Capability Manager - HEO

Growing the Welsh public sector procurement and commercial profession is central to achieving value, sustainability and social benefit from the 11.4 billion spent annually across the Welsh public sector.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape and strengthen public procurement and commercial capability across Wales. Working as part of a dedicated Capability team, the post holder will help design, promote and deliver programmes that support professional development across the public sector and contribute to the delivery of Welsh Governments Programme for Government commitments.

Reporting to the Senior Capability Manager, the Capability Manager will support the delivery of national capacity and capability initiatives and, in some cases, lead discrete capability projects. These may include supporting the development and implementation of procurement and commercial apprenticeship pathways, the design and continuous improvement of eLearning and blended learning solutions, and the creation of practical guidance, tools and resources to support knowledge building and professional standards across the sector.

The role involves working closely with colleagues across Welsh Government and the wider public sector to identify skills gaps, respond to sector changes and ensure programmes remain relevant, prioritised and impactful.

The post holder will play an active role in strengthening procurement and commercial capability across Welsh public sector organisations, supporting continuous improvement and professional standards, and helping to build a confident and connected procurement community in Wales.

While this role does not hold direct responsibility for Cyd (formerly the Procurement Centre of Excellence for Wales), it sits alongside and complements Cyds work. The post holder will be expected to stay informed of developments and will have opportunities to contribute to, promote and support the continued growth and embedding of Cyd as a core part of the Welsh public sector procurement landscape.

This role would suit candidates with some experience in procurement, commercial, workforce development or improvement programmes.

Programme Delivery, Reporting and Evaluation:

• Support the Capability team to deliver the objectives set out within the programme strategy and delivery plan.
• Support the Senior Executive Officer (SEO) in delivering a portfolio of capability projects and initiatives.
• Lead some capability projects fitting with grade and responsibilities.
• Implement project management techniques to ensure effective and efficient delivery of capability projects.
• Ensure project administration and governance, including accurate record-keeping from initiation to implementation and delivery.
• Develop business cases and draft update reports to support programme approvals.
• Monitor and report progress of initiatives, providing evidence-based feedback on operational and delivery issues.
• Identify any issues and challenges during delivery of the projects and escalate.
• Support contract management of externally commissioned services as required.
• Assist in the development and maintenance of existing programmes to ensure continuous improvement and best value for money.
• Identify opportunities for programme improvements.

Communication and Engagement:

• Liaise with policy and programme officials across Welsh Government Departments, UK Departments, and external stakeholders to support successful project development and delivery.
• Support the SEO on programme and project groups and lead stakeholder groups as required.
• Develop communication resources to inform, promote, and engage stakeholders in the projects.
• Communicate key messages and persuade audiences through public speaking, presentations, workshops, and written reports.
• Develop and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders to promote capability and capacity initiatives.

Leadership and Resources:

• Line manage the Capability Officer (Executive Officer), providing guidance and support.
• Deputise for the SEO at meetings and events with external organisations.
• Support, the SEO in delivering seminars, events, and workshops focused on capacity and capability.

As Procurement undergoes a significant period of change, the role presents an exciting opportunity to develop initiatives that aids procurement teams across Wales to implement the change.

The varied initiatives include the development of professional upskilling programmes, apprenticeships and new qualification development which will provide the post holder the exciting opportunities to be involved in projects at a national level.

This may involve exposure to shaping and supporting national steering groups and developing digital content where they will be required to engage with the sector across Wales to shape programmes that meet their needs.

The post will support someone looking to progress their career in procurement or someone new to the profession with an appetite to gain the professional qualification.