Procurement Specialist

Salary: £38,434 up to £51,246 dependent upon experience

Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time

Security Level: SC

Location: Hybrid

Visa Restrictions: This position does not offer visa sponsorship.

We are the UK's aviation and aerospace regulator and recognised as a world leader in its field. Our activities are diverse, enabling the aviation industry to meet the highest safety standards, and we pride ourselves on our ability to adapt to the constantly evolving aviation environment.

Reporting to the Head of Procurement, the Procurement Specialist role is responsible for supporting the business with the purchase of any goods and services required from low to high value. The role provides support to our colleagues through the entire purchase to pay life cycle, ranging from identifying a need, sourcing, contract award and through to contract and supplier management.

We’re looking for two full-time permanent generalists to join us and to manage the full end to end sourcing and procurement of goods and services across a broad range of categories, such as professional services, consultancy, information technology and research.

Core Accountabilities

Lead low to high value procurements across a broad range of goods and services, including consultancy, professional services, research and technology.

Ensure all procurements are performed compliantly in accordance with CAA’s Procurement Policy and external legal requirements including but not limited to; Procurement Act 2023 and Public Contracts Regulations 2015.

Management of contract renewals, contract changes, supplier performance and contractual disputes.

Support CAA colleagues in effective contract management.

Be an internal advocate for Procurement including leading monthly Procurement business partnering meetings with key allocated internal clients to support current and existing purchasing needs.

Attend and represent Procurement on internal governance and project meetings.

Provide practical advice and best practice guidance on internal client and external supplier queries.

Extract and analyse spend and contract data from CAA’s systems as required to fulfil duties under this role.

Ensure completion of all work-related administration.

Lead and or assist on projects or initiatives.

About You

You will be confident working independently, take ownership of your work and be committed to delivering an excellent service to your stakeholders. You must be comfortable working in a fast-paced and busy environment with high volume and quick turnaround

Essential Skills:

MCIPS qualified to minimum Level 4.

Demonstrable experience of working in public sector procurement with a good knowledge and working experience of the Public Sector procurement requirements such as Public Contracts Regulations and Procurement Act 2023).

Knowledge of financial procedures including price, cost and bid analysis.

Confident working at all levels and including key stakeholders and communicating effectively.

Organised, thorough and able to prioritise workload and approach issues positively to ensure effective resolution.

Able to demonstrate ability to work effectively independently and collaboratively.

Ability to manage multiple categories of diverse spend requests.

Desirable:

Contract management experience, understanding SLAs/KPIs and applying these in contract management, dispute resolution, financial management and reporting.

Knowledge of SAP Business By Design (P2P system) and Delta (eSourcing tool) would be great but not essential.

What Can We Offer You?

The opportunity to work in an interesting multi-category environment, with a wide range of different stakeholders at all levels of the organisation. The level of diversity in the work means that every day is different which provides a fantastic opportunity and experience. Working a small and friendly team, there are opportunities to collaborate on procurements, share knowledge and support team members to deliver best practice and value.

Additional Information

For many appointments within the CAA, these roles require access to operationally sensitive infrastructure and/or Nationally Protected information. For these roles the post holders must undergo National Security Vetting and achieve the appropriate level of clearance.

To be vetted we will usually expect a reasonable period of residency in the UK so that meaningful checks can be undertaken. For this role this will need to be 5 years.

If you do not meet these requirements, we may not be able to accept your application.

For more information on CTC and SC clearance please visit - Vetting explained - GOV.UK

The CAA values high ethical standards and personal integrity among employees. If invited for interview you will be asked to complete a declaration of interest.

Relocation & Property

The CAA will be relocating from Aviation House (Our Gatwick Office) to new premises in a few years’ time. Our move is driven by strategic, operational and environmental considerations.

We will be moving to a new local home, up to a 15-mile radius of Aviation House, to minimise disruption for our valued colleagues and customers.

We are now working with colleagues and visitors to understand what we need in our new office, before we start our property search. We will sell Aviation House and land, vacate the site and move to new premises, but we do not expect to move before 2028

Inclusive Recruitment

We are passionate about diversity and ensuring all are included at the CAA. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

As a member of the Disability Confident scheme, applicants who meet the minimum criteria for a role with us will be guaranteed an interview. We use fair and inclusive selection approaches to hire the best person for the job based on merit alone. If you require an adjustment for any reason, please let us know.

Working With Us

We are on a journey towards being increasingly adaptable, where our colleagues collaborate as part of cross-functional teams. This approach ensures we never stop learning together. It also means that you may become involved in activities that take you out of your day-to-day role, providing you with opportunities to develop and grow your career with us.

We have embraced hybrid working and offer flexible working patterns, being open to having a conversation about what works for you. We know where and when we work is important in achieving a work-life balance.

We offer a range of excellent benefits such as flexible working arrangements, free onsite gym at Gatwick, discounted gym membership for London, 28 days annual leave, additional 5 days leave purchase scheme, a generous pension scheme and much more!

Our Values

Do The Right Thing, Never Stop Learning, Build Collaborative Relationships, Respect Everyone – For more information please Click Here

Closing Date: 12th May 2025

Interview Date: w/c 19th May 2025

Interview Process – Two stage interview, 1st – Competency-based interview. 2nd – Meeting with the Head of Finance, Procurement and Workplace Services.

We reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible.

No recruitment agencies please.