National Procurement Unit
This is a largely London headquarter-based unit that does all the high value and strategically important procurement. Recent projects have included the complete refurbishment of 68 prison kitchens, a project worth £5m and our food contract at £120m is one of the largest in Government. Here you'll have the opportunity to get involved in big procurement projects, some at EU level.
We will be expecting you to get involved in supply chain analysis leading to the development of category strategies. You will be liaising with blue chip suppliers and senior customers within the Service.
Case Study: Julie Matthews - Senior Buyer
Regional Procurement Unit
We've got five of these units spread around England and Wales. They buy major things on behalf of the prisons in the region and manage contracts with suppliers. You'll be dealing with suppliers of course, but also working with colleagues in the prisons, sourcing the things that they need. This could be food or perhaps supporting one our works units that look after our buildings. You'll get involved in running tenders too.
Case Study: Matthew Stanulewicz - Assistant Buyer
Procurement Systems
This team develops and improves the systems that support us, that's electronic systems and our business processes. Procurement policy is also developed here. They are responsible for the reports that we have to submit to our parent bodies and to other organisations such as the National Audit Office.
You'll be involved in the maintenance of our procurement website and get to grips with the latest procurement software, the Oracle e-business suite. This is also where you will be looking at important issues such as sustainability and diversity and how we can make sure they are embedded in the way we do procurement.
Case Study: Michelle Jackson - Procurement Executive
Successful candidates will spend time working in other government departments and will participate in OGC training and development days designed to give candidates a broader perspective on Government Procurement.
