Procurement Advisor

Prospective officers and staff must be held to a higher standard of behaviour and accountability than members of the public, and that therefore their right to privacy can be fettered in certain circumstances. This is to ensure that members of the police are fully aware and accountable for the unique powers entrusted to them and the standards of professional behaviour they swear to uphold.

To provide assistance and support to the Senior Procurement Advisor to ensure the Contracts and Procurement Team objectives are monitored and delivered in line with the Joint WMP and WMPCC Procurement Strategy.

To lead and manage a portfolio of procurement contracts from initial planning through to tendering, award of contracts and ongoing contract management whilst working within a small team of Procurement Advisors/Assistants to deliver savings opportunities. The role ensures compliance in line with relevant legislation including the Public Sector Regulations 2015 and/or Procurement Act 2023, while delivering value for money, transparency and social value in public procurement.

Identify and agree a programme of contracting activity for the contracts that they lead and support to ensure that all contracts are awarded correctly. Identify opportunities for improving best value and cost efficiencies. In particular, assist in the development of detailed plans to meet efficiency cost savings targets.

To conduct market, product, supplier and organisational research to establish a base of knowledge about existing and future requirements and potential opportunities.

Support and assist the Supplier Relationship Manager to implement strategic supplier management processes to support the development of best practice, supplier relationships with the force and lead best value initiatives with key suppliers.

We currently recruiting for X1 permanent vacancy and X1 12-month fixed term contract vacancy on the West Midlands Police Finance Team

Key Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end procurement processes for goods, services and works in line with organisational statutory requirements.
• Contribute to the development of procurement strategies aligned with the National Procurement Police Statement, the Joint WMP and WMPCC Procurement Strategy and organisational objectives.
• Engage with clients to define requirements and develop specifications that support strategic outcomes.
• Undertake strategic sourcing and benchmarking of products and services within the category and produce reports as a result.
• Conduct market, product, supplier and organisational research to establish a base of knowledge about existing and future requirements and potential opportunities.
• Identify and agree a programme of contracting activity to ensure that all contracts are re-negotiated correctly. Identify opportunities for improving value for money and cost efficiencies. In particular, assist in the development of detailed plans to meet efficiency cost savings targets.
• Participate in external networking and benchmarking activities with the police sector, central and government organisations etc.
• Manage projects to ensure the delivery of Procurement/category strategy on time and within budget using recognised and approved methodology.
• Prepare and publish procurement notices, using the central digital platform (e.g., Find a Tender Service).
• Prepare and publish tender documentation and apply appropriate procedures under the Procurement Act 2023, including Competitive Flexible Procedure, Open Procedure, and Direct Award within the e-tendering portal.
• Lead the evaluation of tenders unit the Most Advantageous Tender (MAT) criteria, incorporating whole-life cost, quality, and social value.
• Monitor supplier performance and ensure compliance with contract terms and set key performance indicators (KPI’s).
• Manage contract modifications in accordance with statutory provisions.
• Maintain audit trails and ensure transparency throughout the contract lifecycle.
• Monitoring of benefits realisation and, where necessary, taking corrective action if they fail to materialise for post holder’s procurement activities.
• Ensure procurement activities comply with the Procurement Act 2023, including supplier exclusion rules and transparency obligations, as well as the Authority’s Standing Orders, financial regulations, policies and processes.
• Maintain awareness of transitional arrangements and legacy contracts under the Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
• Support due diligence processes, including supplier risk assessments and use of the central debarment list.
• Prepare written reports, briefing notes and presentations on a range of Procurement issues, including Procurement/category strategy, compliance, training and communications.
• Refer complex or high risk issues to Senior Procurement Advisor.
• Provide expert advice to internal clients on the Joint WMP and WMPCC procurement strategy, legislation, and best practice. This is so as to ensure that Contracts and Procurement is recognised as a centre of expertise and a first point of call when procurement decisions are being made.
• Support and where appropriate lead on supplier engagement activities for areas of responsibility as and when required.
• Implement strategic supplier management processes to support the development of best practice, supplier relationships with the force and lead best value initiatives with key suppliers.
• Guide clients through the evaluation and moderation process of the relevant competitive procurement procedure.
• To concentrate on proactive rather than reactive outputs for post holders work.
• Any other duties commensurate with the role.

Essential Skills

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (minimum of Level 4 Certification) or equivalent degree
• Knowledge of the Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.
• Demonstrable experience managing public sector procurement projects within a regulated environment (e.g., local government, NHS, police, etc.).
• Ability to work under pressure with competing demands
• Ability to develop and proactively manage internal and external relationships with key stakeholders/ partners.
• Proven IT skills. In particular, the ability to use and exploit specialist Procurement Systems (e-tendering etc.)
• Ability to interpret legislation and apply it pragmatically in a public sector context.
• Evidence of influencing and negotiating
• Effective communication skills, written and verbal.
• Ability to concentrate on proactive, rather than reactive, outputs for post holders work.

Desirable Skills

• Supervisory experience.
• Full member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply (MCIPS)

Benefit Statement

By choosing to join West Midlands Police you will receive an enhanced benefits package including:

• Fair remuneration with progression opportunities and access to a very competitive pension scheme.
• Enhanced annual leave in addition to public holiday entitlements.
• Discounts across travel, parking, daily costs of living and leisure activities.
• A comprehensive wellbeing package including 24/7 support, free eye tests and flu jabs
• Comprehensive benefits including pension, Blue Light Card, and employee assistance programme.

Vetting: Successful applicants will be required to pass Recruitment Vetting and Counter Terrorism Clearance scrutiny prior to commencing their role, this will include a full background & financial disclosure as part of the vetting process.

Medical: Successful applicants will be subject to a medical assessment which may include a drug or hearing test.

Interview: W.C 19th January 2026 (potential for change)

Hours/Location: Lloyd House Hybrid working with 60% in the office.

Contact: For further information email [email protected]

West Midlands Police is a Disability Confident Leader - the highest level an organisation can achieve under the scheme run by the Department of Work and Pensions. As part of our commitment we operate a ‘Disability Confident Interview Scheme’ - all candidates who declare a disability and meet the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview.

It is important to note that there may be occasions where it is not practicable or appropriate to interview all disabled people who meet the essential criteria for the job. For example: in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. In these circumstances, the employer could select the candidates who best meet the essential criteria for the job, as they would do for non-disabled applicants.

"Diversity and Inclusion Vision: Maximise the potential of people from all backgrounds through a culture of fairness and inclusion to deliver the best service for our communities"