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Procurement and Contracts Manager, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM

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Procurement and Contracts Manager, LONDON BOROUGH OF LEWISHAM
Procurement and Contracts Manager – Lewisham Council
Join us in Lewisham, a vibrant and culturally rich community where you’ll make a tangible difference. We’re proud to be the UK’s first Borough of Sanctuary, championing the rights of refugees and migrants. This is your chance to play a pivotal role in our Procurement team, driving excellence in public service procurement and strategic contracting across the Housing Directorate and wider Council.
About the Role
The Procurement and Contracts Manager will provide expert guidance to the Housing Directorate while ensuring compliance with legal, UK, and Council regulations. You’ll support the development and delivery of the Council’s procurement strategy, ensuring value for money, efficiency, and equity in public contracts.
This is an ideal opportunity for a passionate, detail-oriented professional with a track record in public sector procurement, contract management, and housing-related services.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement and Contract Management Support
- Oversee the integrated online procurement system, ensuring its effectiveness and compliance with Public Contracts Act 2023 (PA2023), UK, and local regulations.
- Provide written guidance, training, and expert consultancy to Directorate teams on procurement laws, tendering strategies, and contract management best practices.
- Review tender documentation before publication to ensure legal compliance and make necessary corrections.
- Monitor Directorate procurement practices via system usage analysis and take corrective action where needed.
Relevant Compliance & Reporting
- Ensure the Council meets transparency reporting requirements under PA2023, UK, and local legislation.
- Develop the Council’s strategic procurement policy, conducting market research, benchmarking, and trend analysis.
- Align procurement strategies with economic, social, and equality objectives, ensuring inclusivity and value-driven decision-making.
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Team Leadership & Development
- Manage procurement team members, including officers and apprentices, fostering professional growth and compliance with strategic goals.
- Support team performance review and continuous improvement of reporting and project delivery within budget and timeline.
- Ensure efficient contracting systems, maintaining accurate records of supplier relations and contracts.
Stakeholder Engagement & Policy Representation
- Build and maintain key relationships with stakeholders, including senior management, Directorates, and external partners.
- Represent the Council on procurement-related boards and share best practices with other local authorities.
- Provide commercial expertise and monitor project quality in alignment with procurement objectives.
- Collaborate with public and private sector partners to maximise partnership opportunities.
Additional Responsibilities
- Attend Council meetings, Deputy Mayor communication, and executive discussions as required.
- Support the Strategic Procurement and Corporate Contract Manager in ad-hoc tasks and policy development.
- Adhere to all duties commensurate with the role, including hybrid working flexibility and process improvements.
About You
We’re looking for a highly skilled Procurement and Contracts Manager with:
✅ Extensive experience in public sector procurement (especially housing or social housing contracts). ✅ Developed knowledge of PA2023, procurement laws, and local government regulations. ✅ Proven ability to ensure compliance, improve efficiency, and add value through strategic procurement. ✅ Excellent interpersonal and stakeholder management skills with a consultative approach. ✅ Stronger organiser with strong time-management skills to manage multiple projects and deadlines efficiently. ✅ Experience driving best practice development and supporting team growth.


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Benefits & Training
- Generous holiday allowance
- Annual Local Government Pension scheme
- Flexible and family-friendly policies
- Season ticket loan and bike loan schemes
- Discounted local subsidised gym memberships
- Comprehensive training and development opportunities
Location & Work Arrangement
- Hybrid model: Primarily located at Laurence House, Catford (SE6 4RU)
- Expected to work both on-site and remotely on a regular basis.
Diversity & Inclusivity
Lewisham Council is a Disability Confident employer and encourages applications from all backgrounds, including those with disabilities or health-related needs. If you require adjustments during recruitment, please contact the lead contact—we’re here to support you.
[For further details, view the Job Description and Person Specification – contact teresa.hitchins@lewisham.gov.uk]
How to Apply
The recruitment process is CV-free—use the Application Handbook for further guidance on the steps and supporting statement requirements.
Apply now by following the application link [here].
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