Strategic Commercial Business Partner

Job Description

Procurement and Commercial Services (PACS) is at the very heart of procurement and commercial activity within Leeds City Council and is continually aspiring to develop leading practices within one of the largest local authorities in the country.Leeds CityCouncil spends £800m with external suppliers of goods and services and, as part of our core business transformation programme, we have launched an initiative aimed at driving down spend by improving Procure to Pay strategies and operations across the Council.As well as plans to implement modern technology and review operations and organisational arrangements, we are also looking to pilot the use of a strategic Commercial Business Partner who is able to work as a trusted partner and support Service Managers indriving down spend on external goods and services by providing industry insights, knowledge and expertise in order to help shape value-for-money procurement strategies and plans; embedding Social Value and ensuring effective contract and supplier managementarrangements are in place which are continually reviewed to ensure best value is achieved throughout the life of a contract.The successful post-holder will be appointed for 12 months on a temporary contract and be professionally accountable to our Head ofPACS, but will be deployed to work closely with Service Mangers and Contract Managers in one of our Directorates; being a first point of contact in relation to procurements, contract management and dispute resolutions, monitoring and improving supplier performanceand relationships - leading on discussions and negotiations, in particular high-value, high-risk contracts, proactively exploring opportunities to continually drive down costs. The successful post-holder will work in partnership with stakeholders, drawingin resources and technical expertise from other sources where required.This is a great opportunity to move into a senior commercial role which can offer a variety of work in a vibrant and forward-thinking environment. If this pilot is successful, the use ofCommercial Business Partners could be rolled out in other areas of the Council and would play a key role in helping the Council to achieve its ambitions of being an enterprising and efficient Council.The role offers the opportunity for flexible working anda generous annual leave entitlement. Leeds City Council is a member of the West Yorkshire Pension Fund. We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population. The position is advertised at 37 hours but part time working would be considered.Ifthis sounds like you then please refer to the Job Description for further details. For an informal chat about this position please call Kieron Dennett on .To apply online, please visit the Leeds City Council jobs site via the button below.Please note thatstaff currently employed by Leeds City Council will require approval from your line manager to be released from your current post for 12 months.Leeds City Council is a Stonewall Top 100 employer, a Mindful employer and a Disability Confident employer.