Strategic Procurement Business Partner

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., Are you looking for an exciting opportunity to make a difference? Join our team and contribute to the future of fusion energy. As Strategic Procurement Business Partner, you will play a pivotal role in

• Managing and oversee procurement and contract management for high-value, complex projects supporting strategic fusion development and indirect spend contracts.


• To Lead procurement strategies for a key programme area, involving collaboration with government, industry, academia, and senior stakeholders.


• You will engage in supply chain activities, including supplier development and organizing specialized sourcing events to boost procurement engagement and innovate contracting models.


• You will work closely with the Head of Programme and senior stakeholders to implement strategic procurement plans and handle operational commercial matters.


• To possess MCIPS qualification and extensive public sector procurement experience, actively managing KPIs and post-contract involvement for strategically important contracts.


Additional Responsibilities:

• Strategic Procurement Management: Manage a range of complex, high-value end-to-end procurements and contracts to ensure maximum value for money in line with UKAEA procurement policies and public contract regulations.


• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as a strategic partner influencing internal and external stakeholders up to Director level, helping solve problems and realize opportunities within specified areas.


• Business Intelligence and Analysis: Develop and analyze procurement management information to improve business intelligence and support commercial decisions and planning across the organization.


• Collaborative Operations: Work closely with various UKAEA departments and external parties to ensure procurement projects comply with organizational policies and regulatory requirements, including public tender postings.


• Commercial Leadership: Lead commercial engagement for significant procurements (above £10M), facilitating commercial approvals and strategies with the DESNZ Commercial team and the Cabinet Office.


• Evaluation and Compliance: Oversee the tender evaluation process, ensuring compliance with procurement regulation
  
  Member of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (MCIPS), qualified


• Detailed experience of Public Sector Procurement and PCR (2015) regs


• Excellent interpersonal skills


• Ability to negotiate at the highest levels with suppliers.


• Commercially astute and customer focused.


• Excellent negotiation skills with sound understanding of NEC form of Contract.


• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills with 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.


• Experience of supporting the needs and expectations of collaborations / consortiums and their stakeholders.
  
  £61,556 (inclusive of £5,000 if fully MCIPS qualified) + excellent benefits including outstanding pension