fund Nottinghamshire Pension Fund Shropshire Pension Fund Staffordshire Pension Fund, West Midlands Pension Fund Worcestershire Pension Fund. LGPS Central is owned equally by all eight of its Partner Funds and is dedicated to the management of local government pension assets. LGPS Central manages assets across public and private markets both internally and through externally appointed investment managers. The Company is committed to responsible investment and has made responsible investment a core part of the investment process in every asset class. LGPS Central offers a friendly and diverse, hybrid-working environment with a range of employee benefits. The Company moved to new premises at i9, Wolverhampton Interchange in January 2022, close to local transport links. We are looking for an experienced Procurement Manager to join our Finance Team on a 6 month FTC. Based in Wolverhampton, the successful candidate will work with the Head of Finance and act as the company’s in-house procurement expert, developing policy and practices, advising those undertaking procurement exercises. You will be responsible for achieving best value and cost-effectiveness through whole life contract management, ensuring the delivery of services and quality from the most suitable suppliers while maintaining full compliance with directives and public sector best practices. This role involves liaising, advising, and assisting internal stakeholders to ensure the realization of benefits from contracts. Applicants should hold a relevant procurement qualification, for example, CIPS and have significant experience of carrying out procurements in accordance with the Public Contracts Regulations. In-depth understanding and significant experience of carrying out procurements in accordance with the Public Contract Regulations. Significant experience of preparing and/or reviewing procurement documentation and the evaluation of submissions. Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills. Experience of working with an electronic tendering system. Able to communicate complex and highly-technical matters in a way which is understandable and relevant. Strong reasoning and problem-solving skills, able to develop pragmatic solutions to complex problems. Excellent report-writing skills. Active participant in continuous professional development, with an up-to-date knowledge of relevant procurement, investments and pensions matters including an up-to-date awareness of best practice in the field of procurement. What do we offer? We are proud to provide our people with a premium and exclusive benefits package and we are continually improving the rewards we offer. Here are a few of the valuable rewards that you will enjoy: Competitive salary An enhanced and generous Pension Scheme 30 days' paid holiday plus bank holidays 2 days paid volunteering days An extra paid Company Day in addition to paid holidays Excellent Learning & Development Opportunities Welfare and Family-friendly policies Enhanced pay for new parents Access to our Employee Assistance Programme - 24-7 Health & Wellbeing Support Medical Health Cash Plan Hybrid Working Company Service Awards Cycle to Work Scheme Company Electric Vehicle Scheme Brand New Office Space Nominees of the Family Friendly Employer of the Year 2022 - Personnel Today Awards 2022 Winner of the Cultural Awareness Initiative of the Year - FT Advisors Diversity in Finance Awards 2023 Winner of Diversity and Inclusion Award - LAPF In Investments Award 2023