Skip to main contentStrategic Procurement Partner
Ofwat (Water Services Regulation Authority)
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 18th June 2023
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About the job
Job summary
Ofwat (The Water Services Regulation Authority) is a non-ministerial government department. We regulate the water sector in England and Wales.
We are forward-thinking, creative, innovative and ambitious. We actively encourage autonomy, collaboration and innovation and there’s a real adult culture fostered by trust, flexibility and respect.
In 2023 we were awarded 'Smarter Working Maturity' recognition for the way that Ofwat has embraced new and modern ways of working, reflecting the spaces we provide, technology we have deployed and the culture and leadership we have embedded to empower choice and flexibility for our people.
Please read the attached "Candidate Information Pack" to find more about why you should join Ofwat.
Job description
The Procurement team currently consists of 3 roles; A Head of Procurement (Principal) and two Associates. The team provide commercial advice, guidance and technical support to the organisation, with all members acting as a partner for two or more of the 7 directorates.
Ofwat has recently increased its regulatory activity which will mean an increase in spend. To respond to additional demand whilst continuing to develop and improve the service, the Procurement team is expanding to include the new role of Strategic Procurement Partner (Senior Associate grade).
The purpose of the role is:
- To advise on and assist with the high-risk, strategic and/or sensitive tendering and contracting requirements across all directorates.
- To maintain expert, up-to-date knowledge on all legal, policy and best practice procedures for public sector procurement; interpreting and making recommendations for implementation within Ofwat.
- To act as a partner to one or more of the 7 directorates, providing professional customer focused procurement direction, advice and guidance and practical support to a range of stakeholders within Ofwat, working with colleagues to develop a procurement pipeline activity, monitoring and reviewing to ensure it is in line with financial budgets and directorate objectives.
- To support the Head of Procurement with the development and maintenance of the Procurement Strategy, procurement policies, templates and training materials for all our commercial activities.
- To provide a process for project managers and other managers to carry out lower risk procurements routinely. This includes providing advice and training as required.
- To ensure that value for money is given the highest priority and that we are transparency in doing so.
Key deliverables
- Proactive management of internal and external relationships.
- Ensure Ofwat adheres to its requirements on procurement and compliance, using transparency as a tool to build trust and confidence in Ofwat.
- To continue to develop and maintain an effective logging and monitoring system of procurement requests and delivery, to produce regular performance reports on the volume, nature and turnaround time of requests for procurement.
- To manage the delivery of high-risk contracts in a proportionate manner that is timely, effective and efficient. This will be carried out where appropriate using frameworks.
- Assist with the delivery of a procurement strategy.
- To maintain and develop procurement processes which promote the completion of low risk contracts by project managers and other managers. This will be achieved by setting out clear and consistent procedures, coaching, training and high level process reviews and refinements.
- To determine based on the annual procurement plan when specialist procurement expertise may be required on particular assignments. This may involve collaboration with other public sector organisations or outsourcing.
- To ensure accurate records are kept for audit purposes and the reporting of procurements performance indicators. This will include reporting on contract evaluation performance.
- Interacts using discretion & customer-facing skills with a range of contacts outside & inside Ofwat.
- Proactive management of internal and external relationships.
- To ensure accurate records are kept for audit purposes and the reporting of procurements performance indicators.
- To interact using discretion & customer-facing skills with a range of contacts outside & inside Ofwat.
Person specification
Essential Experience, Skills and Knowledge
- Demonstrable, relevant experience in public sector procurement, operating as a practitioner.At least 3 years’ experience working within a public sector procurement governance environment.
- Level 6 CIPS or working towards.
- Strong stakeholder management experience.
- Ability to explain complex legislation, processes and procedures to internal staff with varying knowledge of procurement.
- Supplier relationship management.
- Developing and implementing procurement strategies, processes and procedures.
- Writing in a clear, understandable and accurate way
- Writing and editing tender documents.
- Delivery of a procurement.
- Negotiation and contract management.
Interview assessment will explore the criteria above and the criteria below:
- Knowledge and understanding of Public Sector procurement.
- Working with a wide variety of stakeholders at different levels and a good track record of developing excellent working relationships with a number of internal and external stakeholders, whilst being able to challenge and influence.
- Advising on applicable procurement legislation developments, applicable government policies and procurements routes.
- An understanding of procuring through 'above threshold' procedures, Framework Agreements and under threshold procurements in a proportional manner.
Attributes
- Promotes collaboration
- Creates clarity
- Delivers outcomes
You can read more about Attributes in Ofwat’s Framework for Success
Qualifications
Benefits
- A generous Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
- 25 days annual leave (increasing to max 30 with each year of service) plus bank holidays and 2.5 days privilege leave days
- access to exclusive discounts on a range of goods and services such as retail outlets, theatre tickets, holidays, insurance and gym membership;
- flexible working arrangements;
- fees paid for membership of relevant professional bodies;
- up to 3 volunteering days per year
- generous shared parental leave and pay
- cycle-to-work scheme;
- season ticket loan for travel between home and office;
- regular professional development;
- health and well-being initiatives
Things you need to know
Selection process details
How to apply
Applicants should apply through the Civil Service Jobs website. You will be asked to create an account and complete an application form. If you are unable to make an electronic application, you may submit your application on paper. Please contact us to find out how at recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Selection timetable
- Closing date: 23.55, 18 June 2023
- Sifting: W/C 19 June 2023
- Interview date(s): W/C 26 June 2023
Assessment process
Sift Stage
As sift stage we will assess your application against the essential skills, experience, and knowledge, listed in the professional requirements table above. In your application, please state clearly how your skills, experience, and knowledge meet the essential criteria.
In the event of a large number of applications, a pre-sift may take place on just the following lead criteria:
- Demonstrable, relevant experience in public sector procurement, operating as a practitioner.
- At least 3 years’ experience working within a public sector procurement governance environment.
- Level 6 CIPS or working towards.
Interview Stage
We will assess your Experience, Skills and Knowledge as well as Attributes (set out in the professional requirements section) at Interview Stage.
You can read more about Attributes in Ofwat’s Framework for Success
Please note that the interviews will be conducted via video conferencing software such as Microsoft Teams.
It may be necessary for a second stage interview, which will be communicated to the successful candidates, if required. If you have any queries about any aspect of this role, selection process, or you require any reasonable adjustments please email recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Please read the attached "Candidate Information Pack" for details on terms and conditions.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
- Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@ofwat.gov.uk
Further information
