Engineering Portfolio Manager - REQ000342

Job title: Engineering Portfolio Manager (Highways and Transportation)

Salary: £48,474.00 - £51,515.04

Hours: 37

Contract: Permanent

Location: Merrion House

LCC’s Highways & Transportation Procurement Team are looking for a Engineering Portfolio Manager! The role isn’t just about engineering, it’s about shaping Leeds for the future and making it a great, sustainable and safe place to live and work … we are #teamleeds

Do you want to…

Lead a team to procure the Highways and Transportation capital and revenue programmes which have an annual value in excess of £165million.
Work closely with suppliers and internal clients to deliver framework wide benefits.
Shape the future of Leeds so it evolves more sustainable and by using innovation.
Be part of an award winning, diverse delivery team based in modern offices.

About you…

You will be a highly skilled and experienced procurement professional with a proven track record in managing large, complex procurements, ideally within the public sector or infrastructure projects.
Key to being successful will be your ability to navigate the regulatory landscape, alongside strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.

What we can offer you…

A pro rata salary for part-time roles.
29 days leave, increasing by 5 days after 5 years service, with an option to also buy leave annually.
A great work-life balance with a flexitime system.
Hybrid working, with at least 2 days in the office per week.
Access to the West Yorkshire Pension Fund.
Access to a ultra low emission car benefit scheme.
Support with Professional Development, and through the various LCC Staff Networks.
Volunteering days.
Regular team social events.
Special leave benefits, such as shared parental leave.
A Cycle-to-Work scheme.
A range of Staff Deals and benefits to help boost your wellbeing and make your money go further.

If you want to be part of our team, then APPLY NOW by completing the online application form.

Read our guidance for further advice. Please check your information carefully and ensure you complete all sections before submitting your application. If you have any queries or would like an informal chat about the role please contact Richard Dennis, Civil Engineering Manager – richard.dennis@leeds.gov.uk.

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults.

We promote diversity and want a workforce that reflects the population of Leeds and the communities we serve. Leeds City Council is recognised in Stonewall’s Workplace Equality Index 2024. We are also an Age-friendly Employer, a Mindful Employer and a Disability Confident Leader.

All new Leeds City Council appointments are made subject to the satisfactory completion of a six month probationary period.

This role is based in the UK. Employment is conditional on confirmation of the right to work in the UK - either as a UK or Irish citizen, under the EU Settlement scheme or having secured any other relevant work visa. If you do not have the right to work in the UK and the role does not meet eligibility for sponsorship, please consider carefully whether you meet the eligibility to apply.

Job Description

Job Purpose To exercise overall control, co-ordination and ensure delivery of all matters in relation to portfolio management in the Contracts Support Unit (Highways & Transportation).

Responsibilities

To ensure that all contracts are prepared, let and supervised in accordance with existing legislation, standard procedures, codes of practice, appropriate Conditions of Contract and Contract Procedure Rules.
Advise on good practice requirements across the Highways & Transportation service area
Provide leadership and line management to our skilled and committed team of professionals who support and enable the Authority to fulfil its duties – supporting the dedicated service-facing contracts support unit team.
Ensure that the authority fulfils its duties under the Procurement Act 2023, you will work in close partnership with the Procurement and Commercial service team, trade unions, and elected members.
To ensure that contract payments are made correctly, and pre-audit checks undertaken on final accounts; to certify contract payments on behalf of the Engineer/Supervising Officer.
Understand the implications of the financial, commercial, political and regulatory environment for the service and take account of this when leading and directing the team.
Lead on liaison with external agencies to ensure good relations are maintained and the Council’s interests are fully recognised.
Act as the lead, competent professional for Highways & Transportation in relation to procurement and contract support, providing specific advice to support the effective portfolio management.
Work closely with senior managers to identify issues and provide appropriate solutions through effective planning.
Provide performance information to senior managers, within Highways & Transportation to enable an assessment as to whether procurement and contract support is being managed effectively in line with legal requirements, council standards and good practice. This will be done through developing a robust active and re-active monitoring framework.
Manage and develop a team of contract support staff and provide professional and technical support to council employees.
Provide professional, flexible, timely and high quality health and safety advice and support to service managers and staff within allocated service areas.
Ensure consistent implementation and interpretation of portfolio management standards/guidance across the council, but with the ability to think creatively wherever possible and to share approaches to accrue wider benefit.
Build the competency and confidence in terms of the provision of portfolio management.
Develop excellent relationships with key stakeholders, in particular managers at all levels, Trade Unions and the Business Support Centre.
Input into the wider teams from across the Council to establish effective networks with peer groups to ensure that developments in relevant functional areas are shared, and best practice and learning is disseminated.
Take a corporate lead on portfolio management as co-ordinated by the corporate procurement and commercial service team.
Keep abreast of legislation, case law and developments in procurement and contracts support and communicate this and relevant information within Highways & Transportation as required.
Provide timely and accurate information and data in relation to portfolio management performance, that supports the effective operation of the service and assists line management to meet their responsibilities.
Co-ordinate and/or contribute to council wide change initiatives and projects, especially as it relates to portfolio management.
Carry out active and reactive monitoring to assess compliance with corporate and local procedures.
Responsible and accountable for financial resources within the service area ensuring value for money and working within financial regulations.
Responsible for ensuring and promoting the health, safety, and well-being of team members.
Responsible for promoting equality and diversity through this role and that as a line manager.
Once established, to expand the role to other areas within the directorate.

The duties outlined are not meant as an exhaustive list and will also comprise any other duties within the spirit of the post commensurate with the job evaluation outcome for this post.

Qualifications Degree, MICE or relevant demonstratable skills or experience.

Essential requirements It is essential that the candidate should be able to demonstrate the following criteria. Candidates will only be shortlisted if they can demonstrate that they meet all the essential requirements.

Able to train, develop and inspire colleagues, and to encourage role-modelling and the business-partnership model within the procurement and contract support team.
Excellent communication skills, with substantial experience in building credible and effective collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders including Chief Officers, elected members, Trade Unions, colleagues, and partner organisations to understand future challenges and to deliver effective workforce solutions.
Able to represent the authority in relevant areas and leading external groups and special projects as appropriate.
Evidence of developing and driving an open and supportive culture which puts customers first and where everyone can realise their potential.
Significant knowledge and experience of procurement and contract support and ability to write/develop expert plans and strategies.
Embody the Council’s values and embraces our commitment to diversity and inclusion.
Commitment to service transformation and improvement, creativity and ability to engage in horizon scanning and building influential relationships with stakeholders.
Experience of working with senior management to shape and influence the delivery of the organisational-wide strategic priorities at a City, Directorate and Service level ensuring people issues are kept at the forefront.

Essential Behavioural & other Characteristics

Understand and embrace Leeds City Council Values and Behaviours and codes of conduct.
Committed to continuous improvement in all areas and work towards delivering the Best City Ambition of Health & Wellbeing, Inclusive Growth and Zero Carbon
Able to understand and observe Leeds City Council equality and diversity policies.
Carry out all duties having regard to an employee’s responsibility under Health and Safety Policies.
Willingness to actively participate in training and development activities.
Flexible and adaptable to change to assist other services as required commensurate to grade.
Participate in appraisal, training, and development activities.
Be aware of and comply with Leeds City Council policies and procedures.
Be aware of and support difference and ensure equality for all working in an anti-discriminatory manner, upholding, equality & diversity policies of Leeds City Council.
Recognise and appropriately challenge any incidents of racism, bullying, harassment, victimisation, and any form of abuse, reporting any concerns to the appropriate person.
The Council has adopted a flexibility protocol, and the role will be expected to work within these parameters.

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