Job Description

Location: South West (hybrid)
Salary: £40,000 – £43,000
Sector: Secure Public Sector

I’m currently working with a secure public sector organisation in the South West who are building out their in-house commercial capability and looking to appoint a Procurement Business Partner.

This is a genuinely interesting opportunity to help shape a growing procurement function, working closely with finance and operational stakeholders to drive value, compliance, and better commercial outcomes across the organisation.

The role

You’ll take a lead on low to medium value procurement activity (typically up to ~£50k), while also supporting on more complex projects delivered in collaboration with a regional shared procurement service.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading end-to-end procurement activity across defined categories
• Acting as a trusted advisor to internal stakeholders on procurement routes, compliance, and commercial decisions
• Managing the contracts register and procurement pipeline, including risk and review cycles
• Supporting budget setting and financial planning alongside Finance Business Partners
• Driving value for money through market engagement, benchmarking, and cost analysis
• Contributing to the development of procurement strategies and continuous improvement initiatives

The role also has some light leadership responsibility, supporting a small buying hub-style function.

What they’re looking for

• Experience in a procurement or commissioning environment (c.2+ years)
• Track record of running low to mid-value tenders end-to-end
• Solid understanding of public sector procurement regulations, contract management, and risk
• Strong stakeholder engagement skills – able to influence and guide non-procurement colleagues
• Commercial awareness, with experience in areas such as cost modelling, supplier evaluation, or benchmarking
• Ideally working towards or holding CIPS Level 5 (or equivalent)

Environment

This is a structured, governance-heavy environment, so experience in the public sector or other regulated settings will be beneficial, although not essential if you can demonstrate transferable experience.

Vetting & eligibility

Due to the nature of the organisation, pre-employment vetting will apply. Candidates will need to meet UK residency requirements.

Why consider it?

• Opportunity to help shape an emerging procurement function
• Broad exposure across categories and stakeholders
• Strong link into finance and commercial decision-making
• Stable, purpose-driven environment with clear public impact

Apply

This role is moving at pace, and the client is keen to engage with suitable candidates quickly. If this looks of interest, I’d recommend applying as soon as possible to avoid missing out, as interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis.