Becoming a Council Procurement Manager

Looking for a career that combines strategy, finance, negotiation, and making a real impact in your community? Say hello to Procurement

— one of the most important roles in local government, and a great long-term career option for students who want a mix of public service and professional development.

Here’s everything you need to know about becoming a Procurement Manager in a UK Local Authority — from what it is, to how to get there.

What Is Procurement, Anyway?

Procurement is all about buying goods and services — but it’s far more strategic than just shopping with someone else’s money. In a Local Authority (your local council), Procurement Managers make sure public money is spent wisely, legally, and ethically.

That might include:

Sourcing school meals or IT systems

Running tenders for road repairs or care services

Managing supplier contracts

Ensuring value for taxpayers

Supporting sustainability and local business

What Qualifications Do You Need?

There are a few different ways into procurement, depending on your age and education level:

A-Level/School Leaver Route

Start in a junior procurement or business admin role in a council or public body.

Gain experience while studying for professional qualifications (see below).

Some councils offer apprenticeships in procurement or commercial services.

University Route

Degrees in Business, Economics, Law, Supply Chain Management, or Public Policy are great starting points.

Look for work experience, summer placements, or internships with local councils, NHS Trusts, or government departments.

Professional Qualifications

Most Procurement Managers work towards qualifications from CIPS – the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply:

Level 4 Certificate (early career)

Level 5 Advanced Diploma (manager level)

Level 6 Professional Diploma (senior roles)

Some councils may sponsor you to complete these while working.

Skills You’ll Need

Procurement is a great mix of people, process, and problem-solving. You’ll need:

💬 Strong communication skills (you’ll deal with suppliers, colleagues & legal teams)

📈 Commercial awareness (know what makes a good deal)

📚 Attention to detail (contracts matter!)

⚖️ Understanding of rules and ethics (especially in public procurement)

💻 Confidence with systems, spreadsheets & data

What’s It Like Working in a Local Authority?

Working in a local council means you’re part of the public sector — helping communities thrive by making sure every pound counts. You’ll:

Be involved in projects that affect real lives — from housing to health

Support small businesses and social value in your area

Work in diverse, inclusive teams

Have great job security, flexible working, and a pension

Some procurement teams are fast-paced and complex — especially in large cities — while smaller councils may offer more generalist roles with a bit of everything.

Career Progression

Starting roles might include:

Procurement Assistant

Contracts Administrator

Commercial Officer

With experience and qualifications, you can progress to:

Procurement Manager

Category Manager (specialising in areas like IT, construction, or social care)

Head of Procurement

Or even Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) for an entire council or region

Your skills are transferable across public and private sectors — from NHS to universities, or even corporate supply chains.

What Can You Earn?

Approximate salaries in local authorities:

Entry-level: £22,000 – £28,000

Procurement Officer: £30,000 – £40,000

Procurement Manager: £40,000 – £55,000

Senior roles: £60,000+

Many roles include civil service-style benefits like generous leave and pension contributions.

How to Get Started as a Student

Here’s your action plan:

Research CIPS and public sector procurement roles.

Look for work experience or internships in your local council.

Apply for apprenticeships or trainee schemes — even admin or business ones can lead to procurement.

If heading to uni, choose a course that links to business, law, or policy.

Start building skills: negotiation, data analysis, communication.