Role Purpose:
The purpose of this role is to ensure the efficient and effective sourcing of Exams supply variables (venues, resources, equipment etc.) to ensure that operational capacity is always able to meet demand for British Council Exams products in MENA North ( Libya, Jordan, Iraq & OPT) and MENA West (Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria & Lebanon). The role will work closely with the British Council Procurement function to ensure that Exams procurement is carried out according to British Council and external regulations.
This role will also be responsible for managing supplier performance and ensuring that contracts are up to date and use global British Council templates.
Main Accountabilities:
Procurement activities
- Identify Exams supply requirements and plan procurement accordingly.
- Develop categories of spend within the Exams function (IT/furniture/venues etc.) by cluster;
- Support the scoping of tendering activity for categories of spend
- Be the main point of contact for Procurement and Exams Operations teams ensuring procurement activity is undertaken efficiently;
- Be the point of reference for Exams contract templates; have a clear understanding of exams contract templates working with Procurement, Exams Operations and Legal teams;
- Ensure correct contract templates are used;
- Ensure compliance with British Council procurement policy and UK public sector policy;
- Arrange appropriate documentation to ensure conflicts of interest are declared;
- Liaise with Procurement to ensure the evaluation process is done transparently;
- Communicate with suppliers in a fair and accurate way;
- Responsible for ensuring compliance with conflict of interest;
- Undertake spend analysis on categories and identify tendering opportunities with support of Procurement and Finance teams where necessary.
- Have good understanding of contract management, ensure contracts are signed by appropriate DA for appropriate value and duration.
- Support the Operations team identifying strategic (high-value/risk) suppliers and provide guidance on contract management of high-value suppliers.
- Keep record of quarterly review meetings with strategic suppliers.
- Ensure all contracts are appropriately stored and updated on In-Tend
Stakeholder management
- Develop a partnership relationship with the MENA Procurement and Finance functions.
- Manage communication with stakeholders proactively.
- Anticipate challenges and provide solutions in a timely manner.
Supplier management
- Develop knowledge of supplier base countries in MENA North and MENA west (Jordan, Iraq, Libya, OPT, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria & Lebanon)
- Develop a professional and policy-compliant relationship with key suppliers.
About You (essential requirements for the role):
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and communication.
- Broad understanding of the breadth and range of examination distribution products and services delivered across MENA
- Excellent computer skills
- 4 years experience in Exams operations role managing supply variables
- Demonstratable SRM (supplier relationship management) experience
- Good record keeping and audit trails.
- Good understanding of procurement processes
- The British Council systems and global processes operate in English. Written and verbal proficiency in English is required
- English at Proficiency Level B2
- Fluency in written and spoken Arabic Level B2
Desirable requirements for the role:
- Experience working across many countries
- Fluent in French
- University degree or equivalent
- Relevant procurement Qualification (i.e., MCIPS)
Further Information:
- Role: Cluster Procurement Manager MENA North & MENA West
- Number of positions: 1
- Pay Band: 6 G
- Location: Flexible across MENA North and MENA West
- Contract type: Fixed term contract as per local labour law.
- Closing date: 12th November 2023 (11:59pm Gulf Standard Time)
- Other: This role is open to candidates who have right to work and located in any of the country mentioned above.
*Please note that all applications should be submitted only in English.
*It is advisable to apply in advance to avoid any technical issues at the last moment.
*The IC team operates six days a week, schedules are subject to variations to account for activity patterns and will involve unsocial working hours (including late finishes and Saturday shifts)
*Travel within MENA North & MENA West, occasional travel across MENA, and possibly very occasional travel outside of region.