Category Manager

Job Category: Interims
Location: Hackney Service Centre, Hackney Council
Hours Per Week: 36.00
Start Date: Immediate Start
Start Time: 09:00
End Time: 17:00
Salary: £292.35 per day

This post exists to provide organisational leadership and to influence practice in the Corporate Property Services area of the Council and will mainly provide construction related procurement support and managing of major works, minor works. repairs and maintenance procurements in this area

The role will report to Category Lead – construction and environment but will also have dotted reporting line to the Head of DLO – Building Maintenance and will focus mainly on the procurement of repairs and maintenance contracts, providing holistic support to the DLO – Building Maintenance In respect of their procurements and commissioning, supplier relations, contract management, and through to contributing to quality assurance and service planning.

The post holder will contribute to commercial strategies, governance systems and procurement best practice through both strategic and operational activities, and will promote the benefits of procurement, demonstrating to managers and heads of service how effective procurement can improve service provision and add value to the Council tenants and leaseholders.

A significant part of this role will be to work with Category Lead – construction and environment to lead or contribute to the DLO – Building Maintenance development in the following areas:
a) enhance construction procurement support to the DLO – Building Maintenance.
b) provision of procurement support in the development of the DLO – Building Maintenance and oversee strategy and its implementation including procurement of essential contracts identified as part of the delivery of the strategy.
c) oversee contracts negotiations and the contract management for major works and services procured by the DLO – Building Maintenance.

DLO BUILDING MAINTENANCE
DEPENDING ON EXPERIENCE, RATE COULD GO UP TO £425 – £450 LTD

Technical knowledge and proven working experience in:
• Proven experience of working in DLO – Building Maintenance related environment at a senior level
• Strong experience of leading on major and minor works procurement projects relating to the repairs and maintenance of DLO – Building Maintenance stocks
• Demonstrable experience of achieving cost savings through procurement activities and the delivery of sustainable benefits
• Experience of planning, managing and monitoring programmes of work.
• Experience of establishing complex contracts and service agreements, ideally within a local authority or DLO – Building MaintenanceAssociation context.
• Experience of making presentations to management meetings, boards and committees.
• Experience of collaborative working with the Council, working collaboratively with other agencies and of negotiating.
• Experience of using IT based systems to support decision-making
• Experience of providing support for section 20 consultation and TUPE transfer as part of the procurement of major works
• Experience of developing and procuring different forms of contracts including partnering agreements

Qualifications:
• A relevant professional qualification (e.g. MCIPS) and/or appropriate professional experience at a senior level
• Good and relevant procurement experience with proven track record of working on complex procurement projects
• Procurement experience within the DLO – Building Maintenance environment is essential

Skills and Abilities:
• Good knowledge and understanding of the diverse procurement requirements in a building management and construction environment
• A clear understanding of contractual principles and contract law, statute law with regard to public procurement (especially EU and UK public contracts regulations).
• An understanding of Council Standing Orders and Financial regulations in respect of procurement and an understanding of the Procurement Gateway Process.
• To be able to act on own initiative within the remit of the duties of the post, set personal priorities and deliver to deadlines.
• To demonstrate a sound ability to analyse and interpret financial information.Ability to negotiate effectively within a variety of contractual frameworks.
• An ability to apply knowledge of contractual law and procurement procedure in to produce practical and innovative solutions to meet service demands.
• The ability to work proactively whilst recognising key issues that require consultation or direction from senior managers or other stakeholders.
• To be able to engage in corporate and collaborative working, influencing others within the organisation.
• A team player with ability to communicate effectively with Members, employees and customers.
• Effective interpersonal skills with good verbal and written skills, a persuasive presenter, facilitator, influencer and negotiator
• Demonstrate personal and professional demeanour which generates credibility and confidence amongst customers, members, chief officers, managers, staff, external partners and other stakeholders.
• Ability to influence key decision makers and stakeholders to implement a performance management culture within a team providing diverse and complex specialist services.
• Ability to make good relationships with a wide variety of agencies, both within and without the Council.
• Ability to acquire new skills and demonstrate a strong commitment to learning/continuous professional development for self.
• Political Awareness/Sensitivity and appreciation of the Wider Context.
• Demonstrate a good understanding of the Council’s Equal Opportunities policy and responsibilities in the carrying out of this post.
• Able to evidence the understanding of the corporate objectives including the Councils Corporate Plan and Key Deliverables.
• To demonstrate a sound knowledge of, and ability to use MS office and Google Suites.
• To be able to use e-procurement systems for tendering and contract management.