Procurement Manager

Procurement is much more than buying the goods, services or works the public sector need. Colleagues in the profession balance cost, quality and time considerations. It’s also about ensuring we use our collective spending power to innovate and to deliver social, economic and environmental outcomes aligned to Scotland’s National Performance Framework.

Procurement Services Division (PSD) is the procurement delivery function for the Scottish Government. The Division provides procurement and commercial services to both internal stakeholders and external customers (public bodies) through the Central Government Procurement Shared Services (CGPSS).

We're looking for a confident and experienced procurement professional to lead a team in planning and delivering procurement projects with a focus on the Central Government Procurement Shared Service (CGPSS).

The Central Government Procurement Shared Service offers other Central Government organisations both operational and strategic support in all aspects of procurement and contract management. We help our partners to maximise value and performance from their contracting activities whilst managing risk and remaining compliant with changing legislation and policy.

• Leading a team of procurement staff in the development, planning and implementation of procurement projects and contract management for customers on behalf of Central Government organisations in Scotland as part of the Central Government Procurement Shared Service (CGPSS). This will involve working with and influencing key senior stakeholders across the Central Government Sector in Scotland.
• Customer account management, pipeline development, operational oversight, finance, and budgeting for the shared service.
• Working across the organisation, sharing experience and input to the identification and deployment of best practice.
• You will advise on legal, policy and other requirements pertaining to public procurement. The post holder will be an expert in their portfolio.
• Proactively manage and develop the supply base to continually improve customer service and value for money whilst delivering sustainable procurement benefits in line with procurement policy.
• Drive the delivery through leading and accelerating benefits for the Scottish public sector. You will realise identifiable savings and other benefits to the wider government economic and sustainability agenda.
• Work flexibly both within the Division and across the Directorate to help deliver the organisation’s wider goals in line with the Directorate Plan. You will promote flexible working across the team and contribute to best practice initiatives.

Qualifications
This is a specialist role which requires evidence of a commitment towards continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation of MCIPS/FCIPS, WCC Expert Certification or relevant equivalent*; a pass at the UK Government Commercial Organisation assessment centre at an appropriate level; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post.

* ‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attaining an accreditation once in post.

Success Profiles
Success Profiles have been developed by the Professions and can be found in the Job Profile for the individual role.

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on.

Professional / Technical Skills

• Commercial Competence – (Level: Expert)
  

You can find out more about the skills required here : Procurement competency framework - gov.scot

Experience

1. Strong knowledge and experience in all aspects of the full end-to-end procurement process including , strategic techniques and sustainable procurement with clear working knowledge of public procurement legislation.
2. The ability to build strong networks and partnerships is essential combined with experience of engaging with and influencing senior stakeholders to maximise collaboration and outcomes.
   

Behaviours

• Leadership (Level 4)
• Developing Self and Others (Level 4)
• Delivering at Pace (Level 4)
  

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours here.

How to apply
Apply online, providing a CV and supporting statement (of no more than 1500 words) providing evidence of how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above. Both the CV and the supporting statement provided will be assessed against the criteria for the role.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

Expected Timeline (Subject to change)
Sift - 4th November to 11th November 2026
Interview - week commencing 23rd November 2026
Location - Interview via MS Teams

Skilled Worker Sponsorship
Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only (external candidates and staff from UK Other Government Departments are not eligible to apply for this vacancy).

Recruitment Principles
As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About Us
The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Pay Supplement
The post attracts a procurement pay supplement, currently £4250 subject to minimum eligibility criteria which includes a minimum of 3 years experience in a procurement or commercial role, 1 year at this level and a commitment to Continuous Professional Development (CPD). Pay supplements are discretionary payments designed to address recruitment and retention issues caused by market pressures and are subject to regular review and affordability.

Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role. From October 2025, the Scottish Government will require staff in hybrid-compatible roles to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Security Checks
Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.

Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further Information
Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

If you experience any difficulties accessing our website or completing the online application form, please contact the Resourcing Team via recruitment@socialsecurity.gov.scot

If you have any queries regarding the role please contact Angela McKay at Angela.McKay@gov.scot

Apply before 23:55 pm on 1st November 2026