We are welcoming applications for the role of Senior Category Buyer with Devon & Cornwall Police based at the following location(s): Devizes, Wiltshire, Police Headquarters, Exeter, Police Headquarters, Winfrith, Dorset, Other Police Headquarters, Gloucestershire; Police Headquarters, Avon and Somerset

Salary: Grade 8 - Starts at £44,700 rising by yearly increments to a maximum of £49,716 per annum 
Please note that the above salary is based on working 37 hours per week. If this role is part-time or you are appointed on a part-time basis your salary will be prorated to reflect this. Exceptions to starting salary may apply if you are an existing Devon and Cornwall or Dorset Police Staff employee substantively posted to a role at the same grade.

Type of employment: Permanent 

Type of working arrangement: Hybrid Worker -  Hybrid working is a form of flexible working where workers spend some of their time working remotely (usually, but not necessarily, from home) and some in the employer's workspace.

Hours per week: this role is 37 hours per week. However we welcome applications from individuals wishing to work on a part-time basis and are willing to consider flexible working patterns subject to business need. 

Allowances: This role attracts no allowances. 

About the role:  

Devon and Cornwall Police have a new opportunity for a Senior Category Buyer to join the Southwest Police Procurement Service (SWPPS). SWPPS cover five Forces who serve the public in the counties of Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Avon, Somerset, Devon, Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly.  The team are almost thirty strong and look after over 500 contracts with a spend of circa £480m. 

Procurement in Policing is varied, including both products and services, which support operational policing. As a Senior Category Buyer you will lead on the SWPPS approach to managing and delivering successful Regional procurement in identified key sub-categories, especially the complex / high value procurements. This will involve the full engagement of key stakeholders (including operational and technical experts in each of the forces), and building effective and productive relationships with specific Suppliers, in addition to leading a small, experienced procurement team.

Applicants should be able to demonstrate commercial acumen, and ideally possess Chartered Institute of Purchasing & Supply (CIPS Level 4 or above), a Business related degree or similar. A background in the Insurance industry, I.T, or Commissioning would be beneficial but is not essential. Support is provided to those wishing to gain industry qualifications and annual membership fees are paid for by SWPPS.

 This is a hybrid working role with flexibility to work from home and/or one of the five Police Headquarters in the South West region.  There is an expectation to attend occasional onsite meetings within the region. 

It is a full-time position however part-time hours are also considered. 

This is a great opportunity not only to join one of Policing’s largest procurement teams and gain from all the benefits that brings, but ultimately contribute to operational policing and make a positive difference to the communities we serve. 

Want to know more about this role?

Further detail regarding this role and the essential requirements can be found within the role profile attached below.

If you think this may be the role for you and would like further information, please contact: 

Hiring Line Manager: Elinor VOWLES  - Category Manager 

Email Address: elinor.vowles@devonandcornwall.pnn.police.uk 

Telephone Number: 07483 374967 

What you get if you join us:

If you work for us, you will get access to:

• A competitive salary with yearly increments.
• 25 days a year leave entitlement, with an increase to 30 days after 5 years continuous employment, plus bank holidays (pro-rata for part time workers).
• Access to heavily subsidised gym membership that will provide you access to police site gyms throughout the counties.
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme for discounts and services (requires a one off payment of £5).
• Company sick pay.
• Competitive local government pension scheme.
• Job related equipment, as required.
• Free onsite parking at many police sites throughout the counties.
• Access to Group insurance scheme (via salary sacrifice scheme).
• Support networks, free Employees Assistance Programme, Occupational Health and wellbeing services.
• Development and training opportunities.
• Supportive and flexible training plan, including regular check-ins throughout your initial period of joining us to ensure you are up to speed with the role and getting the support you need.
• Flexitime, with the ability to undertake your hours flexibly and in line with business need.
• Hybrid working, with the ability to work remotely at times throughout the working week (once signed off the training plan).