Neath Port Talbot Council is recruiting a Procurement Business Partner to help modernise its purchasing and contract management activities, strengthen supplier relationships and ensure public spending delivers value for money and wider benefits for local communities.
The permanent appointment forms part of the council’s response to ongoing public procurement reform, with changes to legislation creating new responsibilities and opportunities for public sector organisations to improve how they commission goods, services and works.
Working within the Corporate Procurement Team, the successful candidate will help shape procurement practices across the authority, providing specialist advice to departments and supporting the delivery of compliant, efficient and commercially effective purchasing decisions.
The role will involve leading public sector procurement exercises, advising on procurement legislation, managing supplier relationships and ensuring contracts are delivered in accordance with legal and organisational requirements.
A particular focus will be identifying opportunities for greater collaboration and more streamlined procurement processes, helping the council manage financial pressures while maintaining its commitment to social value and positive outcomes for communities.
The appointment also reflects the increasing importance of procurement as a strategic function within local government, where purchasing decisions can influence economic development, supply chain opportunities and the delivery of essential public services.
By strengthening procurement expertise across the organisation, the council aims to improve consistency, support effective contract management and ensure procurement activity contributes to wider corporate priorities.
The successful candidate will need experience of managing public sector procurement procedures, alongside strong commercial awareness, analytical skills and the ability to work collaboratively with internal departments and external suppliers.
Applicants should hold a relevant degree or equivalent qualification in business, procurement, supply chain management or a related discipline, together with full membership of, or progress towards, Level 6 membership of the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply, or an equivalent qualification.
The position offers a 37-hour working week with mobile hybrid arrangements, allowing the successful applicant to divide their time between home and council workplaces.
The council’s employment package includes a 15.3% employer pension contribution, 25 days of annual leave rising to 32 days after five years, plus bank holidays, and access to employee wellbeing and discount schemes.
Neath Port Talbot Council also operates a guaranteed interview scheme for eligible disabled applicants, armed forces veterans and Tata Steel employees affected by redundancy, subject to meeting the essential criteria.
The authority says it is committed to professional development and providing opportunities for employees to build their careers within local government.
For further information or an informal discussion about the Procurement Business Partner position, contact Sarah Foster, Corporate Procurement Manager, on 01639 763929 or email s.foster@npt.gov.uk.
