Strategic Procurement Policy Manager

Strategic Procurement Policy Manager
Abingdon Rd, Culham, UK
Full-time
Salary: £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension
Division: Procurement
Site Location: UKAEA Culham, Oxfordshire
Confirmed Grade: Level 6
Department: Procurement

Company Description

By 2050, the planet could be using twice as much electricity compared to today. Are you interested in contributing and helping to shape the future of the world’s energy? If so, read on.

Fusion, the process that powers the Sun and Stars, is one of the most promising options for generating the cleaner, carbon-free energy that our world badly needs.

UKAEA leads the way in realising fusion energy, partnering with industry and research for groundbreaking advancements. Our goal is to bring fusion electricity to the grid, supported by tomorrow's power stations. In pursuit of our mission, UKAEA embraces core values: Innovative, Committed, Trusted, and Collaborative.

As an employee of UKAEA you will benefit from:

- Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme, details of which can be found at the end of this advert.
- Corporate bonus scheme up to 7% and a Relocation allowance (if eligible).
- Flexible working options including family friendly policies and the right to request flexible working from the start of your employment.
- Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
- Generous annual leave allowance starting with 25 days, plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days, in addition to UK bank holidays.
- Wide range of career development opportunities.
- A vibrant culture committed to equality and being fully inclusive.

The salary for this role is £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) (inclusive of a Market Premium Payment (MPP).

Job Description

UKAEA’s pay arrangements and grading structure are currently under review as part of a transformation project and proposed multi-year pay deal. UKAEA aims to introduce a new grading structure in 2024. This will enable us to lead the delivery of sustainable fusion energy and maximise the scientific and economic benefit. Now is a great time to join the organisation and be part of the journey.

This role requires employees to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), including The Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks for criminal convictions.

The Role

Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As our Strategic Procurement Policy Manager, you will be reporting to the Head of Procurement, overseeing 2 direct reports and holding primary responsibility for guiding, advising, and representing the authority on procurement policy and compliance. Key duties include:

- Defining procurement policy aligned with UK Government guidelines, including the Cabinet Office and PPN requirements.
- Representing UKAEA at BEIS Policy and Cabinet Office meetings.
- Ensuring UKAEA's compliance with the Public Contract Regulations 2015 across all projects and procurement activities.
- Engaging with the Cabinet Office on Government Functional Standard 008 - CCIAF.

Additionally, the role actively leads the team and collaborates with strategic leads to ensure project alignment with Government policy.

Additional Responsibilities:

- Lead procurement service delivery aligned with strategy, standards, and legislation, fostering stakeholder relationships.
- Ensure UKAEA meets Government Commercial Functional standards, overseeing compliance.
- Advise on Cabinet Office controls, embedding policies into team practices.
- Integrate policy best practices into procurement tools and documents.
- Address trends and legislation, collaborating with managers to incorporate changes.
- Foster effective communication, resolve conflicts, and manage BEIS Policy issues.

Qualifications
Essential Requirements:

- MCIPS qualified.
- Detailed knowledge of Public Sector Procurement.
- Experience of managing procurement governance to ensure compliance with Cabinet Office Guidance.
- Excellent interpersonal skills.
- Ability to negotiate at the highest levels.
- Commercially astute and customer focused.
- Clear understanding of NEC form of contract.
- Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
- Relevant expertise and experience to act as the lead expert for complex/critical Procurement and Commercial issues and influence both internal and external stakeholders.
- Knowledge of Cabinet Office Controls processes and Government Functional Standards.
- Dynamic and inspirational leader.

Additional Information

For a full list of benefits and to apply, select the apply button to be taken through to the UKAEA careers pages.

We welcome applications from under-represented groups, particularly individuals from black and other ethnic minority backgrounds, people with disabilities, and women. Our Executive team, supported by our 'Equality, Diversity and Inclusion' (EDI) Partner and Inclusion Ambassadors, actively promotes EDI and takes steps to increase diversity within our organization. We reinforce best practices in recruitment and selection and evaluate approaches to remove barriers to success.

Please note that vacancies are generally advertised for 4 weeks but may close earlier if we receive a large number of applications.