Interim Procurement Manager
Client: Milton Keynes Council
Location: Hybrid - 1 day per week onsite (Tuesdays, Head Office)
Contract: 3 months initially
Rate: £325 PAYE / £450 Umbrella per day
The Opportunity
We are currently recruiting for an Interim Procurement Manager to join Milton Keynes Council on an initial 3-month contract. This is a fantastic opportunity to lead and deliver compliant, value-driven procurement activities across a diverse project portfolio.
You'll play a key role in supporting service areas to achieve their objectives by delivering high-quality procurement outcomes, ensuring compliance with the Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and PCR 2015, while driving social value, effective risk management, and commercial sustainability.
Projects will typically range from £250k to £2m, and you may join procurements at any stage-from initial scoping through to contract award.
Key Responsibilities
Procurement Delivery
- Lead end-to-end procurement processes across goods, services, and works contracts
- Develop sourcing strategies aligned to council priorities
- Prepare and manage tender documentation, ensuring compliance and clarity
- Evaluate tenders and support moderation processes to ensure fair and transparent outcomes
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a trusted advisor to internal service areas, providing procurement expertise
- Build strong relationships with stakeholders and suppliers
- Lead or support market engagement activities, including supplier events and soft market testing
Compliance & Governance
- Ensure all procurement activity complies with PA23, PCR 2015, and internal governance frameworks
- Maintain clear audit trails and accurate procurement records
- Support reporting requirements, including pipelines, notices, and decision documentation
About You
- Strong experience in public sector procurement (local authority preferred)
- In-depth knowledge of Procurement Act 2023 (PA23) and/or PCR 2015
- Proven track record delivering full end-to-end tenders (above threshold)
- Confident managing multiple projects in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent stakeholder management and influencing skills
- Strong written communication (tender documentation, reports, feedback)
- MCIPS qualified or working towards (minimum Level 4 desirable)
- Flexible, adaptable and able to pick up projects at varying stages
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working - just 1 day per week onsite
- Varied procurement portfolio across multiple categories
- Opportunity to make an immediate impact within a local authority setting
