Procurement Profession
The Procurement Profession within the Scottish Government plays a key role in delivering public services and driving sustainable economic growth.
Delivering value for Scotland
Our Procurement professionals help shape strategic decisions that make a difference to the people of Scotland. They balance cost, quality, and time to ensure that public money is spent effectively and ethically.
Procurement offers a dynamic and rewarding career path with opportunities at all levels, from early talent to senior leadership. Whether your passion lies in innovation, sustainability, or transforming public service delivery, there are a variety of opportunities to make a meaningful impact.
Procurement as a profession
What we do
Within Procurement at the Scottish Government, our profession is committed to delivering best value for the taxpayer by enabling innovative and inclusive solutions.
We play a strategic role in shaping public services, supporting national priorities, and driving continuous improvement through progressive policies and impactful procurement practices.
Scotland’s National Performance Framework
The National Performance Framework sets out a vision for collective wellbeing across Scotland, guiding how we work together to improve lives.
Procurement plays a key role in realising this vision by embedding sustainability, fairness, and long-term value into how public money is spent.
Through progressive and inclusive procurement practices, we help deliver national outcomes and support a more equitable and sustainable Scotland.
Investing in your potential
We are committed to the growth and development of our procurement professionals, offering structured learning, tailored training pathways, and clear opportunities for career progression within the organisation.
We also fund membership of relevant professional bodies such as the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS).
Pathways into procurement
There are a range of ways you can enter the Procurement profession.
Early careers
Procurement is a great place to start your career, offering real impact from day one. With structured learning and a focus on public value, it’s a profession that grows with you.
You can join through applying for Modern Apprenticeships and entry level roles.
Check out the Procurement people of tomorrow programme for more information on starting a career in procurement.
Mid-career professionals
We welcome Procurement professionals from both the private and wider public sector.
Our opportunities for mid-career professionals offer the chance to lead strategic projects, shape policy, and deliver innovation across government.
If you’re looking for a new challenge, procurement welcomes career changers – including those from technical, policy, or commercial backgrounds.
Senior leaders
Senior leaders in procurement drive transformation and align strategy with national priorities.
You’ll lead high-impact programmes, mentor future talent, and ensure procurement delivers long-term value for Scotland’s people and services.
Job families in the Procurement profession
Learn more about the different areas you could work in at the Scottish Government:
Procurement delivery
Focuses on sourcing, tendering, and managing contracts to deliver value-for-money outcomes.
Procurement policy
Shapes procurement policy, standards, and guidance to align with legislation and national priorities.
Procurement capability
Supports workforce development, professional standards, and capability-building across the sector.
eProcurement
Manages digital procurement tools and systems to enable efficient, transparent procurement processes.
Delegated procurement and contract management
Supports contract oversight and procurement activity within operational teams or partner organisations.
Learning and Development
Procurement is a profession that invests in its people, values diversity, and offers clear pathways for growth and development.
Our staff have access to learning and development opportunities, including structured learning and tailored training pathways to support career progression.
A range of internal training tools and guidance is available to help develop skills and knowledge, and there is also the opportunity to apply for funded studies towards professional qualifications in addition to paid membership of relevant professional bodies.
Current Vacancies
Check out our current vacancies within the procurement profession.
Professions
Learn more about the other professions within our organsation