INTERNAL ONLY
Contract Type: Fixed term contract to 31/03/2028
About this opportunity
An exciting opportunity has arisen to join the Commissioning and Procurement Service as a Procurement Lead, with a key role in supporting and delivering the Council’s Procurement Improvement Programme. Reporting to the Service Manager – Procurement, you will play a pivotal role in coordinating programme activity, supporting delivery, and ensuring the successful implementation of key improvement initiatives.
This is a high-profile role at the heart of a complex transformation programme. You will work as part of a highly skilled procurement team, supporting the delivery of services, goods and works that meet the needs of local residents, improve outcomes, achieve value for money, and align with the Council Plan and Sustainable Procurement Strategy.
Key elements of the role will be to:
- Supporting delivery of the Procurement Improvement Programme and key milestones
- Maintaining programme documentation including plans, risks, issues and benefits
- Managing reporting to support governance and Transformation Programme oversight
- Implementing improvement initiatives such as Front Door, templates and process simplification
- Supporting development of policies, processes and ways of working
- Engaging stakeholders and supporting change adoption
- Managing risks, issues and dependencies
Who we are looking for…
We are looking for an innovative and creative individual with skills, knowledge, and experience of procurement, who wants to make a difference. To be successful in the role you must have:
- Degree, professional qualification or relevant experience
- Knowledge of Public Procurement Regulations
- Strong stakeholder/customer engagement skills
- Experience of programme or project support
- Understanding of risk management
- Experience of governance and reporting
- Excellent communication and presentation skills
- Good problem solving and innovative thinking
- Strong analytical and ICT skills
What can we offer you!
Working at Westmorland and Furness Council you will receive a variety of benefits, including a competitive pension scheme, enhanced annual leave allowance and other various perks and discounts schemes. For more information about life at Westmorland and Furness Council and what we can offer you, please visit our Careers site. Our benefits | Careers (westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk)
Would you like to find out more?
For further information about this role, such as responsibilities and essential criteria please view the below attachments:
- Post Specification
- Role Profile
If you have any queries about this role or would like an informal chat about this opportunity, then please contact Bev Kent, Service Manager Procurement at [email protected]
Please note this is offered on an internal transfer basis only which may result in the successful candidate’s substantive post not being backfilled for the term of the assignment.
Application and Interview information
Closing date: 12th June 2026
Interview date: 19th June 2026
We are currently operating in-person interviews in Carlisle. Options will be discussed with candidates once they have been invited to the interview stage of the process for this specific position, and if you have any concerns or adjustments are needed, we are happy to discuss
If you experience any technical difficulties applying for this role, please contact the HR Systems Team at [email protected]
Safer Recruitment & DBS
At Westmorland and Furness Council we are committed to safeguarding and promoting the safety and welfare of children, young people and adults at risk and we expect all workers, employees and volunteers to share our commitment.
Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion
Westmorland and Furness Council is committed to improving the diversity of its workforce to better reflect the communities we serve. We welcome applications from everyone and work to promote an inclusive, supportive culture that values and celebrates our differences.
As a Disability Confident Leader, disabled applicants, who meet the essential criteria of this job, are guaranteed an interview.
We also offer guaranteed interviews to Armed Forces personnel and veterans and those in care or care experienced and under 24 years old (someone who has been looked after by a local authority at any point, for any length of time, e.g. foster care, residential care, or under the guardianship of a local authority) that meet the essential criteria for the role.
